Indian Institute of Management Indore, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women, New Delhi, organized a half-day event, “Rise and Lead: Young Women Pioneering Technology, Business, and Public Life.” This transformative event symbolizes IIM Indore’s steadfast dedication to fostering women’s empowerment, evidenced by a rich tapestry of initiatives including financial literacy workshops and tailored programmes.
The half-day event served as a beacon of empowerment, featuring luminaries and experts engaging in dynamic dialogues across diverse realms. From invigorating panel discussions exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and future workforce opportunities to profound insights on women’s leadership in corporate domains, the event encapsulated a spectrum of perspectives. It served as a catalyst for change, inspiring young women to navigate and excel in an ever-evolving landscape, while championing their rightful place in shaping the future of technology, business, and public life.
The event commenced with a keynote address by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore. Prof. Rai emphasized the theme of “Rise and Lead,” highlighting the importance of pursuing one’s aspirations fearlessly. He stated, “As children, we fearlessly pursue our dreams, but as we grow older, fears and barriers are imposed upon us, especially for women. We must ensure that everyone reaches their full potential.” He further addressed the challenges and barriers faced by women, emphasizing the need to overcome societal misconceptions. “Women are often told that their achievements are attributed to others, undermining their confidence. We must encourage women to pursue their passions and ambitions wholeheartedly,” Prof. Rai remarked. He urged women to prioritize self-love, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Ms. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of NCW echoed Prof. Rai’s sentiments, highlighting the societal norms that inhibit women’s autonomy and decision-making abilities. “From childhood, girls are conditioned to follow rather than lead. We must recognize and harness our inherent strength to become leaders in every sphere,” she asserted. Ms. Sharma emphasized the importance of women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes, advocating for education and empowerment as catalysts for change. “We need to dispel the notion that politics isn’t for women, and embrace our potential to effect positive change. Women possess the skills and capabilities to excel in all fields, including technology and AI,” Ms. Sharma affirmed. She concluded by urging women to actively engage in decision-making and contribute to nation-building efforts.
Ms. Mamta Kumari, Member of NCW, emphasized the importance of women’s participation in politics and leadership roles. She encouraged young women to actively engage in shaping the future, envisioning a world where Indian women comprise 50 percent of global women leaders.
The first panel discussion, “Opportunities in Emerging Technologies for Future Workforce,” featured esteemed panelists: Prof. Aruna Tiwari from IIT Indore, Dr. Archana Lakhani, Scientist G, CSR, and Ms. Pooja Maheshwari from Smarg Technologies. Moderated by faculty Prof. Shruti Tewari, the discussion delved into the importance of continuous upskilling in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Panelists emphasized the need to move beyond a focus solely on grades and jobs, advocating for a holistic approach to education and skill development. They highlighted the significance of time management and fostering a supportive environment for women to excel in technology. With India poised to become the seventh nation with an independent quantum mission programme, there are immense opportunities for youth to upskill and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in technology, paving the way for transformative career paths.
The second panel, focusing on “Women Leadership in Corporate,” featured insightful discussions from distinguished panelists: Ms. Jolly Priya from Golden Sun Consulting & Training, Ms. Mamta Bakliwal from Empower Integrated Solutions, and Ms. Riya Chhabra from C21 Group. Moderated by Prof. Shivani Sharma, the session emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, continuous learning, and effective networking for women leaders in the corporate world. Panelists highlighted the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who contribute to personal and professional growth. They underscored the resilience needed to navigate challenges and stay true to one’s path, despite obstacles. Success, they emphasized, is a journey that requires perseverance and determination. Moreover, the panel emphasized the responsibility of organizations to nurture and support female talent, ensuring their advancement within the corporate landscape.
During the third panel on “Women Leadership in Entrepreneurship,” insightful perspectives were shared by distinguished panelists: Ms. Anubha Anand from Punjab Jewels, Ms. Nikita Singh from Fingertips, and Ms. Neha Mittal from Ekal. Moderated by Ms. Shanu Mehta, Co-founder of MMC Convert, the session delved into the essence of entrepreneurial leadership. Panelists highlighted the significance of resilience, innovation, and community building in the entrepreneurial journey. They emphasized the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and leveraging one’s strengths to carve a niche in the competitive business landscape. Moreover, the panel underscored the need for mentorship, networking, and continuous learning as essential pillars for success in entrepreneurship. Their collective wisdom served as a guiding light for aspiring women entrepreneurs, inspiring them to embark on their entrepreneurial ventures with confidence and determination.
In her vote of thanks, Prof. Shruti Tewari emphasized the acronym NARI, encapsulating the essence of nurturing skills and networking, agility and adaptability, resilience, and the capacity to be inspirational icons. She underscored the significance of these qualities in empowering women to navigate challenges and excel in various spheres of life.
In the closing moments of the event, each attendee solemnly pledged to empower themselves and the women in their communities. With a shared commitment to fostering positive change, they departed with renewed determination to advocate for gender equality and support the advancement of women in all spheres of life.