South Asian Community Link Group and AusInd Bridge Foundation on 09.10.21 organised a webinar on the theme “Beyond the glass ceiling-Strengthening leadership roles in Gender Diversity and multiculturalism-post Covid,”. In Hindu calendar, people worship Goddess Durga this month who is symbol of truth, peace and righteousness on the earth so above webinar on women empowerment was considered appropriate. The webinar was graced by eminient panellists Prof Rajita Kulkarni, President Sri Sri University, Sadhana Smiles, the CEO of Real Estate Industry Partners, Anouska Gungadin, Director of Allevi8 apps, CEO Australia India chamber, Wesa Chau, Rehana Rehman, Team leader at Metro Train, Molina Asthana, Vice president at law institute of Victoria, Dr Sucheta Priyabadini, Director Student Counseling KIIT University and Board Member AIBF, Deepak Vinayak, OAM, Founder SACLG and AIBF, Dr Raju Adhikari, Co-Founder SACLG and AIBF, principal scientist Csiro and Rashi Kapoor, former president Australia India business council and Honorary Director SACLG. and participants across the world.
The excerpts of the webinar are….
- Dr Sucheta Priyabadini welcomed and initiated the discussion stated”Does the struggle go beyond the glass ceiling, is gender disparity a global phenomenon or does it vary from country to country or how is gender diversity affecting multicultural and multi racial societies. While the odds may be stacked heavily against the women, they have also shown sufficient resilience and determination in climbing the social ladder towards a more inclusive society. Today it is more a case of women inspiring women.”
- Rajita Kulkarni emphasized that at the end of the day it is our own effort to climb the glass cliff and glass escalator that would count.
- Rehana Rehman say women stigma that “She’s a woman!”, must not do certain thing, take sexual advantage, slept with someone!”are clearly ignorant about the introduction of leadership roles for women.It’s now impossible to stop women from multicultural backgrounds from acquiring leadership positions.
- Sadhna Smiles said that our learning begins at home and we should be brave to speak up.
- Molina Asthana said that sometimes it seems we’re the ones standing in our way. Thus, it’s important for us to develop the quality of perseverance and resilience in ourselves.
- Anouska Gungadi said that we should not only focus on our interpersonal inclusion but also intrapersonal inclusion. This will help us in how we’re opening up to others.
- Speaking on the occasion Rashi said that almost 50% women join corporate with extra ordinary competency but hardly few reach the board room. Thus, we should first realize our worth and then knock-on doors.
- Wesachau spoke on the need for exploring different things. When we come to a different culture, we come to understand different things. Even when we get into politics, we’ve many opportunities to interpret things in a different way. Thus, in these ways women can come to the forefront of corporate organization.
- Ted Baillieu said that our main focus should be on doing what we want to do. If we follow this, then nothing can stop us from learning, growing and finally living our dreams.
- Mr Deepak Vinayak, OAM greeted and thanked the panelists for gracing the occasion.
- Dr Raju Adhikari winding up the session highlighted the Australian Government initiative and how women empowerment will help achieve gender equality. support leadership to achieve overall economic and social prosperity of any country. He said there is no difference in neurons and in the technological world, knowledge empowerment of 50% women population is key to address global challenges. He thanked the panelists for a powerful and inspiring discussion while thanking the participants for making the session lively and intellectually stimulating.
It was an insightful discussion which will help highlight and escalate such an important subject of inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism in leadership roles.
