World Trade Center Mumbai organized a Program on ‘Gender Diversity and Inclusivity’ on the occasion of International Women’s Day to discuss challenges in attaining gender equality and also to exchange inspiring success stories of accomplished women.

The session was addressed by women from diplomatic missions, Indian Revenue Service, media & entertainment and the medical profession. Ms. Nirmika Singh, Executive Editor, Rolling Stone India moderated the session.

The panel session generated engaging discussion with the speakers that moved the audience to tears as they narrated their inspiring personal journey that is laced with struggles and accomplishments.

Ms. Anna Lekvall, Consul General, Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai highlighted the progress made by Sweden in promoting gender equality at the diplomatic mission. From only one woman member across its worldwide diplomatic mission in 1969, today, the Swedish diplomatic cadre has 47% women staff. The country became one of the pioneers of women-focused foreign policy in 2014, with emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion. The Swedish government is also implementing gender sensitization projects to promote women’s involvement in economy, education and politics, she informed. 

Ms. Caroline Rietveld, Deputy Head of Mission, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai remarked that true gender equality does not exist in any country today despite several policy initiatives. Narrating the challenges faced in her personal life, Ms. Rietveld pointed out that her resilience, positive mindset and the belief in herself got her through tough times.

Ms. Pritee Chaudhary (IRS), Regional Director, FSSAI - (Western Region), Government of India pointed out that if women can give birth to another life, they can as well give birth to their own life. She narrated her personal struggle and explained how she overcame challenging circumstance through persistence and adaptability. She said the most important factor for success is ‘Adaptability Quotient’, rather than ‘Intellectual Quotient’ or ‘Social Quotient’. 

Dr. Jaishree Sharad, Internationally Renowned Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist narrated how her mother supported her, despite unfavourable household circumstance, by giving education. She credited her achievement as a renowned medical professional to her mother, who despite not well educated, aspired her daughters to get good education.

Ms. Anuradha Sengupta, Consulting Editor, CNBC-TV18 spoke about the growing influence of women voters in shaping outcomes of recent state elections in India, which is a conducive development to promote gender equality. She also expressed satisfaction about the growing representation of women in media and entertainment industry, although she concurred that there is still long way to go to have equal participation of women in jobs such as video-editing, camera operations, creative designing etc.

Ms. Urmin Vijayakar, RJ – Fever 104FM & Content Creator shared her inspiring career journey where her passion and self-belief helped her become a renowned radio jockey, influencer, content creator and artist. She remarked, “It is very important for every woman to stand up to what she is, believe in herself and go ahead to live her dream.”

Ms. Priya Saraiya, Bollywood Playback Singer and Lyricist shared an inspiring Hindi poem that encourages women to fulfill their dream through grit & determination, instead of being upset about ups and downs, gains & losses, which are natural in the course of life.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “WTC Mumbai is committed to the ideal of gender equality and as a testimony to this commitment; the Center is headed by a woman. Every organization should promote the cause of gender equality by encouraging women to take up positions in senior management.” 

Earlier in her opening remarks, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, World Trade Center Mumbai pointed out, that women are inherently multi-talented and their contribution to the economy is paramount, even though it is not accounted in the official measure of GDP. A lot of women contribute to the economic and social progress of the country by working as unpaid caregivers and workers in the family, farms and businesses. ‘‘Empowering women to participate in economic activity at par with men will increase world GDP by USD 28 trillion by 2025” expressed Ms. Naik.

The session ended with a lively Q&A session with the audience where the participants shared their experience and perspectives regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The event was attended by more than 200 delegates, including women entrepreneurs, representatives from women-led social organizations, women professionals, consular corps and members of media.

Photo caption: Panelists at the session (from left to right):Ms. Anuradha Sengupta, Consulting Editor, CNBC-TV18; Dr. Jaishree Sharad, Internationally Renowned Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist; Ms. Caroline Rietveld, Deputy Head of Mission, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai; Ms. Anna Lekvall, Consul General, Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai; Ms. Pritee Chaudhary (IRS), Regional Director, FSSAI - (Western Region), Government of India; Ms. Priya Saraiya, Bollywood Playback Singer and Lyricist; Ms. Urmin Vijayakar, RJ – Fever 104FM & Content Creator and Ms. Nirmika Singh, Executive Editor, Rolling Stone India,