Spotlight: WTCA Members Celebrate International Women’s Day Around the World

As we mentioned in our March issue, International Women’s Day was held on March 8 and our Member WTCs hosted and/or participated in various events around the world to raise awareness for this global day. Below are highlights from some of the events that took place:

WTC Bengaluru
On March 7, WTC Bengaluru hosted a “Talk on Generation of Equality” at the Brigade Gateway campus. Multiple activities were held including a “Spotlight on the Stars” roundtable where each female colleague could share her story, a fashion show to recognize each woman, and a “Mirror on the Wall” discussion where peers shared the qualities they admire in each of their female colleagues. A special lunch was hosted by Mr. Vineet Verma, President of WTC Bengaluru, where he addressed attendees along with Dr. Bose Nair, Vice President of WTC Bengaluru. During the conversation, it was agreed upon by team members that women’s rights require the support of both men and women, and the team made a commitment to support this cause.

Photo credits: WTC Bengaluru

WTC Bhubaneswar
On March 4, WTC Bhubaneswar’s Women Entrepreneurs Forum, in association with the Government Industrial Training Institute of Bhubaneswar (Govt ITI College) conducted a day-long workshop titled “Creating an Equal Generation” for final year students and garnered 108 attendees from different verticals including food production, dress making, electronics, Internet of Things, etc. With the objective to create an understanding amongst the youth about the recent transformations in society that embrace equality and looks at a holistic approach for human well-being and survival, the workshop provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about real life experiences and struggles that women entrepreneurs of the forum have faced. Additionally, on March 7, the Women Entrepreneurs Forum organized a session on how to balance your balance sheet, aiming to increase the financial literacy of women in the field of business, and garnered 23 participants who were all women.

Photo credits: WTC Bhubaneswar 

WTC Chennai
On March 6, WTC Chennai celebrated International Women’s Day by honoring its female employees. With the theme “Each for Equal,” the event was filled with activities including discussions on gender equality and leadership. There was also a discussion about the challenges women face at work where team members shared their views and suggestions to overcome these challenges. During the event, the conversation circled how WTC Chennai is committed to increase women’s involvement and participation at the workplace and everyday life. The activities of the day showed WTC Chennai’s focus to gender inclusion and empowerment.

Photo credit: WTC Chennai 

WTC Goa
On March 3, WTC Goa commemorated Goan businesswomen — in the presence of Mr. Md. Lutfor Rahman, Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai — for their encouragement and guidance to empower other Goan female entrepreneurs. In total, 64 delegates attended the event. An exhibition showcasing Goan female entrepreneurs in sectors such as pharma and agriculture was also organized for the occasion.

Photo credit: WTC Goa 

WTC Miami
WTC Miami celebrated its 17th annual International Women’s Day luncheon on March 6, honoring five outstanding women who are making vital contributions to the economy every day. More than 500 professionals attended the annual luncheon, which drew more than 30 business and media sponsors including the Miami Herald. The 2020 honorees included Audrey Edmonson, Chairwoman, Miami-Dade County Commissioner; Marie Gill, Founder and CEO of M. Gill & Associates; Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Miami; Karen Kuhn, Associate Chief Counsel of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Christine Valls, Vice President of Sales of Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean for American Airlines. To date, WTC Miami has recognized 92 powerful women leaders since 2004. If your WTC is interested in replicating this event and would like to receive sample materials, please send an email to info@worldtrade.org and Charlotte Gallogly, Founding President, WTC Miami, at cg@worldtrade.org.

Photo credits: WTC Miami

WTC Utah
The Women's Business Center of Utah and WTC Utah, in partnership with the Emerald Hills Institute, hosted their annual International Women's Day celebration on March 5. With the theme “What Women Bring to Our Community,” the event highlighted successes and obstacles Utah women have experienced while growing their businesses both locally and internationally. The event garnered 165 attendees and Ana M. Guevara, Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S. Field Operations, provided the event’s keynote address.

Photo credit: Julia Breinholt-Pappas