The Enduring Influence of Women in Leadership and Growth

Women's Day

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March 8, 2024

Empowering women is not just a mission—it’s a profound commitment to fostering flourishing societies. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve been inspired by influential female mentors, especially Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor Chitkara University. This inspiration, coupled with a passion for making a difference, led me to the field of education, where I’ve strived to leave an indelible mark and accelerate growth for others.

Investing in women goes beyond financial support; it encompasses providing opportunities, learning, and unwavering encouragement. As the Vice President of Chitkara International School, I am grateful for the cooperation and investment that has enabled me to reach this position. We’ve cultivated a community that provides a platform for women and celebrates their merits, promoting a culture of equality and inclusivity.

Chitkara International School emphasises providing not just equal but the right opportunities to women based on their merit and inclinations. Our workforce comprises 61% female workers, reinforcing the ethos of “investing in women.” We encourage initiatives like research, support female-centric days, and honour women for their contributions.

Beyond financial empowerment, we recognise the importance of promoting mental well-being and ensuring a high happiness quotient. Initiatives like spreading awareness of women-related preventable diseases and offering heart-to-heart counselling sessions for female employees contribute to holistic support.

Chitkara International School’s commitment to inclusivity and equity extends beyond its walls. We’ve formed enduring associations with women in adopted villages, empowering them with vocational training and opportunities for small-scale businesses. With an unwavering commitment to inclusion and equity, we pave the way for a society where every woman’s potential is recognised and maximised. Our collective responsibility is to invest in women, for society thrives if they flourish.

Views expressed by Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Vice President, Chitkara International Schools, Chandigarh & Panchkula

The Impact of Women’s Empowerment in Early Education

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the spotlight shines brightly on the transformative impact of investing in women. Within British Orchard Nursery, this ethos is more than just a philosophy; it’s a guiding principle that propels the organisation forward.

BON is a beacon of women’s empowerment, with female leaders at its helm. Guided by Dr. Vandana, CEO & Founder and a visionary leader, she passionately believes in the power of investing in women and society. Under her leadership and in line with the UAE’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women, British Orchard Nursery and Teacher Training Centre, UAE & UK have blossomed into the region’s most prominent and most-awarded Nursery Chain and training centre that has also proven to be a haven of diversity and inclusion, where all women can thrive.

The recognition bestowed upon BON underscores its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment. Most Women-Friendly Employers, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award, Global Peacock Award for Innovation Management, and Emirates Woman Award highlight the organisation’s dedication to gender equality, quality education and progress.

Investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also a strategic imperative. Research demonstrates that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their peers. By empowering women, BON has accelerated progress, driving innovation and excellence in its operations.

As the world celebrates the achievements of women, let us reaffirm our commitment to investing in their empowerment. Together, let us create a future where every woman has the opportunity to fulfil her potential and contribute to the advancement of society.

Views expressed by Dr. Vandana Gandhi, CEO & Founder, British Orchard Nursery UAE & UK

Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

As a first-generation practising lawyer, I can’t over-emphasize the importance of unconditional support and attention given by my family to not only my education but to my freedom of expression, i.e., my voice mattered! They believe I can achieve whatever I set my heart to, strengthening my resolve to be a lawyer from a young age.

But how many of us get that constructive support and voice? Women’s contributions and efforts must be recognised, appreciated, and unrewarded, and we are thanked on particular days in a year. Millions of stories of daily struggle and sacrifice of women go unnoticed. A mother fighting for her daughter’s education and enrolling her in a school despite opposition from the family needs to be celebrated. A woman stepping out to earn for her family needs to be celebrated. An illiterate woman seeking admission to a night school needs to be celebrated. Each of these daily acts of courage and strength needs to be applauded.

Investing in the wellbeing of women, providing equal opportunities for education, growth, and learning, ensuring proper nutrition, applauding her self-confidence and independence, enabling freedom of ‘real’ choice, respecting her decision to be a homemaker or as a career woman, etc. go a long way in creating an empowered family, a just society, a developed nation and most importantly, a happy woman. The right to be heard and valued matters, and it’s time we celebrate her contributions daily rather than just on Women’s Day. Till we reach such a day, I wish all the extraordinary ladies a Happy Women’s Day; let our grace, confidence, and wisdom shine through!

Views expressed by Seema Jhingan, Founder and Senior Partner, LexCounsel, Law Offices

The Path to Diverse Leadership and Equal Opportunities for All

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

Over the last few years, much has been said about empowering women around Women’s Day. But it always ends with talk (and sometimes meaningless gifts and coupons); no one is making genuine efforts to ensure women in the workforce have the same growth opportunities as their male counterparts. We want equal pay, diversity in leadership, grooming programs for mid and senior-level female employees that allow them to move upwards, and sensitisation programs for men in the corporate sector to be allies not only to the women in their office but to their partners.

But most importantly, to feel safe and valued. The Human Resource and Diversity & Inclusion teams across organisations need to start thinking and implementing efforts on these lines all year round instead of just for March. And you know how is that possible? With an inclusive C-Suite! It is the perfect catch-22 situation.

Views expressed by Simran Thakur, Director of Public Relations, Scaler and InterviewBit

Empowering Female Leaders: The Key to Building Inclusive and Resilient Societies

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

Investing in women is a strategic imperative that not only promotes gender equality but also propels societal progress. By channelling resources, opportunities, and support toward women, we catalyse a ripple effect that resonates across communities globally. Fostering an environment where female students can thrive is my foremost mission, as it creates a more inclusive and resilient society for today and the future.

I feel fortunate to be allowed to lift female student leaders at our campus and see them shine throughout their studies. Female student leaders often exhibit a diverse range of values that contribute to their effectiveness in leadership roles: empathy, understanding the needs and concerns of their peers and creating a more supportive environment; resilience; demonstrating perseverance and determination, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and work towards common goals, inclusivity; creating environments where all individuals feel heard, respected, and included, regardless of gender, background, or ethnicity. These values contribute to creating supportive and forward-thinking environments led by them.

Views expressed by Burcu Aydin, Director-Student Affairs Department, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE

A Strategic Imperative for Global Progress and Prosperity

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

Investing in women is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity for accelerating progress in all spheres of society. By directing resources towards women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we catalyse change within their families, communities, and nations. This, in turn, yields high returns in terms of economic outcomes and promotes gender equality and social cohesion, leading to community well-being and national prosperity. Closing the gender gap in employment, wages, and leadership positions could add trillions to the global economy. So, advancing gender equality is not just the right thing; it’s also smart economics.

Diverse perspectives fuel creativity and problem-solving, leading to more effective solutions to complex challenges. By breaking down barriers that hinder women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles, we create more inclusive societies and unleash the full potential of our collective intelligence.

Investing in women is also critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing global challenges such as poverty and hunger. These issues disproportionately affect women but also hold unique insights and solutions.

For any nation to be progressive, it must prioritise unleashing the potential of this marginalised population by unlocking opportunities for innovation and growth. This is the only way to achieve sustainable development that benefits society.

Views expressed by Aradhana Rana, Founder and Director, The Icon Public School

Celebrating the Pillars of Strength: A Tribute to Women’s Influence on International Women’s Day

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I reflect on the women’s profound influence on my life, particularly my mother, who has been my beacon of strength and inspiration since childhood. Her unwavering support and belief in me have instilled virtues like resilience and perseverance, shaping the person I am today. Through her guidance, I’ve deeply appreciated the transformative power of investing in women to drive progress.

As a Brand Manager at PSI India Pvt Limited, I am honoured to be part of an organisation committed to empowering women and promoting their well-being. At PSI India Pvt Limited, we recognise the importance of fostering a supportive environment for women, which is why the organisation has prioritised establishing a period-positive workplace. We understand women’s unique challenges in managing menstrual health and have implemented policies and programs to destigmatise menstruation and support women in the workplace.

Central to our approach is our emphasis on modern contraceptive methods and their role in women’s health and well-being. By offering access to a range of high-quality, affordable contraceptive products range, we empower women to take charge of their reproductive health, enabling them to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. This improves their physical health and contributes to their socio-economic empowerment.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the contributions of women everywhere and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating progress through empowerment & inclusivity.

Views expressed by Dr Saumya Bansal, Brand Manager, PSI India Pvt Ltd

Celebrating Women’s Dominance in the Workforce This International Women’s Day

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

Our organisation is a testament to this principle, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, with a commendable 80% of our workforce being women, many of whom hold leadership positions.

This significant female representation is more than a statistic; it reflects our core belief in the transformative power of women in the workforce. Women possess a unique ability to approach risks with innovation and resilience, bringing invaluable insights. Moreover, we recognise the untapped potential of women in risk management and actively encourage more women to join our global community of risk-intelligent leaders. Investing in women is not just about achieving gender balance; it’s about enriching the sector with diverse perspectives that drive progress and innovation.

On this day, we celebrate the achievements of women in our organisation and across the globe. We reaffirm our commitment to investing in women, understanding that such investment is crucial for accelerating collective progress. We invite women everywhere to join us in our mission of getting India Risk Ready, where your contributions are welcomed and essential for our shared success.

Views expressed by Nidhi Jain, Sr. Manager – Marketing and Communications, Institute of Risk Management (IRM) – India Affiliate

Championing Women’s Empowerment and Diversity on International Women’s Day

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

On this International Women’s Day, we remember women’s achievements, struggles, and resilience in overcoming barriers to success and highlight their significant contribution to society. The campaign for the year is “Inspire Inclusion”, and with that, we emphasise the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

The focus on driving equality for women in leadership roles is crucial for women to find self-confidence in their abilities to drive this passion to the highest level in the workplace. If we look at self-confidence and self-assurance, these aspects are essential for the working woman who has many plates to spin simultaneously with work, family, looking after parents, looking after children and running the household. Even with this in mind, women are rising to the top in their professions, and this needs to be equal in all industries, allowing for equal opportunities for both males and females.

Nowadays, we need to highlight the value of mentorship for women in ensuring we have the proper guidance, support and affirmation to allow for self-reflection and for women to reach their goals no matter the hurdles or obstacles they may face. Where there may be barriers to success, problem-solving together to break those barriers is a skill women must have today. The level of high EQ amongst women and their understanding of empathetic leadership is crucial to their success, and only now do we see the discussion of “vulnerable” leadership being highlighted as a strength. When women feel inspired and feel a sense of high value and inclusion, a sense of empowerment aligns with this, leading to self-confidence and a longing to showcase further strengths and progress in our roles.

This empowerment and self-assurance for young women has to start in school and is an essential task for school teachers to address that stereotypes which may be instilled from home are banished in school and that education allows for full inclusion, equity and success for all, no matter of background, colour, race or gender.

Views expressed by Ms Jasmit Kaur Kang, Founding Principal, Glendale International School

Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress for a Flourishing Future

Women's Day

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

March 7, 2024

A resonant mantra emerges in the journey towards societal advancement: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This encapsulates a profound approach to fostering development, acknowledging women’s pivotal role in shaping a brighter future. Investing in women is not just a financial transaction but an investment in the fabric of progress.

Economically, supporting women translates to increased productivity and innovation. Women entrepreneurs become pivotal drivers of economic growth when provided with resources and opportunities. Beyond financial gains, the mantra underscores the urgent need for gender equality, breaking down barriers to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Socially, women’s empowerment is a linchpin for positive community transformations. From healthcare to education, investing in women contributes to the overall well-being of societies. Recognising the diversity women bring to leadership fosters inclusive decision-making processes, which is vital for a harmonious and resilient society.

Educationally, the mantra advocates for an empowered society built on knowledge. Investing in women’s education is not just about personal growth; it is a cornerstone for societal progress. Moreover, in healthcare, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the impact of investing in women transcends borders, creating a ripple effect that shapes a global landscape of interconnected progress.

“Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” is a call to action, urging societies to recognise and amplify the transformative potential of women across various domains. In this collective effort, we pave the way for a future where the flourishing of individuals, communities, and nations is not only possible but inevitable.

Views expressed by Anuradha Sharma, Head, South Asia, Oracle Academy

PS: The thoughts expressed are of the author and in no way represent any current or previous employers.

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