Women's Empowerment Summit

 Inaugural Ceremony:  The Women's Empowerment Summit began with an inaugural ceremony, highlighting the crucial role of women. The event featured sessions on equal opportunities, leadership, and mentorship. Inaugural highlights included a symbolic dance, lamp lighting, and a video showcasing collaboration between the National Commission for Women (NCW) and Christ University.

Dr. Lija Jacob, set a collaborative tone, quoting Serena Williams, emphasizing support among women. Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, the Dean and Director of Christ(Deemed to be Univeristy), Pune Lavasa Campus, in his Presidential Address, urged breaking barriers hindering women's progress and highlighted their unique leadership qualities.

Address by Dr Fr. Lijo Thomas

The National Commission for Women (NCW) video presentation, led by Lt. Col. Stanley, delved into the "Rise of Titans" theme, exploring obstacles to women's development. The video traced the evolution of women, addressing contemporary challenges and advocating for women as architects of change.

The keynote address by Dr. Shivakami, following the welcoming address by Ms. Irudaya Mary Daniel, highlighted her dual identity as an IAS officer and writer. She delved into her book "Anandhayi (The Taming of Women)," focusing on three generations of women. Dr. Sivakami underscored the harsh reality of 92% of Indian women engaged in unpaid domestic work, urging reflection on this overlooked segment. Inspired by Father Lijo Thomas's words on mothers' roles, she recounted a historical narrative of a Russian women-led party, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and cultivating pure minds for achieving equal participation.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with a summit overview presented by Dr. R Gunavathi, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. S Vijayalakshmi.

 Session 1:Cracking the Glass Ceiling 

Speaker: Dr P Sivakami IAS (Former IAS Officer /President of FIWI)

The summit's substantive sessions began with an address from Dr. P Shivakami IAS, challenging the notion that gender issues are sidelined. She explored how the caste system in India perpetuates the subjugation of women and highlighted the constraints of marriage on women's autonomy. Dr. Shivakami stressed the need for equal partnerships in landownership and intellectual opportunities, urging the audience to clarify aspirations and emphasizing the importance of a robust social security system.

In addressing political participation, she emphasized power dynamics in everyday spaces and envisioned a social security system as crucial for enhancing women's living standards. Dr. Shivakami concluded by advocating for unity among women, breaking the image of vulnerability and emphasizing sisterhood in dismantling barriers. She highlighted the importance of empowering the lower rungs of society through targeted interventions.

 Session 2: Panel Discussion 

Topic: Education and Women Moderator 

Moderator: Dr. Jibrael Jos

Session 2 of the summit featured an engaging panel discussion on "Education and Women," moderated by De Jibreal Jos, with panellists Dr B Padmini, Ms Manimekali, and Ms Irudhaya Mary Daniel. The session began with a token of appreciation for all panellists. Ms. Manimekala emphasized the profound impact of self-empowerment, highlighting the importance of recognizing individual strengths.

Dr. Padmini stressed the pivotal role of education in empowering women through overcoming challenges. Ms. Irudaya Mary Daniel addressed challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need for individuals to take charge of their educational journey. The discussion explored multifaceted aspects of women's education, covering themes such as empowerment, self-realization, challenges, and opportunities.

 Session 3: Panel Discussion 

Topic: Global Perspectives on Women in Leadership Moderator: Col Stanley

Session 3 was a panel discussion, moderated by Colonel Stanley, featured a distinguished panel: Ms. Madhuri Sathe, Ms Nikkiey Chawla, and Ms. Reshu Aggarwaal, promising insights into "Global Perspectives on Women in Leadership." Colonel Stanley initiated the discussion, addressing global barriers to women's leadership. Ms. Nikkiey Chawla provided a unique LGBTQ perspective, fostering empathy and understanding for inclusive leadership.

The conversation transitioned to the pivotal role of mentorship and sponsorship in empowering women, sharing personal inspirations that shaped the panellists' professional journeys. Colonel Stanley posed a thought-provoking question on organizational strategies for diversity, emphasizing benefits to growth.

The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A, allowing direct engagement with the panellists. The documentation of this enriching discussion stands as a testament to the ongoing global dialogue on empowering women in leadership and fostering inclusivity for a brighter future.

Session 4:

Topic: The Next Generation of Women Titans 

Speakers: Dr Arathi Arun & Ms. Nikkieychawla

In the fourth session, Dr. Arathi Arun, Director of Smile Center Dental Clinic, Dental Surgeon, and Women's Committee Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Kickboxing Association, led an insightful exploration titled "The Next Generation of Women Titans." Her captivating journey, shared during the session, emphasized breaking barriers and her evolution into a four-time National Gold Medalist in powerlifting. Dr. Arathi conveyed 14 key points crucial for fostering women's growth in various aspects of life.

DAY 2 

 Session 1: Keynote address 

Speaker: Dr P Sivakami

On day 2, after the opening and a video presentation, Dr. P. Sivakami delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in politics. She passionately highlighted their transformative influence on policies, inclusivity, and national direction. Dr. Sivakami specifically stressed the importance of effective communication in political arenas, underscoring its role in facilitating the rise of women leaders.

She expanded the discussion to underscore the critical role of leadership in shaping individuals and ensuring the sustainability of political systems. Leaders, especially women in politics, serve as catalysts for positive change, influencing both policies and individuals.

 Session 2: Break out Group opening note 

Topic: Unveiling Hope and Resilience

Speaker: Dr Shubhashree Acharya 

In her presentation, Dr. Shubashree Acharya explored the metaphor of Pandora's box to highlight the enduring significance of hope in fostering women's resilience and leadership. Emphasizing hope's pivotal role in overcoming challenges, she shared inspiring narratives of women breaking barriers and triumphing over adversities to become leaders.

Dr P.Sivakami addressing on the topic women in politics

Addressing the metaphorical glass ceiling hindering women's advancement, Dr. Acharya underscored how hope, determination, and resilience can shatter societal constraints. She also delved into diverse leadership styles derived from literature, emphasizing the importance of embracing various approaches to empower individuals.

 Session 3: Panel Discussion 

Topic: Leadership styles that drive change Moderator: Dr Shubhashree Acharya

Two teams, led by Prof. Suraj, Dr Manjeri Sharma, Ms Tanya Sharma, and Dr Premlatha, Dr Praveen Vaidya, Dr Jibreel Jos, engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas facilitated by Dr Shubhashree. Dr Shivakami delivered insightful concluding remarks, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital skills in empowering women in local government. Participants discussed the pivotal role organizations play in increasing female representation in leadership, anticipating global changes. Dr. Shivakami underscored the importance of dialogue, experience, hard work, and structured systems for greater women's participation in economic activities and leadership roles, contributing to the ongoing discourse on empowering women through compassionate and innovative leadership.

 Session 4: Break out Group opening note 

Topic: Leadership styles that drive change (Mentoring and Sponsorship) 

Speaker: Arpita Ghosh

Dr. Ariptha Ghosh skillfully led a breakout session on "How to Support the Next Generation of Women Leaders." Her keynote address focused on psychological empowerment, stressing the importance of fostering confidence and self-worth in aspiring women leaders. Drawing on her psychology expertise, Dr. Ghosh addressed factors like imposter syndrome and self-doubt. She highlighted the crucial role of a supportive life partner in a woman's leadership journey, bringing a holistic perspective to the discussion. The session explored both external and internal factors influencing women's leadership, providing actionable strategies for personal and professional development.

Session 5: 

Topic :The Power of Female Role Models 

Speaker: Mr. Madhavraj Datar

In this session, Mr. Madhavraj Datar explored "The Power of Female Role Models." Through personal anecdotes, he shared the impactful figures in his life, spanning generations from his grandmother to his wife. By recounting stories of real women overcoming challenges, he emphasized their strength and perseverance as a source of inspiration. With authenticity and engagement, Mr. Datar illuminated the significance of recognizing, celebrating, and drawing strength from the diverse stories of inspiring women in our communities.

Valedictory Ceremony:

Students from various academic programs showcased their cultural talents in a seamless transition from academia to cultural appreciation. The valedictory ceremony, marked by felicitation from Fr. Justin P Varghese, the Academic Coordinator, featured the distribution of certificates and mementoes to participants. Participants shared their feedback and Dr. R Gunavati delivered a concluding vote of thanks. The ceremony concluded with Dr R Gunavati extending her appreciation, bringing the event to a dignified close.