Ritu Shah has recently taken over as the esteemed Chairperson of the FICCI Ladies Organisation, succeeding Subhra Maheshwary. FLO, the women's wing of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), is an esteemed Indian forum that represents over 8,000 women entrepreneurs and professionals through its 19 chapters. Among these, the Hyderabad Chapter holds a membership of over 1,015, making it the most vibrant and largest chapter in the country
FLO provides a vital platform for women to showcase their talents, skills, experiences, and energies across various sectors and verticals of the economy, thereby fostering a truly inclusive growth trajectory. Ritu Shah, an esteemed businesswoman and entrepreneur, has been associated with FLO for the past 18 years and has held several significant positions within the organisation. She is a partner of Sri Srinivasa Dairy Products, which manufactures Cream Stone Ice cream and Scoops Ice Cream, and is associated with several other businesses that cater to food packaging, hotels, hospitality, and jewelry. Ritu Shah is also a Founder Member of Krupa Foundation, a charitable organization that supports underprivileged children. Her strong belief in women's power and their ability to achieve great things has been her guiding light throughout her journey.
Ritu Shah's vision for the year 2023-24 is centered around Sustainable Development, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She aims to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity to achieve the organisation's goals and vision. Her tagline for this year, "Sustain Her Ability," envisions four main pillars: Health, Goals, Culture, and Education.
As part of her vision, Ritu Shah also aims to work with the Government and corporations to create awareness and accessibility to menstrual hygiene products and mental health & wellness programs. She believes in collective empowerment, bridging collaborative empowerment and sustainable development, and recognizing women's empowerment as a continuous process that requires ongoing support and overcoming barriers.
Ritu Shah's aim this year is to create programs that enhance entrepreneurship and skill development, making women more employable and absorbable in markets. She hopes to plan and execute programs for digital literacy, financial literacy, skilling, and upscaling to women of all socioeconomic strata, helping them develop critical skills like decision-making, mental agility, problem-solving, and logical thinking.
Apart from her dedication towards empowering women, Ritu Shah is also passionate about promoting the historical craft of Telia Rumal hand weave, a method for the oil treatment of yarn that originated from different parts of both Telugu states. Telia Rumal holds a rich history that goes back to the 19th century and was patronized by the Hyderabad aristocracy. The royalty of Hyderabad is said to have fallen in love with this unique weave, and Ritu Shah hopes to continue promoting this cultural heritage.
In addition to Ritu Shah, Aarthi Shah has taken over as the YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation) Chairperson for the year 2023-2024. Her vision for the year revolves around the theme of Learn, Explore and Execute. She aims to carry forward the rich legacy of the organisation and plan events and initiatives that will bring about a positive impact on society.