Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur recently organized a five day Management Development Programme on the crucial theme of ‘Stri-Shakti: Empowering women for Leadership’. Held between 11th and 15th September in Jaipur, it was another initiative from the B School to raise social awareness and bring about a change in the society. The MDP brought together 24 senior female officials from organizations like Airport Authority, PNB, Central Coalfield, Power Grid Corporation, NBC, Central Warehousing Corporation and Aviation Academy on one platform, and was a huge success.
Women are the backbone of the society, at the heart of homes and a force to reckon with in the professional sphere. But in spite of being a major stakeholder, their contributions are often overlooked. The MDP coordinated by Mr. Jai Prakash Chaubey, Senior Manager, MDP & C sought to discuss various issues related to the theme in the presence of resource faculty Ms. Manjusha Bhatnagar, Director HR & CA, Balmer Laurie & Co Ltd., Ms. Meenakshi Davar, ED, Power Grid, Ms. Anamika Sethi, renowned dietician, Ms. Rashmi Kanwar, Image Consultant, Ms. Seema Mishra, Lawyer, High Court, Delhi and Ms. Seema Gupta, Executive Director, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited.
Mr. Y P S Kanwar, Vice President, MDP, Jaipuria Institute of Management presented the Welcome address and stressed on the need for such programmes to empower women in today’s times. Ms. Manjusha Bhatnagar inaugurated the programme and also held the opening session that focused on the role of women in the changing scenario. “It is time for us to make a difference and effect a mindset change in the male-centric scheme of things. We can bring about a true socio-economic empowerment of women across regions, religions and classes,” she said in her inspiring speech.
Ms. Anamika Sethi then stressed on the fact that good health is the key to an empowered woman. She suggested that we shouldn’t look at fitness as a trend but make it a part of our lifestyle. She also shared tips on staying healthy along with busy work and house routines. Ms. Rashmi Kanwar, who conducts the popular “Create a Positive Impactful Image” workshops around the country made a presentation highlighting the importance of a positive space around you. “Identify the core competencies, character traits that you wish to be associated with you,” she said before sharing tips on ‘power of personal appearance’ with the participants.
‘Sexual Harassment at the workplace and Supreme Court Guidelines’ was the burning topic of discussion of another session conducted by Ms. Seema Mishra, an eminent High Court lawyer. She offered real life examples to talk about ‘Domestic Violence Act’, which had a huge impact on the audience. Her session on ‘Legislative and Judicial initiatives towards women empowerment’ made the participants aware of various legal and judicial initiatives for the protection of women. After the serious discussion, the participants had a breather as they explored the sights of the Pink city.
As the participants regrouped the next day, Ms. Meenakshi Davar took charge of the sessions. Her first session was all about maintaining work life balance and creating a culture of excellence. She talked about the impact of Globalization in her next session on ‘Building leadership competencies and harnessing their potential’. “Significant strategic shifts are transforming the playing field, vast opportunities for growth are emerging. Successful business leaders must shape their organizations to be more nimble and flexible and less hierarchical,” she said.
The discussions progressed on the final day as Ms. Seema Gupta looked ahead in her session on ‘Moving forward -The Modern Women’. According to her, it is important for a modern woman to be supported, and that there is equality in every aspect. Dr. Nidhi Vashistha, Professor, Jaipuria Institute of Management and Trainer then carried out an interesting activity that brought forward the fact that managing work-personal life balance might be difficult but it is indeed possible.
The MDP had raised several important questions and facilitated a platform to exchange tips and ideas for betterment of women in different walks of life. Mrs. Suman Sharma, Head, Mahila Ayog, Rajasthan distilled the learning from the programme in her Valedictory Session on ‘Women In Leadership roles’. “We are all born leaders. But there are times when our halos go dull and we need the support of a mentor, guide, friend and family,” she said. She also commented that such programmes are a platform for women to realize and recognize that truth. And that’s something the MDP had managed to achieve through five days of intense ideating and sharing after which the participants walked away with certificates a big dollop of inspiration.
