WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Contents Chairman’s Message 04 Preface 05 Executive Summary 06 Launch of SheTrades 08 Day One Inaugural Session 10 • Session I - The Evolving Women in the 21st Century 17 • Session II - STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 21 Day Two • Session III - Leadership and Women’s Foray into the Business Domain 25 • Session IV - Government and Institutional Support for Women 30 • Session V - Women’s Empowerment through Capacity Building and Social Entrepreneur- 35 ship • Session VI - Women’s Empowerment through Diversity, Arts and Culture 41 • Round Table Meeting with Undersecretary, Industrial Promotion Group - Philippines 44 • Save Girl Child! 45 Highlights of the Summit • Release of Handbook 46 • Honouring Women Achievers 47 • Business-to-Business Meetings 54 Exhibition 55 Special Events • Cultural Programme 56 • Export Counseling Sessions 57 • Visit to Women’s India Trust 58 • Photo Features 59 • Programme Schedule 61 • Profile of Speakers 67 • Testimonials 77 • Media Coverage 80 White Paper 83 Acknowledgements 89

3 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Chairman’s Message

omen’s Empowerment is a subject least spoken about as women’s contribution Wto world GDP has still to be realized and recognized. It is an undeniable reality that women make up for one-half of humanity and so, it is upon policymakers and top management of corporates to review and take stock of women’s empowerment issues and work toward making on best practices, case studies, success stories and women economically independent. Bringing key issues in promoting women’s empowerment women to the fore by increasing their participation through entrepreneurship, innovation and in discussions and in decision-making fora will capacity building was released by the Chief Guest only enable them to shape their future and in turn Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United shape economies. Nations Conference on Trade and Development Acknowledging this important fact, World Trade (UNCTAD), Geneva in the presence of other Centre Mumbai along with All India Association dignitaries from India and abroad. of Industries organized the 6th Global Economic The Summit honored Women Achievers from Summit on the theme ’Women’s Empowerment: across sectors which included education, policy, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Capacity women in trade and business, artists, NGOs Building’ from March 27-29, 2017 at the World as well as differently-able girls who have Trade Centre Mumbai. The Summit received an taken professions such as jewellery designing, overwhelming response from across 20 countries, painting, music among others. These awards witnessing participation of women entrepreneurs were presented to women who have achieved from Maharashtra and other states of India, economic independence. besides, overseas. On this occasion a Report on the Global The Summit was structured in a way to bring Economic Summit 2017 has been put together together Indian and international experts, business covering the proceedings of the Conference, leaders, entrepreneurs and manufacturers with B2B Meetings, Exhibition, Field Trips and other a view to help them to interact, collaborate and events during the Summit. A White Paper on further their business interests, providing them the policy recommendations to promote women’s opportunity to share knowledge, best practices, participation in entrepreneurship and international emerging concepts, network and participate in trade has also been included in this Report. the pre-arranged business-to-business (B2B) meetings in a variety of formal and informal We hope this Report would serve as a reference settings. guide to policymakers, academicians, women business chambers and all stakeholders working Concurrent to the Summit, an Exhibition was toward creating equality among women and men organized which showcased products and services in all aspects of life. by women entrepreneurs and innovators. Field Trips to women-owned and managed enterprises Kamal Morarka provided a first-hand understanding of their Chairman aptitude and skills. World Trade Centre Mumbai At the Conference, a Handbook comprising articles by experts, entrepreneurs, academicians

4 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

Preface

he 6th Global Economic Summit on Women’s Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, TInnovation & Capacity Building was a unique initiative to connect women entrepreneurs in India, especially in Maharashtra, to the global value chain. The overwhelming response to this event demonstrates the progressive spirit of women empowerment and sustainable development goals, across countries. women’s excellence in arts and culture etc. Women represent almost 50% of population in Around 100 speakers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and their participation in economic activity Sri Lanka, USA, Iran, Czech Republic and other can add tremendous boost to the GDP growth countries have shared the experience of their of the country. In fact, women’s economic countries in women’s empowerment. empowerment can contribute to the success of The Summit provided a forum for local women Government of India’s ambitious programmes entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities such as Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, with delegates from around 25 countries. Start-up India, Jan Dhan Yojna and so on. This Proceedings Report documents the key World Trade Centre Mumbai (WTC) and All highlights of the Conference, B2B Meetings, India Association of Industries (AIAI) organized Exhibition, Field Visits and other events during the 6th Global Economic Summit to highlight the Summit. the significance of women’s contribution to the economy. I would like to quote this famous saying which defines Women’s Empowerment “Confidence The three-day Summit had six-panel sessions which were designed to incorporate almost and empowerment are cousins in my opinion. every aspect concerning women’s empowerment. Empowerment comes from within and typically it The sessions examined the opportunities and is stemmed and fostered by self-assurance. To feel challenges faced by women and discussed the way empowered is to feel free and that’s when people forward. It highlighted some of the successful do their best work. You can’t fake confidence initiatives and provided a platform for sharing or empowerment.” – Amy Jo Martin, American their insights on gender equality in promoting Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Founder & business and decision-making processes across sectors. Issues and perspectives in policy making CEO of Digital Royalty for women’s empowerment were also discussed. The sessions also highlighted the importance of Vijay Kalantri capacity building for women’s empowerment President through cross-country perspectives. All India Association of Industries The Summit discussed entire gamut of issues including challenges faced by women in international trade, role of capacity building, women’s

5 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT Executive Summary omen represent one-half of the world’s building and social entrepreneurship, women’s population; and the United Nations’ role in diversity, in arts and culture. WSustainable Development Agenda The Summit provided an insight into how diverse 2030 heightens the imperative to work toward businesses around the world are implementing their empowerment. Recognizing women’s WEPs and striving to achieve the new SDGs. contribution to business and economic growth, The three-day event focused on diverse issues world leaders came together to formulate policies of women in various socio-economic spheres. to address women’s issues in various strata of The event rolled out a roadmap for future action society, across regions, for inclusive growth, in plans and programmes to encourage women’s alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development participation in the economic development Goals (SDGs) and UN Women’s Empowerment process. Principles (WEPs) at the 6th edition of the Global Economic Summit that focused on Women’s Experts, academicians, women in trade and Empowerment in the social and economic spheres business, policymakers from India and over in this context. 20 countries shared their experiences and perspectives on women’s empowerment. The Summit was inagurated by Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference National policies and international programmes on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva supporting women’s empowerment, opportunities alongwith Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Director-General, World Trade Organization the global market place, skill development for (WTO), Geneva, Ms. Michaela Marksová, economic inclusion, role of intermediaries in the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social development and uplift of women besides value Affairs of the Czech Republic, Ms. Dorothy addition to businesses and the role of women Ng’ambi Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, in global value chains were discussed by the International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, experts. Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Undersecretary (Deputy The Summit felicitated women for their exemplary Minister), Department of Trade and Industry, work, for their contribution to the ethos of their Industry Promotion Group (IPG), Philippines and generation in their chosen fields and also for Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Politician. having brought about significant changes to the The Summit, under its core theme of ‘Women’s socio-economic condition of their communities. Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, Innovation Women’s contributions in various sectors by way & Capacity Building’, discussed the evolving of entrepreneurship and leadership/innovation woman in the 21st century, achievements of were honoured under the following categories : women in Science, Technology, Engineering and • Social Work Mathematics (STEM) besides other diverse fields. • Academics The deliberations included issues relevant to • Science and Technology women’s leadership and women’s foray in business • Arts and Culture domain, such as leadership, economic and social • Women Entrepreneurs entrepreneurship, development and promotion of • Corporate Leadership women-led SMEs, skill development, financing Alongside the conference, an exhibition to and the role of government and institutional showcase products made by women entrepreneurs support, women empowerment and capacity from India and overseas was organized. This

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involved women representing a wide range of potential partners and collaborators with a view businesses, SMEs, institutions and NGOs. to expand their businesses, both domestically and The exhibition showcased products and services globally. reflecting the accomplishments of women Visits to women-owned and managed enterprises entrepreneurs and innovators across health and was organized for the international delegates wellness, arts and crafts, textile and apparel, to Women’s India Trust (WIT) at Panvel, New household items, banking and insurance Mumbai. This field trip, facilitiated the delegate services, women clusters, livelihood intervention to gain a first-hand understanding of the aptitude programmes, educational institutions, social and skills of women enterprises in India. entrepreneurs and NGOs. The Summit served as a successful networking Summit Handbook on ‘Women’s Empowerment’ platform for women to engage in meaningful featured a compilation of research papers, case dialogues with a view to advance their business studies, success stories, articles, interviews, range and competitiveness. reports and analysis on various perspectives, Over 450 delegates from India and 20 other approaches, good practices, in promoting countries participated in this significant Summit. empowerment, innovation and entrepreneurship The Summit was well appreciated by the delegates by women leaders. for its thought provoking Conference, meaningful Key highlights of the Summit are over 2000 exhibition, fruitful B2B Meetings and fascinating visitors, 500 pre-arranged business-to-business cultural programmes. meetings (B2B) and networking sessions. The Summit provided opportunities to Start-ups and established women entrepreneurs to interact with

he following two quotes precisely summarize the discussions and deliberations at the 6th Global Economic Summit on “Women’s Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, Innovation Tand Capacity Building”

“Power can be taken, but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment in itself.” By Gloria Marie Steinem, American Feminist, Journalist, and Social and Political Activist

“If you economically empower a woman, she represents enormous opportunity that can actually be transformative not only for her family and for her community, but at the aggregate level for the economy.” By Sheryl WuDunn, American Business Executive, Writer, Lecturer, and Pulitzer Prize winner

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SheTrades launched by International Trade Centre (ITC)

heTrades, a mobile and web application, was officially launched in Mumbai by Ms. SDorothy Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva. WTC Mumbai and AIAI were announced as Verifiers of Women-owned Enterprises Registering on SheTrades An initiative by International Trade Centre (ITC), SheTrades is a web and mobile-based business networking platform that aims to connect 1 million women-owned enterprises across the globe to market by 2020. Buyers – whether from the private sector or the government – interested in finding suppliers of women-owned enterprises can access businesses registered on SheTrades. The SheTrades app has an easy-to-use, swipe functionality, based on HS code classification and services categorization, to enable buyers find women entrepreneurs. The app, based on internationally recognized business protocols, also provides users the opportunity to create new businesses, in real time, in a user-driven, dynamic and user-friendly space. Through a series of customized filters, companies can also identify women entrepreneurs who can meet their sourcing requirements. As a SheTrades member, companies have full access to women entrepreneur profiles and company information. The verification process SheTrades...... The app works with partners to verify registered Connecting one million women entrepreneurs. A growing number of credible organisations such as SDI International, women entrepreneurs KAGIDER, PROMPERU, CAWEE and IWCA have already confirmed their place on the platform to markets by 2020 to verify women entrepreneurs who are members of their networks. This functionality provides a form Register on the SheTrades website: of reference for women entrepreneurs registered on the app, enhancing their credibility to potential www.shetrades.com business partners. Thousands of women entrepreneurs have already joined the rapidly growing network on the app.

8 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Dignitaries at the Inaugural Session

Keynote Address Plenary Address Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, World Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva

Theme Address Special Address Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Michaela Marksová, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic

Special Address Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Special Address Department of Trade and Industry, Industry Promotion Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Politician Group (IPG), Philippines

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Inaugural Session he inaugural session, was attended by diginitaries, ministers, policy makers and experts from UNCTAD, WTO, ITC, Czech Republic, Canada and Phillippines. They Tshared their perspectives on women’s empowerment in terms of equal economic opportunities and access to international markets.

Diginitaries on the dias from L to R : Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice-Chairman, WTC Mumbai , Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva, Ms. Michaela Marksová, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Kamal M. Morarka, Chairma, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries and Vice-Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Department of Trade and Industry, Industry Promotion Group (IPG), Philippines and Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Politician

10 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Following are the excerpts of the speeches and All India Association of Industries (AIAI), Mr. at the inaugural session. Morarka welcomed the chief guest, dignitaries and other delegates to the 6th Global Economic Summit WELCOME ADDRESS on Women’s Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Capacity Building. omen constitute Wone-half of the The overwhelming response received at the world’s workforces Summit from international organizations, such as while they generate ITC, UNCTAD, WTO, and delegates from more only 37% of the global than 20 countries establishes the significance of economic output. women’s economic empowerment in attaining Empowering women overall progress of the society. in political and The Summit would inspire more women to take economic decision- up entrepreneurship and international trade that making would go a Mr. Kamal M. Morarka, would generate innovative, yet practical ideas on Chairman, MVIRDC World long way in addressing Trade Centre Mumbai policy measures to promote women’s economic some of the pressing empowerment. challenges faced Mr. Morarka briefly introduced the activities of the by humankind today, said Mr. Morarka, in his World Trade Centre Mumbai, which is an integral welcome address. Poverty, hunger, inadequate part of the worldwide network of 321 WTCs in access to health-care, education, and sanitation are 89 countries, connecting more than 1 million some of the issues faced by women. Recognizing businesses globally. World Trade Centre Mumbai this fact, the United Nation has included Gender is committed in promoting international trade Equality and empowerment of women and girls, and investments in India through various trade, as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals promotion services and facilities. The Centre to be attained by 2030 added Mr. Morarka. offers trade research, trade facilitation programs, Mr. Morarka further said that the East has gone past and education programs. the West in gender equality. Sri Lanka elected Ms. Sirimavo Bandaranaike as their first woman Prime THEME ADDRESS Minister, the first anywhere in the World, in 1960. critical area with In India, too, women have excelled in many fields. enormous room for Great women such as Savitribai Jyotirao Phule, as A improvement worldwide far back as in the 19th century, had addressed the is the economic British Commissioner stating that unless women empowerment of women. gained access to education, progress could not be achieved. India has a history of women going on In developed countries to become Prime Minister, President, scientists, such as the United States bureaucrats, judges and much more. Women have of America – which ranks also contributed to agriculture, manufacturing, comparatively high in software and other areas of the economy in India. female entrepreneurship and has some of the most Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Empowering women in political and economic progressive preferential Tembo, Deputy Executive decision-making will go a long way in addressing policies for women- Director, International many of the pressing challenges. Trade Centre (ITC), owned businesses – less Geneva On behalf of World Trade Centre Mumbai (WTC) than 30% of business

11 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT owners are women. In developing countries where The recent Chile-Uruguay Free Trade Agreement ITC works, such as Botswana, Egypt, and Tunisia, provides an excellent example of practical steps the percentage of women-owned businesses is as that can be taken to shake up the way we usually low as 3%. do trade agreements. In the Agreement, there is an As many as 90% of all countries have at least one entire chapter on women economic empowerment law impeding women’s economic opportunities. – this is a first of its kind. According to the World Bank’s Women, Business I am pleased to announce our newest SheTrades and the Law Report 2016, the total number of legal Champions - India’s very own World Trade Centre gender differences in the 173 economies covered Mumbai and All India Association of Industries. is 943. In India, it is reported that there are at least One thing is clear; women’s empowerment is a four legal gender differences impeding women’s multi-dimensional issue which calls for a multi- participation in the economy. pronged approach and multi-partner solutions. In response to the SDG Goal 5 to achieve With the global convergence and attention to gender equality and empowerment of the women women’s economic empowerment – now even and girls, ITC gathered its global network of appearing on traditionally gender-neutral fora such company partners, government leaders, women as the G20 and the WTO– now more than ever, it entrepreneurs and civil society actors to agree on is imperative that we work collectively to make the key barriers women entrepreneurs face and equal economic opportunities to men and women the actions which could help more women access a reality. business opportunities and gain a greater share of the benefits from the global economy. The result SPECIAL ADDRESS of these consultations is SheTrades – a global initiative aimed at connecting one million women ender inequality to the economy by 2020. Gis prevalent The government spends more than 30% of across the world as is the GDP – that is expenditures in the trillions! evident from the fact Unfortunately, the level of participation of women that women are paid in these government business opportunities is less, they are still running under 1%. Similarly, supply chains of many under-represented corporations often do not reflect enough gender in political life in supplier diversity. Women-owned businesses earn many countries. Ms. Michaela Marksová, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of less than 1% of spending by large businesses on The Europe-an Union recognizes gender Labour and Social Affairs of suppliers. the Czech Republic equality and commits Through, ITC’s Guide on Public Procurement, to the principle of women’s empowerment. But webinar training, and women vendor-buyer different countries in the European Union (EU) mentor groups, B2B meetings and partnerships have attained different levels of gender equality. with UN Global Compact and UN women’s Czech Republic is placed last among the EU Women Empowerment Principles, we have seen countries regarding gender equality. The Czech encouraging progress in the area of procurement. Republic suffers from a huge gender gap in wages, Women face greater obstacles in setting up and poor representation of women in the Parliament growing their businesses – in fact only 1 in 5 and it has had no woman Prime Minister or exporting companies in developing countries are President in all these years. After many years, women-owned. the number of women representatives in the

12 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Parliament of Czech Republic has risen to 15 at SPECIAL ADDRESS present. Out of 15 cabinet ministers in the Czech ow is the most Republic Government, only three are women. Nopportune time SPECIAL ADDRESS to shape the future discourse of women’s empowerment. The r. Dhalla’s mother Demigrated from advent of information India to Canada and communication without being able technology and the to speak English digital revolution has properly. However, she created enormous is helping Dr. Dhalla opportunity for women Ms. Nora K. Terrado, in entrepreneurship and Undersecretary (Deputy manage her political Minister), Department campaign in Canada. trade. Technology is a (Ministry) of Trade and Dr. Dhalla is the first Dr. Ruby Dhalla, great enabler of gender Industry, Industry Promotion Canadian Politician Indian woman elected equality. Group (IPG), Philippines to the Parliament of Canada in 2004. Dr. Dhalla’s To uplift the innovative success is the victory of all ethnic minority women spirit of women entrepreneurs, we need in Canada. The 2015 election witnessed nine appropriate policy intervention. The Government women of Indian origin elected to the Parliament of Philippines has taken various measures to of Canada. Mr. Justin Trudeau, who is considered empower women in business. One such measure the most progressive Prime Minister of Canada, has is the focus on ‘Women and Technology.’ emphasized on attaining gender equality across all fields. In Mr. Trudeau’s Cabinet, there are an equal To encourage innovation and technology adoption number of men and women holding ministerial among start-ups, micro-enterprises and women posts. Notably, the foreign affairs ministry of business units, Government of Philippines has Canada is headed by a woman. Women must be introduced ‘Slingshot Philippines,’ which is a given equal representation and empowerment to platform for public dialogue and partnership to make decisions at all levels, be it the family, the build and nurture the innovation ecosystem. community, corporate sector or the government. Women enterprises must adopt cutting edge Women must help each other and support each technologies to improve process efficiency and other; Women need to understand that by being enhance their market reach. The widespread united they are stronger. All women in the world belief that technology is traditionally a male- must have access to education and employment in a dominated field is not correct. According to the safe and secure environment. We must understand World Economic Forum, women also fought that the issues concerning women’s empowerment during World War II by contributing in many ways should not be branded as ‘Feminist Issues,’ but they - calculating trajectories and ballistic tables for need to be considered as issues affecting humanity soldiers and bombardiers in the air. as a whole. In 1958, when Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were still Dr. Dhalla listed her 5 C’s, a woman needs to young, a woman computer programmer named possess: Elsie Shutt founded CompInc, which pioneered 1. Confidence the use of freelance female programmers in the 2. Commitment to the Cause United States. It was only in the 1980s that men 3. Credentials started outnumbering women in the computer 4. Courage programming industry. Mindset plays a paramount 5. Conviction

13 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT role in building confidence in a woman that she the WTO’s rulebook. In fact, most of the WTO can be as good as men in the area of technology. members believe that trade can help empower th The Philippines is doing fairly well regarding women and achieve the 5 Goal of Sustainable gender equality. According to the Global Gender Development Agenda 2030. Gap Index 2015, released by the World Economic Of people living in poor households in developing Forum, Philippines ranks 7th out of 145 countries in countries, women and girls represent about 50%. gender equality. The Philippines has bridged 79% It is in this area trade can help. It can open the of the gender gap so far, and it is by far the best- door to women’s employment, decent work and performing country in the 10-member ASEAN economic development. Exporting companies in region. These findings motivate us to work further developing countries employ more women than on the gender equality mandate. non-exporters. Global value chains may be one way that women can realize their potential. PLENARY ADDRESS Digital trade can be an easy and inexpensive way omen’s to enter foreign markets, expand women-owned Wempowerment! businesses and promote women entrepreneurship, It is such a potent despite a persisting gender digital divide. combination of words, Empowering small and medium enterprises impacts more so as extreme women. Women own One-third (10 million) of the poverty strikes women world’s SMEs. Since the financial crisis in 2008, much harder than men WTO has been working to keep finance flowing in poor and low-income for trade. It is especially important for women- countries. According Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, owned SMEs. Deputy Director-General, to UN Women and World Trade Organization Developing services capacity in low-income the Sustainable Stock (WTO), Geneva countries and sectors such as tourism, finance, Exchanges Initiative, health, education, distribution and environment women earn only 10% of the world’s income while also has a particular impact on women’s economic accounting for 2/3rd of global working hours. In empowerment. most countries, women receive, on average, 60- Trade needs to go hand in hand with gender 75% of men’s wage. Economic opportunity is friendly policies, developed at the national and clearly skewed against women. regional level. Wage equality is one example. India’s former Prime Minister Smt Indira Gandhi On capacity building, the WTO can contribute spoke with wisdom when she said: “We need to empowering women through its Aid for Trade women to be more interested, more alive and more program, which helps developing countries build active not because they are women but because trade capacity, access global market and increase they do comprise half the human race”. their exports. Trade can be effectively used as a The plenary address will highlight some of the tool for development. If we invest USD 1 on Aid important areas where trade can contribute to for trade, it is worth USD 20 of exports. That 1 women’s empowerment, as well as the different dollar also impacts women as trade is a tool for elements of WTO work that are helping and women’s empowerment through job creation. would continue to contribute to this critical global Women have fought to gain their independence for endeavor. centuries within their community. Trade connects During the event organized by the WTO for countries, people, and businesses around the International Women’s Day, one WTO member world, and through trade, women can assert their quoted a research study which made a case for independence worldwide and without borders. rethinking trade rules and include gender in Now, this is the irony; they are independent (at

14 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT least economically) in an entirely interdependent Addressing women’s empowerment has become world. an urgent policy priority, as the exclusion of In the past, women have traditionally been women has become more costly with slow trade considered weak, preventing them from accessing growth, and with globalization under fire. jobs and opportunities. New technologies, however, Women themselves are among the largest groups of have changed that and are a real game changer for those who have been left behind by globalization. women. The tech savvy woman is the new woman A shift in public policies to upgrade the role that of the 21st century. women play in trade will not only help redress these inequalities, it can also help reform trade to KEYNOTE ADDRESS make it more inclusive and sustainable. Upgrading the female workforce through training ndia is the best- and skills development and investing in time- Iperforming country saving, labour-saving technologies that respond in Asia when it comes to women’s needs is important, as well. We need to foreign direct to provision for women’s disproportionate role in investment inflows. unpaid care work. India figures among There is also growing potential for e-Commerce the top 10 destinations to serve as an engine of women’s empowerment. for foreign direct Global retail e-commerce is a compelling economic investment in the Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary- General, United Nations opportunity for businesses and can be a powerful world. For the third Conference on Trade and engine for women entrepreneurs. consecutive year, Development (UNCTAD), The digital divide between men and women greenfield investment Geneva currently prevents women from fully benefiting is growing faster than from e-commerce opportunities. Globally, about 200 mergers and acquisition in India. Therefore, there million fewer women than men have access to the is no excuse for India to deny opportunities to internet. Social discrimination, illiteracy, and poverty women. are the main causes of this digital gender divide. Economic empowerment of women is the single UNCTAD has many programs working with most important tool in making the world economy governments and businesses to make globalization more inclusive, and guarantee a brighter future for more inclusive. These programs are Work Programme globalization. on Trade, Gender and Development, Empretec Women are important players in trade. They Entrepreneurship Program and eTrade for All. manufacture products, trade goods across borders, But the fastest and most lasting impact can be manage and own trading firms. Women also make achieved when private sector investors and up a large part of the workforce in export-oriented entrepreneurs themselves embrace the economic businesses. potential of women’s empowerment. But despite growing participation in the economy We will continue to push for more efforts to – as workers, as managers and as entrepreneurs – make trade a stronger instrument for women’s women’s potential in trade is still too often held empowerment, but we also trust that women’s back by the many constraints they face. These empowerment can itself help us reform and limitations, in turn, limit development. improve trade. The expansion of global trade had an ambiguous impact on women. Trade has enabled more women to find wage employment – but often at low salaries with limited opportunities for skill development.

15 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT CONCLUDING REMARKS create a Resurgent India.” I am honored Now is the right time for women to empower “and pleased to themselves, change their thought process and address this august be a part of the nation building exercise. WTC gathering of dignified Mumbai is committed to the cause of Women’s guests, women Empowerment, and we would support aspiring leaders and business women entrepreneurs and professionals in all women. Women’s possible ways. empowerment VOTE OF THANKS has remained an important policy Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice- r. Kalantri Chairman, World Trade Centre issue for many thanked the Mumbai M years. The demand Chief Guest Dr. for women’s Mukhisa Kituyi, empowerment began in western countries Secretary-General, such as the Netherlands, US and UK in the 19th United Nations Century. Empowering women leads to the better Conference on Trade wellbeing of our children and hence the overall and Development progress of our community. Therefore, women’s (UNCTAD), Geneva, Mr. Vijay G. Kalantri, empowerment indirectly contributes to economic for his kind gesture President, All India Association growth of the nation. Indian mythology holds of participating in the of Industries and Vice women on a high pedestal. The three Goddesses Summit. Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Director - WTCA of Knowledge, Wealth, and Power are represented He also thanked the Board, N.Y. by women, according to Hindu Mythology. Our other guests and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made women’s delegates in the audience and members of media empowerment an integral part of his strategy to for attending this event.

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Session - I The Evolving Women in the 21st Century

Issues and challenges facing women in the 21st century are varied and the role of education, science and technology in empowering women is very important. Experts from industry, government, academia and non government organizations offered intellectually stimulating perspectives on the above topics.

Diginitaries on the dias from L to R : Mr. Y.R. Warerkar, Executive Director, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries and Vice-Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Department of Trade and Industry, Industry Promotion Group (IPG), Philippines, Dr. Sonia Sethi, IAS, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai, Ms. Michaela Marksová, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, Ms. Pooja Bedi, Actor and Columnist, Madam Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Chairwoman, Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vietnam, Ms. Saroja Sirisena, Consul General, Consulate General of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Mumbai and Ms. Rupa Naik, Director - Projects, World Trade Centre Mumbai.

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Following is the excerpts of the speeches delivered during the first session

I have spent more Ms. Sirisena. However, gender inequity persists in “than 30 years working the labor force. There are only three sectors which withgovernments are dominated by women workers. The first is the andmultinational remittance industry. Many Sri Lankan women companies.Today, are employed in foreign countries (especially in there are more women the Gulf countries), and they send remittances professionals and to their families back home. The second is the entrepreneurs than 30 apparel sector, where women account for 75- years ago. However, 80% of the workforce. It also accounts for major we still need to discuss Dr. Ella NilaKanthi foreign exchange earnings. Third, women are gender equality, as Ford, Director, Integral extensively employed in the tea plantation sector. Performance Europe and Asia we have not reached In all these areas, wages paid to women have a suitable plateau. We remained historically low. However, in recent must transcend the discourse of gender equality years, efforts have been made to address the and try to address issues; such as poverty, which disparity and remuneration in these sectors is affects women disproportionately. In this regard, improving. I recollect Ms. Mary Cousins, who sailed to India Since the late 1970s, the Sri Lankan government in 1916 during the British Raj, as the first lady has adopted a liberal economic policy, promoting magistrate. Ms. Cousins extensively worked for entrepreneurship. Consequently, women’s economic empowerment of women in India. She participation in entrepreneurship has grown, with traveled across India to address issues faced by more and more women entering new roles and women. She set up women’s co-operatives, and markets, while also diversifying their business. believed that women could transform the rural economy by leading these co-operatives.” Sri Lanka has also committed to the HeForShe Programme of the UN Women, which engages ri Lanka recognized men and boys in achieving gender equality. Sthe need for women’s equality a long time ago. Women omen in the in Sri Lanka could cast WCzech Republic their votes in 1931, are increasingly well before some of the turning towards European countries. entrepreneurship In Sri Lanka, women as a career option. Entrepreneurship Ms. Saroja Sirisena, Consul account for half General, Consulate General the students in all offers women the of the Democratic Socialist university admissions freedom to adjust their Republic of Sri Lanka in work timings and also Ms. Michaela Marksová, Mumbai, (except in engineering, science,and balance their family Minister, Ministry of Labour commitments. and Social Affairs of the technology), remarked Czech Republic

18 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Gender inequality is still prevalent in the in 2017-18 budget. Also, the government has economy of Czech Republic. The Government of introduced gender-based budgeting across all Czech Republic proactively addresses this issue. ministries to assess the impact of government Women in the Czech Republic earn 22% less schemes on women’s welfare. compared to their male counterparts. Recently, the The Government of India recently revamped government, with the financial support from the the Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance European Union, has launched a software system and Development (TREAD) scheme for to track the wages earned by men and women in women enterprises. Under the scheme, women different organizations. The data generated by entrepreneurs can receive training, counseling, this software system would enable employers to and grants for their business activities. The assess gender differences in the payment of wages government also promotes small-scale women and take corrective actions. The government has enterprises by financially supporting women self- taken care to ensure that this data is not made help groups. available in the public domain. Under Jan-Dhan Yojana, the government has The government has also put trained inspectors opened bank accounts for the unbanked citizens. In from the Labour Department on the ground to the future, the government would deliver welfare conduct inspections on gender discrimination. subsidies in the form of cash deposits in the bank Four years ago, the Czech government introduced account of the beneficiaries. Such a move would a quota system for women candidates in the not only prevent leakage of government grants regional general election. and improve accountability but also empower women in households. r. Sethi stressed on The government policies are bearing fruit, and Dthe initiatives taken we are gradually moving toward sustainable by the Government development goals (SDG). Now the primary of India on gender challenge for government is to ensure sustainability budgeting,financial of these initiatives. inclusion,direct While government policies are essential for benefit transfer and its women’s empowerment, the private sector is also impact on women’s equally responsible to ensure gender equality. empowerment. United Nations has recommended a change in corporate culture and formulation of habits to In India, more than Dr. Sonia Sethi, IAS, 90% of female workers Additional Director General promote gender equality. are employed in of Foreign Trade, Directorate the informal sector. General of Foreign Trade, omen’s Mumbai Government and WEmpowerment industry bodies must is letting women make evolve strategies to empower these women. the necessary choices in their life. Every For a transformational change, the government family must empower must increase resource allocation for women its women to take her welfare schemes. The Union Budget 2017-18 has decisions independently. raised budgetary allocation for women-oriented programs by 26%. The ambitious Beti Bachao Women’s empowerment cannot be viewed as Beti Padhao program received a five-fold growth Ms. Pooja Bedi, Actor and Columnist

19 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT a struggle between women and men. Women’s ietnam Women empowerment is the struggle of women against VEntrepreneurs the judicial system, social principles, and Council (VWEC) is continuing prejudices. Often, women victims of actively involved in violence do not get justice in time. supporting women- Women’s empowerment is the struggle of women owned businesses in the against a patriarchal society, which restricts the country. The Council role of women in economy and governance. promotes women Women’s empowerment also means struggle entrepreneurs through of women against the traditional belief system the following ways: Mdm. Nguyen Thi Tuyet rooted in religious and family values, which tries Minh, Chairwoman, • Train employers to dictate women’s behavior. Women need to Vietnam Women on best practices in Entrepreneurs Council empower themselves. gender equality. (VWEC), Vietnam An ASEAN Perspective on the evolving Chamber of Commerce • Facilitate and Industry (VCCI), women in the 21st century the principle Vietnam The 10-member of women’s ASEAN Community empowerment and enterprise policy is committed to • Support women-owned businesses and the principle of start-up companies. gender equality The Council works in close cooperation with and, in 1976, has the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network formed the ASEAN (AWEN) to promote collaboration among Committee on women entrepreneurs in ASEAN countries. Women (ACW) for AWEN assists women enterprises in the co-operation among Ms. Nora K. Terrado, following ways: member countries Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Department • Policy advocacy on women’s economic on women’s policy (Ministry) of Trade and empowerment at the regional level. programs. Industry, Industry Promotion Group (IPG), Philippines • Business matching and networking – ACW’s Plan for AWEN sends its members to participate 2016-20, aims to promote women’s leadership, in international trade shows. AWEN has eliminating gender stereotyping, changing social partnered with global bodies such as the norms, mainstreaming gender perspectives and OECD and USAID to help its members promoting economic empowerment of women. better in trade facilitation. ACW has created a working group, known • Capacity building and information sharing as ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network – AWEN organizes various forums, (AWEN) to provide a platform for women workshops, training courses for its members. entrepreneurs in the ASEAN countries to AWEN also shares trade information among connect and explore new business opportunities. its members. • Trademark and Honours – AWEN identifies best practices in business and confers awards on successful women entrepreneurs.

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Session - II STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Dignitaries on the Dias from L to R : Ms. Sangeeta Wij, President, Women in Science and Engineering, Dr. Madhuri B. Khambete, Principal, Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Ms. Roslina Chai, Co-Founder & Chief Learning Curator, Grow Your Knolwedge into Being, Singapore, Ms. Karen Horting, Executive Director & CEO, Society of Women Engineers, USA, Dr. Asmita Chitnis, Director, Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Ms. Sairee Chahal, Founder, Sheroes, Prof. Usha Haley, Professor of Management, College of Business and Economics, West Virginia University, USA, Dr. Yogita Shukla, Advisor, SkyMap Global and DST Fellow at Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Engr Valerie Agberaba, Vice-President, World Federation of Engineering Organisations and Chair, Committee for Women in Engineering, France.

Following is the excerpts of the speeches delivered during the second session

omen have government and public sector financial institutions Wto empower run various schemes promoting women-owned themselves, and the best enterprises. Women in rural and semi-urban areas way to be economically need to be made aware of the various schemes. empowered is to pursue Also, policymakers must ensure that their plans are entrepreneurship. effectively implemented Choosing at the grass root levels. entrepreneurship as career opportunity ndia still has a enables women to Ilong way to go decide their work in attaining gender Ms. Sangeeta Wij, President, equality in education Women in Science and timings according Engineering (WISE) to their family and employment. The commitments. Both sixth largest economy educated and uneducated women can pursue lags many developing countries regarding entrepreneurship in different sectors. There are Ms. Sairee Chahal, many uneducated women running enterprises women’s literacy and Founder, Sheroes in food catering, beauty salon, retailing, textile their participation in designing and various other sectors. The the workforce. The government and the private sector must work hand-in-hand in advancing

21 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT gender equality. from over 90 nations, I encourage and offers information young women to and leadership to “ engineers globally. pursue a career in WFEO promotes its scientific research, mission through 10 taking advantage of standing technical the many schemes committees. The the Government of Committee on Women India institutes. The in Engineering (WIE), Engr. Valerie Agberagba, Vice Department of Science Dr. Yogita Shukla, Advisor, is one among them President, World Federation of SkyMap Global and DST and Technology, and works toward Engineering Organisations and Fellow at Indian Institute of Government of India, empowering women Chair, Committee for Women Remote Sensing offers fellowships and in engineering and in Engineering, France grants to women for technology profession pursuing research in science and technology.” by focusing on the following three areas: Dr. Shukla recalled her keen interest and passion 1. Breaking the glass ceiling, for pursuing a career in scientific research, which 2. Leadership and empowerment, and helped her be a technology evangelist in geo- 3. Providing statistics. spatial science. As a scientist, she has visited the WIE addresses the glass ceiling in corporate Himalayas and conducted research on vegetation sector by promoting workforce diversity, assisting and climate change in the region. companies in attracting, retaining and promoting women engineers.” She noted that women were limited in their career choice because of their maternal duties. Women ince 1950, are the primary caregiver of their children and Sthe Society of family, and hence employers need to provide Women Engineers flexibility in work timings for women. Women has been working also need support from their spouse and in-laws to promote women in sharing household responsibility, which can in the engineering help them pursue a full-time career. profession. Not only is the number of The time has come to work toward eliminating women who choose gender stereotypes. Traditionally, women’s engineering as a career role is associated with cooking and taking care option particularly Ms. Karen Horting, of household work. It needs to change. The Executive Director and less, the pursuit of the parenting methodology and education system CEO Society of Women subject professionally Engineers, USA will play a significant role in removing gender also ranks low. We stereotyping. Parents should avoid imposing must make the workplace conducive for women. traditional gender roles among their children. It is the responsibility of government, business We need to enhance the participation of chambers and professional bodies to work with women in engineering, science, mathematics “ employers and enable them recruit and retain and technology-oriented occupations. The women engineers. World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), represents about 20 million engineers

22 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Everything we technological innovation had always been there. “create is an It is the poverty of our storytelling which has expression of our eroded the feminine presence.” humanity. Science, Technology, t is a fact that the number Engineering and Math Iof women enrolling for (STEM) are creative professional qualifications endeavors. All the such as engineering and above disciplines call science has improved in for the same essential recent years. But it is also important to note that more Ms. Roslina Chai, Co- creative forces in all Founder & Chief Learning humans. As a matter Dr. Madhuri B. women head education Khambete, Principal, Curator, Grow Your of intellectual honesty, institutions today. In India, Knowledge into Being Cummins College 40-50% of secondary (Gnowbe), Singapore one is compelled to of Engineering for ask, where then is the Women schools are led by women. feminine in this expression? However, it is also a fact that the number of women-led institutions of It is an urgent question. higher studies is not very encouraging. There are It is urgent because in 2017, while many of us are more than 500 Universities in India and women unlikely to remember the days of a floppy disk, as Vice Chancellors account for only about 13 VCR, and pagers, it is a moral imperative to Universities. ask “what is the gender of the gatekeepers who I represent an create and police the algorithms that govern and institution which permeate every aspect of our lives?” “ is the first engineering Who codes the algorithm of Google, Facebook, college dedicated to or Shaadi.com? Around the world, who codes women in India. The the facial recognition technology that law college started operations enforcement and the military had been buying in 1991, at a time when to make life and death decisions? Who codes the number of women the algorithms that produce statistics which choosing engineering as a governments around the world use to make profession was very low. policy decisions? Prof. Usha Haley, Professor Over the course of time, It’s more likely to be men. of Management, College of women’s representation Business and Economics, Technological and digital fluency is fast becoming West Virginia University, in engineering, science, the agent who can bring about the greatest USA and technology has democratization of knowledge. However, the increased manifold, unbridled haste deepens pervasive inequality. as a result of government policy, economic In 2017, there are endless opportunities to ensure development, and a shift in social attitudes. In that the new narrative of humanity embraces fact, there are more women engineers in India equality and the totality of the masculine and the than in any other western country. However, feminine. within engineering, the representation of women in civil, mechanical and chemical disciplines is In conclusion, how we speak about women’s still small. Women tend to choose electronics empowerment matters. And this is a gender neutral and computer science, which are called soft undertaking. It is a humanist agenda. The presence engineering disciplines.” of the feminine in humanity’s expressions of

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ender inequality in the USA. Gis not an Studies show that while women enter the issue that affects management category in the business sector, developing countries they remain stuck at the same position instead of alone, even developed progressing to higher roles in the organization. countries suffer Women’s career development is hindered by their from some form of commitment to household responsibilities, as they gender inequality. are the primary caregiver in the family. Therefore, While 33% of MBA organizations must introduce flexible timing for graduates in the USA women employees to help them balance their are women, they commitment to job and family responsibilities constitute only 14% better. Also, women have the urge to be heard Dr. Asmita Chitnis, Director, of senior executives and to be part of the decision-making process. Symbiosis Institute of in Fortune 500 International Business [SIIB] Therefore, companies need to create conducive companies. Women work environment for women to become leaders make 30% less than and decision-makers. men in corporate jobs

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Session - III Leadership and Women’s Foray into the Business Domain

he second day of the Summit had four sessions on various topics such as women’s leadership in business, role of government and institutional support, capacity building Tand women’s excellence in arts and culture. These sessions generated thought provoking perspectives from speakers, who included image consultants, human resource experts, management consultants, women entrepreneurs, Heads of chambers of commerce, representatives from multilateral organizations, women artists and so on.

Dignitaries on the dias from L to R : Ms. Chhaya Sehgal, Founder & CEO, The Winning Edge, Ms. Damchae Dem, CEO/ Founder, Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Bhutan, Ms. Lakmini Wijesundera, Co-founder, Director and Chief Executive Officer, IronOne Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd, Sri Lanka, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, AVTAR I-WIN, Ms. Selima Ahmad, President, and Founder, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) Bangladesh, Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Ms. Birgit M. Liodden, Nor-Shipping Director, Norway Trade Fairs,Ms. Deepika R. Rajnoor, Founder and Lead Consultant, Image Mantra, Ms. Mitu Samar, Founder, Eminence, Ms. Tejal Gandhi, CEO and Founder, Money Matters, India and Ms. Malini Shankar, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India Following is the excerpts of the speeches delivered during this session:

r. Kalantri said that he was delighted to see more than 350 Mdelegates from 20 countries attend the Summit. Women have excelled in whichever field they have entered. It is because women are more focused, committed and hard working. In India, women have acquired leadership in bureaucracy, politics, judiciary, entrepreneurship and many other fields. There are countries where the woman’s role is limited to only a few sectors. He felt time is not far, when we could achieve gender equality in Mr. Vijay G. Kalantri, President, AlAI,Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai, all fields of the economy across the globe. and Director - WTCA Board, N.Y.

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rade is an earned by men. Timportant Nordic countries tool for women’s such as Iceland, empowerment. But Sweden, Norway the relationship and Finland are between trade far ahead of other and women’s nations in achieving empowerment is gender equality. not direct. It is the In these countries, economic growth women are more and its contribution likely than men to to the alleviation have a university of poverty that degree and be in the matters. Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, labor force. Women Ms. Chhaya Sehgal, Founder & CEO, The Winning Edge Women are already Deputy Director-General, World constitute 30-44% Trade Organization (WTO), doing well. ‘Now, of company boards Geneva you women…must in these Nordic countries, compared with an look beyond yourself. You need to walk with the average of 20% across the OECD. Women have government of your country. Government policies adequate representation in the Parliaments of the aren’t made for public officials.’ Nordic countries, thanks to the voluntary political gender quota. In October 2016, women owned a Mr. Agah suggested that women traders and women record 48% of seats in the Lower House of the entrepreneurs should express their grievances on legislature of Iceland. trading procedures and policy challenges that they On the other hand, women’s participation in the face while engaging in international trade. Women administration is less in countries such as Turkey, entrepreneurs needed to raise their voice, to make Japan and South Korea. Women make up only their grievances considered by decision makers in 15% of elected representatives in these countries. international trade negotiations and domestic trade They are also under-represented in management policy formation. positions and on the boards of companies. In Also, he suggested that government agencies must South Korea, only 2% of directors in the boards of take feedback from stakeholders at the bottom business are women. of the pyramid so that voices of women were Progress in gender equality has a tendency to build heard. The government must mainstream gender upon itself. In Iceland, female workers marched perspectives in trade policy. Trade policy reform a protest, by leaving their office early, to call can affect women both positively and negatively attention to the gender pay gap in that country in depending on the sector and country-specific October 2016. conditions. Back in India, Ms. Tarjani Vakil was the only woman lobally, gender inequality is still prevalent in officer among the first 40 candidates employed by Gmost of the countries, said Ms. Chhaya Sehgal, India’s leading financial institution IDBI in 1965. Founder & CEO, The Winning Edge. According to Vakil blazed the trail for women financial honchos the fifth annual ‘glass-ceiling index’ published of today when she became Chairperson and by The Economist in 2017, women’s labor force Managing Director of EXIM Bank in 1993. Ms. participation has improved only marginally from Lila Poonawalla is the first women to head a bank 60% to 63% in OECD countries, during the in India and the first woman engineering graduate decade since 2005. During this period, labor force from College of Engineering, Pune. Poonawalla participation of men was 80%. Gender inequality was a trainee engineer on the shop floor of Ruston is also visible in wage discrimination. Across the & Hornsby in 1967. In 1987, she was appointed globe, women, on average, earn only 85% of wages Managing Director of Alfa Laval, creating history

26 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT as the first woman head of an engineering MNC Dressing well should not be reserved only for in India. some special occasions. Also, women must have “As more women start entering sectors such as the ability to look manufacturing and FMCG, many more would at circumstances follow suit. It is just about creating gender positively. neutral environment,” said Ms. Chanda Kochhar, s. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MWijesundera ICICI Bank. listed the three India has made considerable progress in useful tips on representing women in the corporate sector. international According to data from Prime Database, the marketing which number of women directors in 1570 companies had served her listed on National Stock Exchange has risen six well: times during 2011-2016. However, India still has a long way to go in ensuring gender equality. Out • Focus Ms. Lakmini Wijesundera, of 147 countries, India ranks at the 139th position • Local Partners Co-founder, Director and Chief on economic participation and opportunity for • Travel Executive Officer, IronOne women. “We need to focus Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd, Sri Lanka The day when a woman discovers what is driving on a select set of her, it is the day of her success. countries while Research shows that women are more ethical at marketing our brands globally. Initially, the the workplace. Women stockbrokers in the Wall board members of my organization suggested me Street, USA, have delivered consistent growth in to promote our software products in 10 countries. returns for their clients which is as a result of their While marketing products in foreign countries, commitment to ethics. there is a need to build a strong partnership with local distributors, suppliers and other partners in the respective countries. The third tip for success aised by is travel. If one wants to market one’s brands grandparents, R abroad, one needs to go to different countries Deepika thanked the values instilled and personally meet prospective clients. While in her. As an image international marketing is highly risky it is a consultant for the highly rewarding venture.” last seven years, Deepika mentors n India, 24.5% of individuals on their clothing, grooming Iwomen participate in the labor force. and etiquettes. Ms. Deepika R. Rajnoor, However, only 16% of Women must express Founder and Lead Consultant, Image Mantra women are employed their confidence in their appearance. in the corporate sector. Women are not taken seriously in business, The majority of these something which can be improved by being better women are in the IT dressed. One of the challenges for women is that and BPO industry. they are multi-tasking. Women need different Around 30-35% of dress codes between household chores and the the workforce in the Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, workplace. Whenever women go for a business IT and BPO industry Founder-President, AVTAR meeting, they must dress and groom well. are women. Women I-WIN

27 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT in these industries are employed in entry-level “I come from a humble transaction jobs. background when I We are in the world of technological disruption, started my business where automation and artificial intelligence venture by making and are claiming entry-level transactional jobs. selling potato chips in This would affect the employment prospects our locality. In the year of women working in the IT and BPO industry. 2006, I pioneered steel Therefore, to remain in the workforce, women manufacturing in Bhutan. must acquire the required skills for higher level Today, my organization jobs. Today, in the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, manufactures and sells Ms. Damchae Dem, CEO/Founder, Bhutan Complicated and Ambiguous) World, women the steel brand ‘Perfect Steel.’ We have received Association of Women must be digitally empowered and acquire new Entrepreneurs, Bhutan skills to stay relevant in the labor market. awards for the quality of our products from the esearch shows that prestigious business group, Tata. Tata Group is a R92% of customers supplier of sponge iron (a raw material for steel buy products based making) to our company.” on a recommendation “We pioneered Business Process Outsourcing and not based on an (BPO) in the field of medical transcription in advertisement. A brand Bhutan. I also started training schools for skill is just an identity. It development of youth. I trained around 100 is the reputation of young people and gifted that training class to the brand that leads to these trained youth.” sales. Ms. Mitu Samar, Founder, “About 30 years ago, I came to Mumbai for a “I have worked with Eminence training program conducted by India’s leading women across three life insurer LIC. Today, my organization is a different levels - 1. Marginalized women, 2. reinsurance partner of India’s leading general Mid-management level and 3. Boardroom insurance firm GIC.” level. Women in the marginalized section of the population must be empowered. At the mid- “I also set up Bhutan Association of Women management and boardroom level, the primary Entrepreneurs to promote women entrepreneurs challenge that women face is poor self-esteem in 2010.” and the imposter syndrome. These women must believe that their career is important and they I have seen how my grandmother suffered add value to their organization. These women “because of lack of education and lack of must be confident and happy. They should not economic empowerment. So, I resolved to be hesitate to seek help from their colleagues and educated and be financially empowered. I was a seniors.” mother when I was in 12th grade. But I did not stop my education. I gradually completed post- Married at the age of 16. I am educated, but graduation. According to me, innovation does not “I am not schooled. Life has been my teacher. mean only the technological innovation; it also There is nothing a woman can’t do if she puts her means new possibilities and strategies to make a mind to it. With access to information, education difference in the lives of others.” and conducive work environment, a woman “After completing my education, I innovated has true potential and can become a productive myself to become an entrepreneur in association member of society capable of leadership roles.”

28 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT with my friends. But International has a global presence, with 18 after two years, all chapters, in 12 countries, with nearly 4000 my male friends left members.” the venture thinking “My experience proves that without formal that entrepreneurship education, as a woman and as an outsider, I could was risky. I started my add value to my work by bringing in different company Nitol-Niloy perspectives. Thus, diversity brings better results, Group in a garage with improved competitiveness to all organizations, a capital of USD 500. whether it is government or private sector.” Today, our company is the largest taxpayer in Bangladesh, with a Ms. Selima Ahmad, I worked for Standard President, and Founder, turnover of around USD Chartered Bank for Bangladesh Women “ 200 million, employing Chamber of Commerce 13 years, and then I quit 7,000 people. So, I and Industry (BWCCI) the job to pursue my created my life according Bangladesh passion for becoming to the way I wanted it to financial consultant. be. I also felt that other When I quit my job, I women must participate in entrepreneurship. did not have any idea Therefore, I formed Bangladesh Women Chamber about how to become of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), despite an entrepreneur. But I facing challenges from the existing industry never stopped dreaming chambers in the country.” about my passion Ms. Tejal Gandhi, CEO and (to empower youth Founder, Money Matters, “The existing chambers questioned the need India for having a separate chamber of commerce for and women through women in media. After a seven-year long struggle, financialt literacy). I I could set up BWCCI with the support of the founded Money Matters to educate men and Government of Bangladesh. Therefore, I would women on financial planning.” like to say that `If you pursue something with “I have worked with more than 500 families your heart, soul, and conviction, you can achieve and trained more than 5000 women on financial it.’ That is how BWCCI was established.” literacy, through workshops and other training programs. When I was 15-year “According to a research study by BSP Blackrock, “old, I was told that only 23% of working women take decision I would never amount independently on managing their finance and to anything. Today, I investment. The remaining 77% depend on their am a woman leader in husband, son, father or a chartered accountant the maritime industry. for managing their investment. I encourage I was the President of more and more women to manage their finances YoungShip Norway independently.” between 2009 and 2011. After that, I “Ethics is the lifeline of any organization, and founded YoungShip it should be an integral part of an organization’s International in 2011, Ms. Birgit M. Liodden, Nor- policy. Sometimes, circumstances may require to train young men Shipping Director, Norway you to be unethical. Ethics is inbuilt in the trait and women in the Trade Fairs of women. Women must stand up for ethics”. Shipping industry. Today, YoungShip

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Session - IV Government and Institutional Support for Women

Dignitaries on the dias from L to R : Ms. Andrea M. Ewart, President, Organization of Women in International Trade, USA, Mr. Anand Mohan Jha, Principal, National Skill Development Corporation, Ms. Denise Thomas, Director of Africa Trade Public Relations and Marketing, World Trade Center Arkansas, USA, Mr. Joseph Burke, Deputy Secretary, Department of Community & Economic Development Office of International Business Development, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA, Ms. Nishtha Satyam, Head - Strategic Partnership, Policy Impact and Public Relations, UN Women Office for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan, Ms. Justine Namara, Communications Officer, Enhanced Integrated Framework at the WTO, Geneva, Ms. Viktoria Lopatina, Founder & Managing Director, Kat.El International Trade Consulting Srls, Italy, Ms. Anuradha Sridhar, Banking Specialist, MSME, International Finance Corporation - Financial Institutions Group -Advisory, Ms. Charu Pragya, Opinion maker, Social reformer, Budding Author, Smt. Chand Kureel, Deputy General Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India, Mumbai Regional Office.

Following is the excerpts of the speeches delivered during the fourth session

ational Skill training. NSDC also offers skill training to school NDevelopment and college dropouts in the age of 18-35 years. Council (NSDC) In particular cases, there is an age relaxation and has been set up by take in students even above 35 years of age. Government of India It is found that girls hesitate to enroll in NSDC’s with a mission to skill institutes, as the majority of the trainees are boys. 150 million people by Therefore, Government of India has introduced 2020. So far, 10 million Pradhan Mantri Mahila Kaushal Kendra, which people have been skilled are skill training institutes exclusively for women. under this mission. These institutes offer vocational skills across Women constituted only Mr. Anand Mohan Jha, diverse fields ranging from tailoring, beauty care, 34% of students trained Principal, National Skill to advanced technologies, robotics, artificial by NSDC in 2014. This Development Corporation intelligence, Big Data and so on. The certificates proportion improved issued by NSDC to trainees carry the stamp of gradually to 41% as of 2015-16 and further Government of India, and the industry highly to 52% as of February 2017. NSDC imparts recognizes it. Different courses have different vocational skills to students who could not access duration of training ranging from 2-10 days to formal academic education or formal vocational 3-4 months.

30 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT orporate Social trend during this CResponsibilities period. Eliminating (CSR) are the gender inequality responsibilities of in the economy will every business owner. boost India’s GDP by Entrepreneurs can 27%. Many factors influence policy and impede women’s make life better in unequal participation their communities by in the economy. These doing the right thing factors are women’s Ms. Denise Thomas, and getting involved. responsibility in Ms. Nishtha Satyam, Head – Director of Africa Trade Commitment to the the primary care of Strategic Partnership, Policy social cause through Public Relations and children, deeply rooted Marketing, World Trade Impact and Public Relations, CSR activities creates Center Arkansas, USA cultural practices and UN Women Office for India, a positive image of so on. However, the Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the company among most important factor Bhutan employees and customers. Thus, it helps in is the lack of access enhancing the brand value of the business to decent jobs. In other words, women do not get products and strengthens its market position. jobs that they like to do. Another reason for poor Women entrepreneurs must act to create a better women participation is that women are digitally way of life not only for themselves but also for deprived. others. We can do better than our predecessors Government policies such as introducing minimum through inclusion and decision-making for wage guarantee, providing skill training and setting the highest good of our organizations, for our up of vocational training institutes for women are associates and humanity. We have a voice, and aimed at promoting women’s participation in the we must get involved and use it so that we are economy. part of the change we want to see. But the most important initiative of Government of India is the introduction of gender responsive n Pennsylvania, budgeting. UN Women has supported the Ithere is an government in this initiative. Under gender improvement in the responsive budgeting, all the ministerial number of women departments must ensure that 33% of the taking up courses resources spent by them are benefitting women. in information This proportion does not include the resources technology and spent under women welfare policies or schemes. medicine. Women The Indian government has also set up gender in Pennsylvania budgeting cell across various ministries. Apart own around 30% of Mr. Joseph Burke, Deputy from this, the government has introduced the Secretary, Department of business. Women Community & Economic Stand-Up India Scheme for financially supporting constitute 40% of Development Office of women entrepreneurs. lawmakers in the International Business However, implementation of these policies is a state legislature of Development, Commonwealth major challenge. There is a need to improve the of Pennsylvania, USA Pennsylvania. existing framework for better implementation of these policies. emale labor force participation in India has Ffallen substantially in the last two decades. Most countries in South Asia also show similar

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orld Trade less developed countries under the Global Aid for WOrganisation Trade Initiative. In Ghana, 75% of these projects (WTO) has introduced have benefitted women. Similarly, in Cambodia, the Enhanced Integrated Nepal, and Zambia, 60% of the Global Aid for Framework (EIF), which Trade projects have helped women. In the West is a mechanism through African country of Mali, the corresponding figure which least developed is 80%. WTO is also supporting the Women countries can access Business Association in Solomon Islands. The Aid for Trade. The Government of Solomon Islands is encouraging Global Aid for Trade is women to engage in the development of eco- a program of the WTO Ms. Justine Namara, tourism. The Enhanced Integrated Framework to enhance the capacity Communications Officer, (EIF) is supporting three projects to promote eco- Enhanced Integrated of developing countries tourism in Solomon Islands. Framework at the WTO, (including the poorest Geneva In the Island nation of Samoa, the EIF is supporting of poor countries) to women’s cooperatives in value addition of cocoa participate in international trade. The program and coconut products destined for export. aims to improve the competitiveness of women farmers, micro small and medium enterprises Thus, under the EIF mechanism, 35,000 women and start-up enterprises in these countries. In have directly benefitted in Africa, Asia, and less developed countries (LDCs), women face Pacific. Around 5 million women have benefitted discriminatory laws. Often, women’s potential indirectly through this mechanism. in entrepreneurship and trading is not recognized. The commitment of local government is also There is a need for gender inclusive policies equally important for women’s empowerment. The in LDCs. As part of the Global Aid for Trade Government of Rwanda has introduced a public- Programme, WTO conducts analytical studies to private partnership (PPP) model to implement assess the export potential of different regions in livelihood projects for women. Similar, PPP model developing countries. From these studies, WTO has been tried in other countries. In Mali, 465 rural offers policy recommendation and provides women earn a higher level of income today than capacity building for women farmers and women- before thanks to government intervention. owned enterprises. The corporate sector has a major role to play in WTO is working with UNCTAD and other women’s empowerment. The corporate sector development bodies in this initiative. must modify its business practices to accommodate The 8th Goal of the UN’s Sustainable Development women suppliers and women contractors. It is the Agenda 2030 mentions EIF in the following way: power of the collective voice that can effectively “Increase Aid for Trade support for developing lead to women’s countries, in particular, least developed countries, empowerment. including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries.” he government of WTO works with ITC for gender mainstreaming Tevery country has the of trade policies. The African country of Rwanda responsibility to promote has adopted gender perspectives in the national women’s empowerment. planning agenda. In this country, women Government must work conduct around 74% of cross-border trade with on the following action Ms. Viktoria Lopatina, its neighbors—Burundi, Congo, Tanzania and plan to enhance women’s Founder & Managing Uganda. participation in economy: Director, Kat. El ** Guarantee education as International Trade WTO has implemented various projects across legal right to all women Consulting Srls, Italy

32 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT ** Ensure women’s access to finance and digital 1. Utilizing movable technologies assets as collateral ** Establish facilities for unpaid care work such by MSMEs - Many as child care. Setting up such facilities would women-owned enable mothers to join the workforce. businesses operate in the micro, small and ** Establish incubators for women start-up medium enterprises enterprises (MSMEs) category. Historically, women’s participation in the economy One of the main was limited in Italy as women’s role was restricted challenges for to family care. Therefore, women entrepreneurship MSMEs in accessing Ms. Anuradha Sridhar, is an emerging trend in Italy. In 1946, women institutional credit Banking Specialist, MSME, got voting right in Italy. In 1975, a woman was is the lack of International Finance appointed the minister in the Government of collateral. In 2016, Corporation - Financial Italy for the first time. In 2005, Italy adopted the Government of India Institutions Group (FIG)- directives of European Union on gender equality. took measures to Advisory Following this, the government of Italy introduced facilitate MSMEs the National Code of Equal Opportunities between raise loan by pledging their plant and machinery, Men and Women in 2006. This Code provides the inventory and even intangible assets such as legal framework for gender equality. The code intellectual property rights and trademarks. guarantees several measures to reconcile the family The government allowed the electronic and professional life of women. These measures registration of these movable assets with include compulsory maternity leave of 22 weeks, the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset compulsory paternity leaves and a voucher system Reconstruction and Security Interest of India for child care services. Under the voucher system, (CERSAI). The measures were taken following women can avail free or subsidized child care the recommendation of a working group, which services from the private sector. This would free was set up jointly by CERSAI and IFC a few women from child care responsibility in the day years ago. time and enable them to join the workforce. 2. Advisory Services: Commercial banks in India The government of Italy has adopted quota system provide financial services to MSMEs. IFC to improve women’s representation at the local offers technical advisory services and financial and public administration. assistance to these commercial banks to enhance The outcome of these policies is not disappointing. the latter’s capacity to support MSMEs. According to the last report on gender equality 3. Banking on Women Program: Lending to women published in 2013, women constitute 35% of enterprises is a sound business proposition managers in Universities, 42% in Research Centres for financial institutions. Typically, financial and 43% in Central administration offices. services and financial products sought by men and women differ from each other. Women The government of Italy has also established a expect loyalty and trust while availing financial network of Equality Advisors at the regional and services. Therefore, women are treated as provincial level. Women, who find themselves distinct customer segment by IFC. IFC has discriminated at the workplace, can seek legal introduced ‘Banking on Women’ program. remedies from these Equality Advisors. Under this program, IFC helps its partners and s. Sridhar outlined the role of International local financial institutions serve women-owned MFinance Corporation (IFC) in supporting businesses profitably and sustainably women enterprises in India. The key initiatives Evidence from the implementation of the of IFC in supporting women businesses can be ‘Banking on Women’ Program indicate the summarized as follows: following:

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1. Women customers have huge unmet demand for scheme has contributed immensely to women’s loans. If tapped properly, women customers can economic empowerment. bring a huge deposit to financial institutions. “In my lifetime, I have seen many women- 2. Women customers have a satisfactory track record owned enterprises that are successfully run. of repaying loans. Therefore, credit offered to These companies have scaled up their operations women enterprises has a lower chance of turning successfully by availing institutional credit and into a non-performing asset (NPA). training services.” 3. Women as customer base make a sound business proposition for financial institutions. am going to share I wit h you some of n April 2016, the impactful corporate IGovernment of India social responsibility launched the Stand- (CSR) projects that Up India scheme to have benefitted women. offer financial support Some CSR projects in for women-owned India have addressed enterprises. SIDBI the issue of infant and NABARD are the mortality, while some designated Connect others have focused on Ms. Charu Pragya, Opinion Centres for this scheme. educating girl children. Under the Stand-Up Smt. Chand Kureel, Deputy In many instances, girl maker, Social reformer, India scheme, women- General Manager, Small children drop-out of Budding Author owned enterprises can Industries Development Bank schooling because of avail a loan of up to of India, Mumbai Regional the distance between their home and schools. Rs 1 crore. Under this Office Some CSR projects have offered vocational scheme, every bank training and job opportunities to these drop-out must offer loan to at girl children. least one woman enterprise per branch for setting up green-field project. So far, 17,000 women Tata Steel implemented its CSR project, named enterprises have been assisted and Rs 20 crore has Maternal and Newborn Survival Initiative or been disbursed under this scheme. The government Mansi in Jharkhand’s Seraikela block in 2009. has set up an e-platform, known as stand-Up India Under this project, women health workers were portal, for women to access loans through online trained to deliver home-based care to expectant channels. This online platform connects women mothers and newborns. This project helped in entrepreneurs (who wish to borrow funds) with reducing infant mortality across 167 villages of the banker or handholding agencies, as the case the Seraikela block. may be. Women borrowers, who register in this In another instance of CSR initiative, the K. C. e-platform, will have to choose either of the two Mahindra Education Trust (KCMET) initiated options – 1. Ready borrower, 2. Trainee Borrower. Project Nanhi Kali in 1996 to promote primary If the woman borrower chooses the first option, education among underprivileged girl children in she would be directed to a lending agency for India. availing a loan. If the borrower chooses the Under this project, underprivileged girl children second option, SIDBI will arrange for supporting are offered academic, material and social support such borrowers in acquiring financial literacy, to access quality education by attending school. skill training, entrepreneurship development The project also welcomes sponsorship from programs and other such training services. The the public for providing primary and secondary borrower, exercising the second option, can education to underprivileged girl children. access finance after undergoing the required training as sought by her. The Stand-Up India

34 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Session - V Women’s Empowerment through Capacity Building and Social Entrepreneurship

(L-R): Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, President, All India Association of Industries, Prof. George T. Haley, Professor of Marketing and International Business, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, USA, Dr. Monisha Behal, Executive Director, North East Network, Guwahati, Mr. T. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Founding Sevak and Executive Director, PanIIT Alumni Reach For India Foundation, Ms. Karon Shaiva, Chief Impact Officer & MD, IDOBRO, Shri Deepak Vasant Kesarkar, State Minister, Home (Rural), Finance and Planning,Government of Maharashtra, Ms. Rupa Naik, Director-Projects, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Executive Director, All India Association of Industries, Ms. Abha Singh, Senior Advocate, Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre, Geneva, Ms. Roshini Suparna Diwakar, Project Manager, Phicus Social, Ms. Anupama Kapoor, Founder, Reboot, Ms. Pallavi Jha, Chairperson & Managing Director, Walchand People First Ltd, Mr. Y. R.Warerkar,Executive Director,World Trade Centre Mumbai. Following is the excerpts of the speeches delivered during the fifth session

DOBRO runs an entrepreneurs need to focus on enhancing the Iaccelerator program to sale of their products. We found that some empower women through women entrepreneurs could double their sales the ABCD strategies, by just making a minor improvement in the where A stands for packaging of the products. Another focus area Access to Markets, B for is the communication strategy. There was a Building Capacity, C for woman who manufactured and sold incense Creating Linkages and sticks. Child labor is rampant in the incense D for Deliver Solutions. stick manufacturing sector. We advised these Women entrepreneurs women manufacturers to insert a tagline ‘no can be empowered by Ms. Karon Shaiva, Chief child labor’ in their communication strategy. helping them in gaining Impact Officer & MD, After including this tagline, the sale of incense IDOBRO access to new markets sticks manufactured by these women rose 64%. and engaging them in The digital revolution and advancement in capacity building. We did a small training information technology is a primary facilitator session on ‘Packaging’ with Women Self Help for women entrepreneurs. According to a study, Group. women are more likely than men to grasp Packaging is one area which women technology and make use of it in their business.

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hicus is a not-for- TC works with small and medium enterprises Pprofit organization Iacross 200 countries. based out of Karnataka, Around 40% of SMEs and it works on capacity are run by women. building in the social However, out of five sector. Rural women SMEs led by women, lack context specific only one is able to information on financial, export its products. social, political and We must have a better cultural issues. Phicus understanding of what Ms. Roshini Suparna believes in providing the we can do for these Diwakar, Project Manager, necessary information women-run SMEs. Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Phicus Social Solutions Following are some to women and thereby Tembo, Deputy Executive bringing positive impact of the constraints in Director, International on their families and communities. addressing the problems Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva In 2011, the project Jagriti was launched in faced by women-run partnership with Grameen Koota Financial SMEs across the globe: Services Pvt. Ltd., to disseminate information • Poor data availability: There is a lack of data and create awareness among rural women. The on the number of SMEs run by women, their project was initially implemented in Karnataka business activity and so on. in 2011, and then expanded to Maharashtra in • Inadequate institutional capacity building: 2013. Through this project, we started sharing We must have strong institutions for capacity information on government schemes, health building of women enterprises and to ensure care, sanitation etc among rural women. the sustainability of women’s businesses. To assess the outcome of this project, we However, my observation shows that women conducted an impact study in 2015. The institutions are weak and vested interests study found that the information disseminated mostly represent them. through this project got translated into action. • Lack of effective government measures: For instance, dissemination of information on Often, initiatives by the government to the menace of open defecation and the various support women-run SMEs are not well co- government schemes available to address this ordinated. Sometimes, these actions are not issue. Women in Self-Help Group shared the sequenced properly, or they do not respond information with other women who are not part to the priority that is identified. of this group. These women not only built toilets in their home but also helped women from other communities to build toilets by seeking he biggest challenge that (women) funds from their Gram Panchayat. Jagriti now entrepreneurs face in the USA is lack of reaches over 9 lakh women across Karnataka T mentorship. In a survey, conducted in the USA and Maharashtra. on women’s entrepreneurship, 82% of the In future, we are planning to adopt Information female respondents cited lack of mentorship and Communication Technology to enhance the as the greatest challenge for them. Women reach of the information to women in urban areas. entrepreneurs require mentoring in building and Especially, women working in the informal expanding their business. Women entrepreneurs sector in the urban areas face a lot of challenges. also require capacity building to train them on We want to build a strong community of these managerial, technical and marketing skills. women in the informal sector and enable them Another major problem faced by women to find solutions for their challenges. entrepreneurs is, lack of finance. The amount

36 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT of funding received by de-husking these millets so that they can be sold women entrepreneurs is in the market. only 50-60% of the total The government must also support women in funding received by men the weaving, handicrafts and herbal production entrepreneurs for the sectors. Women entrepreneurs in these sectors same projects. Among must be trained on packaging and labeling of their all the companies that products. are funded by venture capital investors, only Nagaland is a highly patriarchal society, and women 3% had women CEOs. entrepreneurs have limited access to finance. We Lack of institutional must set up financial institutions that cater to the funding is a major reason Prof. George T. Haley, financing needs of women entrepreneurs. Professor of Marketing why women enterprises The government must also help women enterprises and International in adopting the cutting-edge information and are not able to hire more Business, University of employees and expand New Haven, West Haven, communication technologies. For instance, their business. Connecticut, USA the software system must be introduced to aid In order to enhance processes such as stocking yarns, distributing it in financing for women the market and so on. Information technology must enterprises, more and more women must head reach all women in financial institutions such as banks, venture rural areas. capital funds and private equity funds. If women become bankers, private equity fund managers run a not-for- and heads of other financial institutions, they I profit organization would meet the financial needs of women called PanIIT entrepreneurs. Alumni Reach for India Foundation at agaland has the IIT. It is a nation- Nbest bio-diversity building institute of zone in India and all the IITs in India, agriculture is the major and it focuses on Mr. T. Kalyan Chakravarthy, source of livelihood. skill development Founding Sevak and Government policy and promoting Executive Director, must support women entrepreneurship. PanIIT Alumni Reach For India Foundation farmers as women play Our foundation a major role in the works on Skill Loan agriculture sector of based model in skill development. We must not Nagaland. Traditionally, view skill development and entrepreneurship as women have preserved Dr. Monisha Behal, two distinctive buckets. We have helped people high quality, indigenous Executive Director, North who repaid their skill development loan to avail seeds of various crops in East Network, Guwahati financial support under MUDRA Scheme so that Nagaland. I recommend they can start their own business. Government of India to support these women “There are three distinct case studies I would like farmers in distributing these seeds across various to share here. Till some years ago, there were not parts of India. many women professionals in the manufacturing Millet is one of the main crops produced by sector. However, women’s representation in the farmers in Nagaland. The government must help manufacturing sector has improved in recent years these farmers in bringing modern technologies for because of various factors including the changes in the labor laws. For instance, today, women

37 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT workers constitute 40% of employees in the shop women entrepreneurs face challenges such as floor of Cummins compared to only 20% some lack of family support. Family support is the key years ago. The time has arrived to stop making element for the sustainability of entrepreneurship. distinctions between men and women in the Therefore, capacity building initiatives for women manufacturing sector. Our Foundation is running entrepreneurs must focus on improving family an Industrial Training Institute exclusively for support for these entrepreneurs. Another essential women in Jharkhand.” factor for sustainability of women enterprises is In women’s entrepreneurship, the Mann Deshi continuous mentoring. Women entrepreneurs also Foundation has pioneered a business model where lack mentoring and networking. Indian Women’s women are not only considered as producers but Network has conducted training programs for also consumers of their goods. women self-help groups. These training programs focused on branding, enhancing market access I want to emphasize on the power of and communication strategies. Training should technology, especially internet in transforming not be a one-off event, but a permanent process entrepreneurship. Internet and e-commerce in women enterprises. have enabled rural producers to sell their goods from their home. For instance, the e-commerce Thus, family support and regular training and website ‘Etsy’ allows producers of curated hand- mentoring can help in the sustainability of women made products in the countryside to sell them at enterprises. its marketplace. eboot is a social represent Dale Renterprise that I Carnegie Training, supports a community which offers soft-skill of women professionals training to youth. Dale who have taken a break Carnegie has recently in their career and who introduced a division want to re-enter the known as India Futures, job market. Reboot which provides skill provides training and development for skill development Ms. Anupama Kapoor, employability of youth. workshops for these Founder, Reboot I also co-chair Indian Ms. Pallavi Jha, Chairperson women so that they Women’s Network, & Managing Director, can resume their professional career. “I have which provides various Walchand People First Ltd. observed that women who have taken a long break kinds of support to in their career have the aspiration to re-enter the job women professionals and women entrepreneurs. market. These women have clear goals about what they want to do in their career. There is enough in the environment that allows women to do what they want to do. According to Technology is a great enabler for women me, true empowerment comes by helping women entrepreneurs. In fact, I would not have founded to find a vision in their life. Studies conducted Reboot without the help of technology. I promote on start-up enterprises shows that entrepreneurial use of technology among women entrepreneurs. activity of men comprise 9.5%, while that of I conduct weekly sessions to train women women comprise 7.5% at the start-up stage. entrepreneurs to use Facebook, Twitter, and other However, at the later stage, the entrepreneurial social networking sites to market their products. activity of men falls to 7.5%, while that of I have also co-created a one-year management women declines to 2.5%. This shows that women program at SP Jain Institute of Management and entrepreneurs are unable to sustain their ventures Research, Mumbai. I see a lot of women from after the initial phase. At the initial phase, distant places joining this course. In fact, 8 out of

38 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT the 20 students in this management program are “I am also in the process of launching a website women from far-off places such as Bangalore and known as ‘Taarik Pe Taarik’ to bring accountability Hyderabad.” and transparency in the judicial system.”

ndia holds 135th rank Iamong 147 countries omen in Iran in the United Nation’s Ware very active Women Empowerment in diverse fields such Index. Women as politics, judiciary, constitute only 12% banking and finance, of Parliamentarians engineering and so in India compared to on. In education, the the global average proportion of women of 22.4%. India students in university is rd 52%. ranks 103 out of Ms. Abha Singh, Senior 140 countries on the Advocate Women are also proportion of women in holding top posts such Ms. Masoumeh Tavakoli, Parliament. as chief executive Expert, The Welfare Organization- Sazman India must improve the healthcare infrastructure officers, managers, for women. Reports suggest that 80% of deputy ministers and Behzisty women in India do not have access to ante- Ambassadors. We must natal treatment facilities. It is the right time to also recognize their presence in research and empower women though capacity building and academic sector. social entrepreneurship. We must take a pledge Our organization works towards improving the that we can contribute something positive to the social status of women in Iran by providing them society. skill training, enhancing their employability in “I am a lawyer by profession, and I resolved that the corporate sector and so on. The organisation my duty is not only to put people behind bars but contributes to women’s empowerment by also to bring the convicts back to the mainstream rendering the following services: after they finish their jail term. Because of the ** The payment of education and vocational social stigma, women convicts want to pursue training expenses of needy women self-employment avenues instead of seeking ** Creating employment opportunity for qualified jobs in companies. Therefore, I run programs to and skilled women train women prisoners in beauty care. I also run programs on computer skills among jail inmates. ** Conducting capacity development programs I train convicts on manufacturing and marketing Cross-country experience suggests that of pickle and papads. I have created a back-end microfinance is an effective tool to lift people out supply chain to sell these products in the market of poverty. and enable the prisoners to earn income. Even “We have introduced microfinance program female convicts have the aspiration to be part of to provide credit, saving, insurance to women the mainstream society.” self-help groups. This program has improved “I feel we must impart digital literacy among the living standards of people in the vulnerable women in rural areas. It will empower women to section of society, especially women and youth undertake business activities using e-commerce. in rural and urban areas.” Digital literacy will also help women farmers access real-time information on the market price of their crops, weather pattern etc.”

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and they are cumulatively worth Rs 400 crore. If we convert these into yarns, we can provide livelihood to thousands of women in rural areas. Both the districts have 49% of green cover, and they are rich in horticulture crops.” “If we develop value chain of these horticulture crops, including honey, herbal medicine, it can provide tremendous employment opportunity for women. Both the districts are known as tourist destinations, where the role of women is important. We are establishing factories where 95% of workers would be women. We are implementing a National Rural Livelihood Projects with the support of the World Bank. Under this project, Shri Deepak V. Kesarkar, Hon’ble Minister of cadres of women are trained to help farmers or State for Home (Rural), Finance and Planning, to do farming themselves. This cadre of women Maharashtra State is known as Krushi Sakhis. We are also training cadre of women, known as Matsya Sakhis, in the fishing sector. We are helping women self- I represent a district where the population help groups to run hatcheries. One hatchery can “of women is more than that of men. In my support 40 women self-help groups. We promote district, the sex ratio is 1090 female for every arts and culture in villages through Shilpagram 1000 male. The government of Maharashtra project. Under this project, women are trained to conducts resource-based planning across all speak in English so that they can interact with districts in the state. In the two districts, that I foreign tourists. work for, we have identified seven sectors for Our government is also taking steps to make development. We would involve more women the environment safe and secure for women than men in these development projects. One of workers, especially women who are employed the sectors identified for development in the two in the Information Technology Sector. We have districts is crab farming. In these districts, there introduced a cadre, known as the ‘Buddy Cop’, in are a lot of mangroves where crab farming can be our Police Department. The buddy police officer undertaken.” is like a family member for all women. Women “We are supporting crab hatcheries in these can lodge a complaint with the buddy police districts. The government of Maharashtra has officer and get their grievances resolved. This developed 18,000 hectares of coconut farm in way, the police department is not only responsible one of these two districts. The husks and shells for promoting law and order, but also effecting from these coconut plants have used a fuel, social engineering.”

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Session - VI Women’s Empowerment through Diversity, Arts and Culture

(L-R): Ms. Sunita Bhuyan, Violinist and HR Professional, Ms. Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal, Theatre Director and Producer, Ms. Varsha Hooja, CEO, ADAPT (Spastic Society), Ms. Dolly Thakore, Actor, Ms. Gauri Yadwadekar, Head, Artistes and Repertoire Times Music, Ms. Carolina Quintana, Coordinator, Networking and Partnerships in Cultural Industries, UNCTAD. Following is the excerpts of the speeches delivered during the sixth session

I started my career In foreign countries, many actresses perform in “in theater arts at this play. However, in India, initially, actresses the age of 44. Until were shy of playing roles in this play. However, then, I was working in gradually, Indian women started performing advertisement industry, roles in this play. I congratulate all women who Hindi Film industry are part of this success story.” and was also involved in television serials in e need to bring differently abled people BBC channel. Winto the mainstream of the society. We cannot I had an opportunity have diversity if we exclude to see the play Vagina Ms. Mahabanoo Mody differently abled people. Monologues in the US Kotwal, Theatre Director, in the year 2000. My and Producer I am a trained teacher son wanted me to bring in the field of education this play to India. It took us 1.5 years to secure for disabled children. rights from the playwright to reproduce the play For the last 45 years, our in India. Subsequently, in 2003, we produced the organization (ADAPT) has first show of Vagina Monologues in India. Since been supporting children Ms. Varsha Hooja, then, it has been an incredible journey, and we with disability. In 1972, ADAPT was founded by CEO, ADAPT have adapted this play in two Indian languages. (Spastics Society) In Hindi, this play is called Kissa Yoni Ka.” Dr. Mithu Alur after her daughter was diagnosed “We have also raised funds through this play for with cerebral palsy. rehabilitating women victims of acid attack and other atrocities.

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We work with stakeholders such as parents of by men. But now, many sensible movies, plays disabled children, donors and government. We and television shows are produced by women.” make disabled children feel that they are as “I have also played roles in Vagina Monologue, important as any other average person in the which inspired my courage. My advice to women society. We conduct several programmes to artists and women entrepreneurs is the following: enhance the capacity of mothers to deal with The world is open to you; just believe in yourself. their disabled children. Mother is the primary Just go and do what you want in life. Don’t stand caregiver, and hence we counsel them and train for what society dictates.” them on how to address their disabled children. We also run a program known as ‘Narika Shakti’ Music is in the genes for the mothers of disabled children from the “of our family. I am economically underprivileged strata of society. engaged in the business Under this program, we train these mothers of music rather than being on handicrafts, block printing, glass painting, a performer of music. For embroidery and other income generating me, songs and music offer activities. tremendous business The teachers and trainers working in our potential. I feel there organization are considered as social workers. is immense potential to Rather they should be considered as professionals make economic returns who can make a difference in the lives of disabled from music. As part of my profession, I identify Ms. Gauri Yadwadkar, children. Head, Artistes and talented artists and make Repertoire, Times Music Disabled women are considered as passive them commercially recipients of donation and other support. We successful. I create non- need to change this mindset. Our organization movie music with various artists. It is tough to conducts jobfairs for disabled people. I request popularize non-movie music as we compete with all companies to participate in the job fair and Bollywood and other film industry. By working provide employment opportunities for disabled on non-movie music, I want to popularize folk people. singers from villages. Every month, we create 20- 25 music from different genres such as devotional, All my life, I have Indipop, Indian classical, international and so on. “performed various I have worked with various folk artists in Punjab, roles in plays written Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. I have also worked by others. I have never with great musicians such as the Grammy Winner had a boring day in my Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.” life. Every situation “I have also started wellness business in music. I encounter makes Indian classical music has the potential to heal my day interesting. I and rejuvenate our body and mind. Ragas are have been in the field used to curing illnesses such as insomnia, high of communication all blood pressure, and other human disorders.” my life. I was a news Ms. Dolly Thakore, Actor “Apart from the above, I have also worked on reader in television a project to create our structure called ‘Raga in the 1980s. I was Symphony’ to Indian classical music. Indian also a columnist on arts and culture in some classical music is different from western music. newspapers. I was six years old when I played So, we need to create our notation and structure to the role of Lord Krishna in play. When I entered our classical music. In this project, I worked with the entertainment industry, television shows, Pandit Jasraj, who composed primary structure theater plays and films were scripted and directed of ragas for our classical music.”

42 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT I was born in Chile and UNCTAD also promotes partnership among “settled in Geneva 25 cities of different countries on arts and culture. years ago. I’m inspired by UNCTAD encourages countries to include the the President of Chile Ms. protocol on cooperation in arts and culture in the Michelle Bachelet, who is bilateral trade agreements. Recently, Uruguay serving her second term. and Chile signed a deal for mutual co-operation When she completed her in culture and creative sector by conducting joint first term in Presidency, festivals, promoting film industry and so on. she got over 80% approval rating mainly because of her Ms. Carolina welfare programs targeted at Quintana, Life does not stop women.” Coordinator, “if you are born as Networking and disabled. In my life, I “I had the opportunity to Partnerships in witness the potential of could not get admission Cultural Industries, in regular school. After underprivileged women UNCTAD, Geneva when I worked for some tremendous efforts, of the microfinance projects in developing my parents managed countries. Around 80% of borrowers are women to get admission for in the microfinance industry. Microfinance has me in a school. One become a thriving industry mainly because of the of my trainers in the creditworthiness of women borrowers. Women school identified my talent in singing, and Ms. Gouri Shashikant borrowers are hard working, and they dutifully Kouthankar, Singer repay their loans. he encouraged me to develop that talent. In “At present, I am working for UNCTAD to the beginning, I started singing in college shows. promote culture and creative industry globally. Gradually, I got the opportunity to perform in Arts and creative industry not only help women commercial shows. economically but also lead to social change. Art forms such as films, theater and music serve as a However, many times, I had to travel faraway medium for disseminating messages on women’s places from my home to perform in commercial empowerment and gender equality. Arts and shows. Initially, I used to hire a cab to go to creative industry is also a tool for social inclusion the place. Every time, it was not possible to as it provides livelihood and fame for differently hire a cab for commuting. Therefore, I started abled artists.” traveling in a local train to attend my shows. In the beginning, I hired two escorts for helping me As an agency that promotes trade and economic climb the staircase in a railway station. However, development, UNCTAD supports the creative it was not affordable for me to retain these escorts economy, which includes arts, crafts, theater, permanently. Therefore, I stopped availing their fashion designing, architecture and so on. Across service and started traveling in train alone. the globe, 30 million women are engaged in the Although it was difficult for me initially, I am culture and creative industry. UNCTAD works now well experienced in traveling alone in local with governments of various countries to formulate trains.” supportive policies for the creative industry. We sensitize governments about the potential of the arts and creative industry, regarding job creation, and effecting social change.

43 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT Round Table Meeting with Undersecretary, Industrial Promotion Group - Philippines

products and services in sectors such as electronics, auto parts, processed food (marine products, fruits, snack food, etc.), costume jewelry/giftware (including costume jewelry), personal care products and tourism. He also highlighted investment opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, processed and specialty food, IT-BPM, energy efficient technologies, retail and training. He further added, “The Philippines can also capitalize on India’s strengths and expertise to enhance implementation of existing industry roadmaps orld trade Centre Mumbai organized on automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals a round table meeting with Ms. Nora &medical technology, information & WK. Terrado, Undersecretary, Industrial communications technology (ICT) and food.” Promotion Group, Philippines on March 28, 2017, on the side lines of the 6th Global Economic Welcoming the participants earlier, Captain Summit 2017 on Women’s Empowerment. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre, Mumbai said, “World Trade Centre In her opening remarks, Ms. Terrado said: “India Mumbai is committed to fostering better ties -Philippines partnership has been in place for between Indian corporates and their counterparts some time and it needs to be strengthened further in the Philippines.” He also suggested continuous by increasing bilateral trade between the two exchange of ideas and frequent delegations, great nations.” She said that the two-way trade which would harmonize these initiatives. Mr. between the Philippines and India had reached Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade US$1.8 billion for the fiscal year 2014-2015 Centre Mumbai, proposed the vote of thanks and and that Indian Investment Promotion Agency appreciated the Minister for sharing valuable (IPA)-approved foreign investments to the information on trade & investment opportunities Philippines had amounted to PHP 1.75 billion in the Philippines. in 2015. This included the Philippines’ priority sectors for investments, such as Information Communications Technology (IT and IT enabled services and Business Process Management). Fourteen of India’s IT-BPM companies had also set up operations in the country during the period. Mr. Michael Alfred V. Ignacio, Commercial Counselor, Embassy of Philippines,said the Philippines was determined to promote

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Save Girl Child!

A young girl named Miss Shubra Devendra Shinde (8 years) enthralled the audience by sharing thought-provoking perspectives on the significance of girl child in the society. Following is the excerpts of her message :

“Save Girl Child is a big social awareness programme in our society. Girl child is considered a curse in the Indian society since ancient times. How can girl child be a curse? Without a girl child, a boy child cannot take birth in this world. So, how can we allow violence against woman and girl child? A girl child can make a good daughter, a good mother, a good wife and a good sister in the future but if we choose to kill her, these wonderful relationships cannot exist. Women must raise their voice against the evil of female foeticide. We must learn and take inspiration from great Indian women leaders such as Rajmata Jijau, Rani Lakshmibai, Savitribai Jyotirao Phule and Dr. Anandibai Joshi. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi started ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ programme to celebrate girl child and promote her education. He said Beta Beti Ek Samman. It should be our motto to provide equal treatment to girls and boys. Aansu Ki Ek Boond Si Hoti Hain Betiyan, Sparsh Khurdara Ho To Roti Hain Betiyan, Roshan Karega Beta To Bas Ek Hi Kul Ko, Miss Shubra Devendra Shinde (left) with Dr. Malini V. Shankar, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Do-Do Kulo Ki Laaj Ko Dhoti hain Betiyan, Shipping, Government of India Koi Nahi He Dosto, Ek Dusare Se Kam, Hira Agar He Beta, To Moti Hain Betiyan.”.

45 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Release of Handbook

MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai and All The Handbook was released at the inaugural India Association of Industries prepared the session of the Summit by dignitaries from United Summit Handbook on Women’s Empowerment: Nations Conference on Trade and Development Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Capacity (UNCTAD), International Trade Centre (ITC), Building. World Trade Organization (WTO) , other chief The Handbook presents analytical perspectives guests and top officials of World Trade Centre on women’s empowerment with reference Mumbai. to Entrepreneurship Development, Capacity Building, Sustainable Development Goals and Role Transformation. The Handbook also contains thought- provoking articles and interviews from policy makers, women entrepreneurs, academicians, representatives from trade and industry bodies, women achievers in arts and culture.

From (L-R): Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva, Ms. Michaela Marksová, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Kamal Morarka, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Department (Ministry) of Trade and Industry, Industry Promotion Group (IPG), Philippines and Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Politician releasing the Summit Handbook on Women’s Empowerment at the Inaugural Session of the 6th Global Economic Summit on Women’s Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Capacity Building.

46 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Honouring Women Achievers orld Trade Centre Mumbai and All India corporate leadership, science & technology and Association of Industries honoured arts & culture. In all, 43 women representing the outstanding women achievers in the above mentioned fields were honoured during the W 6th Global Economic Summit. field of social work, academics, entrepreneurship,

(Right) Ms. Norina Fernandes, Principal of Lilawatibai (Left) Mrs. Swati R. Paradkar, President , Shri Podar School, in recognition of her contribution to Women’s Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, in recognition of Development through Innovation in Education the organization’s contribution towards women’s capacity building, livelihood opportunities and self reliance

Ms. Vaishali Wagh, Co-founder, KerfsConcept Clothing (Right) Ms. Sana Abbas Qureshi in recognition of her LLP & Dr Shraddha Lunia, Co-founder, KerfsConcept work in promoting Women’s Empowerment Through Social Clothing LLP, in recognition of her Excellence in Woman Entrepreneurship Start up Business and Innovation

(Right) Ms. Asavari Anand Pednekar, in recognition of her (Middle) Ms. Pallavi Korgaonkar , in recognition of her Retail Entrepreneurship in Gold Jewellery Business contribution to Women’s Empowerment Through Social Entrepreneurship

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Mrs. Dolat Kotwal, Chairperson & Ms Shyamla Nath, CEO, in recognition of tireless dedication to the cause of educating, emancipating and empowering less-privileged (Middle) Ms. Sandhya Sanjay Chavan, Head of Anandi women to become financially independent and thus join Mini Factory & (Right) Ms. Nishi Arora, Head-Programs, the economic mainstream - at a time when women’s Aakar Innovations Pvt. Ltd, In recognition of their “empowerment” was unheard of and actively resisted contribution to Women’s empowerment through an array of Behavioural change and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) program, along-with social research

(Left) Ms. Uzma Naheed, Founder and Chairman, India International Women’s Alliance in recognition of her (Right) Ms. Anita Raj, Chairperson Women’s Wing valuable contribution to Empower Destitute Women - Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) in recognition of her valuable contribution to Empower Destitute Women

(Right) [on behalf of] Ms. Trisha Bimal Kothari, Product (Left) Ms. Rajyalakshmi Rao, Founder-President, All Manager, Affirm in recognition of her exemplary work in India Foundation of Deaf Women in recognition of her Digital Innovation contribution to Empower Physically Disabled Women and Consumer Rights Protection

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(Left) Ms. Maya Shahani, Founder-Chairperson in recognition of her valuable contribution to Women’s (Right) Ms. Nayantara Jain, Head, INOX Group of Education Companies in recognition of her valuable contribution to the Upliftment of Tribal Women

(Right) Dr. Babli Parveen, Assistant Professor, University of Delhi, in recognition of her research work in History and Gender Issues (Right) Advocate Saveena Sachar, Founder and Managing Partner, Lawhive Associates , in recognition of her excellence in Legal Profession

(Right) Ms. Priyanka Chadda, Vice Chairperson, Shahjee (Right) Ms. Sunita Babu, Principal, The Millenium Foundation in recognition of her valuable service to School Amritsar in recognition of her service to promote empower women through social work Education and Skill Development

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(Right) Ms. Prajakta Patil, Mg.Director, BIG Strategic (3rd from Left) Ms. Rolita Patil, Strategic Initiatives, Management Consultants, UAE in recognition of her International Affairs - Chairman & Mg. Director’s successful track record in Global Entrepreneurship and Office, HCC Ltd. in recognition of her excellence in Innovation Corporate Leadership

(3rd from Left) Ms. Prerana Desai, Vice President- Research - Edelweiss Agri Services and Credit, Edelweiss (3rd from Left) Ms. Meena Ganesh Utekar, Proprietor, Agri Value Chain Ltd. in recognition of her excellence in Tapola Agro Tourism in recognition of her excellence in Corporate Leadership Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurship

(3rd from Left) Ms. Purnima Manish Shirishkar, Director, (4th from Left) Ms. Sumeet Sahi, Director, Sitara Day2Day Profit in recognition of her mission to promote Shipping Ltd and Astral Freight Forwarders [Pvt] Ltd. financial independence of women in recognition of her Excellent Leadership in Shipping and Cargo Industry

(Right) Ms. Suvarna (Right) Ms. Gauri Amit Shedge, Proprietor, Kelshikar, Director- Naisargik Agro Gauri Plastochem Products, Shedagewadi in recognition of her in recognition of her Excellence in running excellence in Sustainable Family Business through Rural Entrepreneurship Sustainable Leadership

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(4th from Left) Ms. Monal Srivastava, Regional Head – Human Capital & Administration - DP World in (4th from Left) Ms. Audrey Dolhen, Mg. Director, CMA CGM recognition of her Excellence in Human Resource Practice in Agencies India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai in recognition of her Excellent Shipping and Logistics Industry Leadership in Shipping and Cargo Industry

(Right) Ms. Prerana Langa, CEO, YES FOUNDATION, (a social development arm of YES BANK) in recognition (Left) Ms. Veena Mankar, Founder & Chairperson, of her in Leveraging Innovation at Scale for Women Swadhar Finserve Ltd. in recognition of her contribution Empowerment to Women’s Development through Financial Services

(Middle) Ms. Rekha Kulkarni, Chief Executive Officer, Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank in recognition of her excellence in Social Entrepreneurship in Development of (Left) Dr. Radhike Khanna, Vice Principal, SPJ Sadhana Women’s Economic Status School; Founder Trustee, Om Creations and Shraddha Charitable Trust in recognition of her valuable contribution to empower Mentally Challenged Women

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(Left) Ms. Nidhi Nath Srinivas, Chief Marketing (Left) Ms. Sandhya Panaskar, Theatre Artist in Officer, NCDEX in recognition of her excellence in recognition of her excellence in Theatre Arts Corporate Leadership

(Left) Ms. Huzan Mistry, Trustee, Sujaya Foundation in (Left) Ms. Vega Tamotia, Film Artist in recognition recognition of her valuable service in Empowering Physically of her excellence in film acting and film production Disabled Women

(Left) Ms. Sonali Ghate Bane, Chairperson, Lakshya Art (Left) Ms. Nazneen Shaikh, President and Foundation (LAF) in recognition of her valuable contribution Founder, Sakhi Foundation in recognition of her towards livelihood support for physically challenged artists excellence in Journalism

(Left) Ms. Naman Gupta, Research Scholar, Policy (Left) Dr Suman Bhatla, Gynaecologist in Expert on Climate Change in recognition of her exemplary recognition of her valuable contribution to research and policy work on Women Development & healthcare and medicine Climate Change

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Differently-abled girls were felicitated for their achievements in empowering themselves A designated space to showcase their Arts and Crafts was provided at the Summit

(Left) Ms. Bharti Krupal Walmiki Bharti loves to make handmade jewellery. During Ganapati festival she makes Pure silk Paithani Shela with decorative beads. She is also a trained dancer. She received an award from Lions Club for her dance performance in 2006.

(Left) Ms. Jyoti Mastekar Chavan Jyoti is a trained dancer of ‘Lavani’, a folk dance in Maharashtra. She is also a fashion designer in kids wear segment. She makes beautiful tattoos and canvas painting.

(Right) Ms. Sapna Khedekar Sapna Khedekar is a Graduate. She is excellent in making chocolates, chocolate bouquets and cup cakes. Sapna has done block printing on sarees, dupattas, kids T-shirts, cocktail napkins and table cloths.

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Business-to-Business Meetings s part of the Global Economic Summit insurance, education, social enterprise and non (GES) 2017, Business to Business government organizations (NGOs) participated at AMeetings (B2B) were organized on March the B2B meetings. Around 500 B2B meetings were 27, 2017, to provide opportunities to the new scheduled between the International and Indian generation and established women entrepreneurs Delegates, each lasting for about 15 minutes. to interact with their potential partners with a view In addition, the overseas delegates had specific to expand their businesses both domestically and meetings at the exhibition area with the Indian globally. exhibitors from spices, food & beverages, textile Requests from around 27 International Delegates & garments, handicrafts, accessories, household from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, USA, décor, and other sectors. Switzerland, Singapore, Bhutan, Nigeria, Italy, Overall, the participants (Indian and International) China, Vietnam, Afghanistan were processed for expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the B2B the B2B session. Over 50 Indian companies from meetings. Some of the participants also took different sectors such as health and wellness, arts membership at World Trade Centre Mumbai. and crafts, textiles and apparels, banking and

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Exhibition ne of the main highlights of the Small Scale Industries Development Corporation 6th Global Economic Summit was (MSSIDC) and MSME - Development Institute, Oexhibition of products and services Mumbai participated in the exhibition. Financial by women entrepreneurs, micro, small and institutions such as IDFC Bank Ltd. and Small medium enterprises, start-up companies, Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) financial institutions, government agencies, showcased their financial products and schemes public sector organizations and non-government to women entrepreneurs. In all, 40 exhibitors organizations. presented their products and services at the Government agencies such as Maharashtra event.

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Cultural Programme

orld Trade Centre Mumbai (WTC) and On March 28, Theatre Director and Song Writer All India Association of Industries Isheeta Ganguly produced a short play: ‘From (AIAI) organized cultural programmes darkness to light: An extract from Three Women’. W th This play is a musical theatre production during March 27 and 28 on the sidelines of the 6 Global Economic Summit. which focuses on the core of women’s identity and finding empowerment through purpose. On March 27, veteran musician Sunita Bhuyan Across centuries, women have faced barriers in conducted a Musical Show on the theme “WE” defining their own purpose outside of expected Factor. ‘WE’ Stands for Women’s Empowerment. societal roles of the matriarchy. To realize our WE – Enable Engage and Empower through own passions, our own purpose which can then music. translate into economic empowerment requires Other artists who performed at the show are a level of self-actualization and commitment to Saskia De Haas (on Cello), Debopriya Chatterjee developing strengths and an unlearning of the (on Flute), Bhushan Parchure (on Tabla) and barriers and walls in our belief system that have Ameya Naik (on percussions). inhibited that collective capability.

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Export Counseling Sessions

Starting Export Business : Mr. Indranil Deb is the Founder and Head of Mobius Strip Capital Advisors, a specialist, independent Corporate Finance, Strategy, Research, PE & M&A and Wealth Management Advisory firm

Global Marketing : Mr.Virendra Gupte has 36 years of experience at Tata International, handling regulatory affairs/trade matters relating to RBI, EXIM Bank, Export Risk Insurance, Govt. of India, WTO. He was also involved in initiatives such as setting up representative offices, risk management process, corporate sustainability, UN Global Impact and Affirmative action

57 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Visit to Women’s India Trust

s part of the Global Economic Summit and around Mumbai. 2017, a field trip was organized for the The delegation was hosted by Ms. Shyamla Nath, Adelegates to get a first-hand experience CEO, WIT. In her presentation, Ms Nath explained of the working of a women–owned and managed the goals and objectives of WIT and provided a enterprise located at Panvel near Mumbai. A glimpse into the various activities conducted large delegation of over 30 women representing by the Centre for the uplift of underprivileged diverse business and academic interests visited women. Women’s India Trust (WIT) on March 29, 2017. This was followed by a visual tour of the various The delegation was led by a three- member activity units of the Centre with live demonstration team of officials from the World Trade Centre of the artisanal work such as home accessories, Mumbai. screen and block printing on fabric, toy making, Women’s India Trust provides education, food processing, training in nursing, etc. The vocational skills training and livelihood products made by the women artisans are sold opportunities to unskilled and less privileged through the retail outlets of WIT and find their women, empowering them with knowledge and way into homes across the world. self – reliance. In four decades of continuing Among the delegates were Ms. Dorothy Tembo, voluntary initiative, WIT has not only helped Deputy Executive Director of International unskilled and less fortunate women, but has Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva and senior officials also empowered them to live life with dignity. of World Trade Organization, Geneva and WIT thus provides a life enhancing window of key representatives from various international opportunity to these less privileged women in organizations and establishments.

58 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Photo Features

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Photo Features

60 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Programme Schedule Day 1 : Monday, 27th | March, 2017

Time Agenda 8.00 am Registration onwards 10.00 am Inauguration of Summit Exhibition at South Lounge, Ground Floor, Centre 1 Building by Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva Inauguration of Summit Conference at Centrum, 1st Floor, Centre 1 Building by Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva Lighting of the Lamp Ceremony and Felicitation of the Honourable Guests 10.30 am Welcome Address : Mr. Kamal M. Morarka, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai 10.40 am Theme Address and Launch of SheTrades app Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva 11.00 am Special Address Ms. Michaela Marksová, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic 11.10 am Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Politician 11.20 am Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Department (Ministry) of Trade and Industry, Industry Promotion Group (IPG), Philippines 11.30 am Plenary Address Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva 11.50 am Presentation of Awards 12.15 pm Keynote Address Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva 12.40 pm Release of Summit Handbook 12.45 pm Concluding Remarks Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai 12.55 pm Vote of Thanks Mr. Vijay G. Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries and Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Director - WTCA Board, N. Y 1.00 pm - Networking Lunch 2.00 pm

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2.00 pm – Session I - The Evolving Woman in the 21st Century 4.00 pm Women’s development and empowerment has attained heightened relevance in the context of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDGs envisage women’s full and effective participation in business and trade, women’s equal rights to economic resources, among other targets. The session will examine the opportunities and challenges faced by women in the new era and discuss the way forward. ** Sustainable Development Goals and women empowerment : Charting the Course for Change ** Women’s Issues and challenges in the 21st century ** Women’s Rights: Towards social and economic gender parity

Moderator : Dr. Ella NilaKanthi Ford, Director, Integral Performance Europe and Asia

Panelists: • Ms. Saroja Sirisena, Consul General, Consulate General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Mumbai • Ms. Michaela Marksová, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic • Dr. Sonia Sethi, IAS, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai • Ms. Pooja Bedi, Actor and Columnist An ASEAN Perspective on the evolving women in the 21st century The session will also present the ASEAN perspective on women empowerment with a stimulating discussion on the gender- specific policy initiatives and approaches towards the uplift of women in the region. • Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister), Department (Ministry) of Trade and Industry, Industry Promotion Group (IPG), Philippines • Mdm. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Chairwoman, Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council (VWEC), Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Vietnam Presentation of Awards 4.00 pm - Session II - STEM - Education, Science, Technology and Empower- 5.00 pm ment of Women Education and skill development are powerful catalysts for women’s inclusion in the economic growth process. Experts will discuss the role of academic institutions and civil society in improving access of women to education in engineering, science and technology. The session will also highlight some of the successful initiatives such as Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) to promote women’s skill and capacity building. ** Access to and participation of women and girls in education, training , science & technology ** Empowering women through skill development for economic inclusion ** Technical and vocational education and training of women : challenges and opportunities

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Moderator: Ms. Sairee Chahal, Founder, Sheroes Panelists • Ms. Sangeeta Wij, President, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) • Engr Valerie Agberagba, Vice President, World Federation of Engineering Organisations and Chair, Committee for Women in Engineering, France • Ms. Karen Horting, Executive Director and CEO Society of Women Engineers, USA • Ms. Roslina Chai, Co-Founder & Chief Learning Curator, Grow Your Knowledge Into Being (Gnowbe), Singapore • Dr. Asmita Chitnis, Director, Symbiosis Institute of International Business [SIIB] • Dr. Mrs. Madhuri B. Khambete, Principal, Cummins College of Engineering for Women • Prof. Usha Haley, Professor of Management, College of Business and Economics, West Virginia University, USA • Dr. Yogita Shukla, Advisor, SkyMap Global and DST Fellow at Indian Institute of Remote Sensing Presentation of Awards 5.00 pm - B2B Meetings, Visit to Exhibition (South Lounge, Centre 1 Building) 6.30 pm 7.00 pm - Welcome Reception: Cultural Programme 8.00 pm (Venue - Centrum, 1st floor, Centre 1 Building) “WE” factor, a womens trio led by Sunita Bhuyan along with Saskia De Haas on Cello and De- bopriya Chatterjee on Flute. WE Stands for Women’s Empowerment. WE – Enable Engage and Empower through music. All three artists representing each of these themes. They will be accom- panied by Bhushan Parchure on Tabla and Ameya Naik on percussions. 8.00 pm Gala Dinner (Venue - Centrum, 1st floor, Centre 1 Building)

Day 2 : Tuesday, 28th | March, 2017

8.00 am Registration onwards 10.30 am Session III - Leadership and Women’s Foray into the Business Do- -12.30 pm main The session will discuss the key factors propelling women to assume leadership role in the corporate arena. Discussions will also focus on how international trade can contribute to women’s empowerment, especially looking at developing countries, and how trade can create business opportunities for women, especially women-owned SMEs. The focus will be on the importance of making well-informed career choices and negotiation skills for women executives, boardroom policies and the changing mindset in the emerging business scenario. . Panelists will also share their insights on the role of gender diversity in promoting business ethics and managing ethical dilemmas in corporate decision making. ** Women in business : Opportunities and challenges ** Today’s women , tomorrow’s leaders ** Redefining the role of the new woman in the world of trade and business ** Women and business ethics ** Workplace policies

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Moderator: Ms. Chhaya Sehgal, Founder and CEO, The Winning Edge Panelists: • Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva • Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Tembo, Deputy Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva • Ms. Deepika R.Rajnoor, Founder and Lead Consultant, Image Mantra • Ms. Lakmini Wijesundera, Co-founder, Director and Chief Executive Officer, IronOne Technologies (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka • Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, AVTAR I-WIN • Ms. Mitu Samar, Founder, Eminence • Ms. Damchae Dem, CEO/Founder, Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Bhutan • Ms. Selima Ahmad, President and Founder, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) Bangladesh • Ms. Birgit M. Liodden, Nor-Shipping Director, Norway Trade Fairs • Ms. Tejal Gandhi, CEO and Founder, Money Matters, India Presentation of Awards 12.30 pm - Lunch 2.00 pm 2.00 pm - Session IV - Government and Institutional Support for Women 3.30 pm Capacity building involves skill development and training, technology up-gradation, providing market linkages for women-owned enterprises, among others. This session will shed light on the importance of capacity building for women empowerment through cross-country experiences and case studies as also highlight how rural economy can be strengthened through skill enhancement and institutional support to women engaged in the rural and informal sectors. ** NGOs: Partners in social uplift and capacity building : Select case studies ** Women’s role in transforming rural economy and harnessing economic inclusion ** Women’s contribution to the SME sector through entrepreneurship and innovation ** Women in the informal sector Moderator: Ms. Karon Shaiva, Chief Impact Officer & MD, IDOBRO Panelists: • Ms. Khatera Yusufi, Director Afghan Women Empowerment Foundation, Afghanistan • Prof. George T. Haley, Professor of Marketing and International Business, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, USA • Dr. Monisha Behal, Executive Director, North East Network, Guwahati • Mr. T. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Founding Sevak and Executive Director, PanIIT Alumni Reach For India Foundation • Dr. Vandana Nadig Nair, Founder, Phicus Social Solutions • Ms. Pallavi Jha, Chairperson & Managing Director, Walchand People First Ltd. • Ms. Anupama Kapoor, Founder, Reboot • Ms. Abha Singh, Senior Advocate Presentation of Awards

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3.30 pm - Session V - Women’s Empowerment through Capacity Building and 4.30 pm Social Entrepreneurship Capacity building involves skill development and training, technology up-gradation, providing market linkages for women-owned enterprises, among others. This session will shed light on the importance of capacity building for women empowerment through cross-country experiences and case studies as also highlight how rural economy can be strengthened through skill enhancement and institutional support to women engaged in the rural and informal sectors. ** NGOs: Partners in social uplift and capacity building : Select case studies ** Women’s role in transforming rural economy and harnessing economic inclusion ** Women’s contribution to the SME sector through entrepreneurship and innovation ** Women in the informal sector Moderator: Ms. Karon Shaiva, Chief Impact Officer & MD, IDOBRO

Panelists:

• Ms. Khatera Yusufi, Director Afghan Women Empowerment Foundation, Afghanistan • Prof. George T. Haley, Professor of Marketing and International Business, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, USA • Dr. Monisha Behal, Executive Director, North East Network, Guwahati • Mr. T. Kalyan Chakravarthy, Founding Sevak and Executive Director, PanIIT Alumni Reach For India Foundation • Dr. Vandana Nadig Nair, Founder, Phicus Social Solutions • Ms. Pallavi Jha, Chairperson & Managing Director, Walchand People First Ltd. • Ms. Anupama Kapoor, Founder, Reboot • Ms. Abha Singh, Senior Advocate Presentation of Awards 4.30 pm - Session VI - Women’s Empowerment through Diversity, Arts and Cul- 5.30 pm ture A panel discussion with women leaders who have created unique economic models out of their ideas, talent and passion towards a cause. Moderator: Ms. Sunita Bhuyan, Violinist and HR Professional

Panelists:

• Ms. Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal, Theatre Director and Producer • Ms. Varsha Hooja, CEO, ADAPT (Spastics Society) • Ms. Dolly Thakore, Actor • Ms. Gauri Yadwadkar, Head, Artistes and Repertoire Times Music • Ms. Carolina Quintana, Coordinator, Networking and Partnerships in Cultural Industries, UNCTAD, Geneva • Ms. Gouri Shashikant Kouthankar, Singer Presentation of Awards

65 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT 6.00 pm - Musical theatre : From darkness to light : An extract from Three 7.00 pm Women A short play by Ms. Isheeta Ganguly, Theatre Director and Song Writer “Three Women” is a musical theatre production which focuses on the core of women’s identity and finding empowerment through purpose. Across centuries, women have faced barriers in defining their own purpose outside of expected societal roles of the matriarchy. To realize our own passions, our own purpose which can then translate into economic empowerment requires a level of self-actualization and commitment to developing strengths and an unlearning of the barriers and walls in our belief system that have inhibited that collective capability. 7.00 pm – Dinner (Venue - Centrum, 1st floor, Centre 1 Building) 9.00 pm

Day 3 : Wednesday, 29th | March, 2017 8.00 am Visits to Women–owned and managed enterprises • Women’s Insdia Trust Women’s India Trust provides Education, Vocational Skills Training and Liveli- hood opportunities to unskilled and less privileged women, empowering them with knowledge and self-reliance. • Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad This is the institution behind India’s favourite papad, a crisp Indian meal accompani- ment. The hand made papad is the effort of thousands of women working together across the country towards their economic empowerment.

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Profile of Speakers

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi - Secre- ure, Ms. Tembo spearheaded Ms. Nora K. Terrado, Under tary-General, United Nations the re-launch of the programme Secretary, Department of Conference on Trade and supporting at the time 48 least Trade and Industry, Philip- Development (UNCTAD) developed countries (LDCs) in pines addressing their trade-related Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi is the sev- The Undersecretary took on technical assistance and supply enth Secretary- General of the Industry Promotion Group side constraints. From 2004 to UNCTAD. He assumed this (IPG) Portfolio of the Depart- 2008, she served as Chief Trade role on 1 September 2013. Dr. ment of Trade and Industry Negotiator and Director of For- Kituyi has an extensive back- (DTI) in January 2016. As eign Trade in the Ministry of ground as an elected official, an IPG Undersecretary, she over- Commerce, Trade and Industry academic, and a holder of high sees the Foreign Trade Service of Zambia. government office. He also has Corps (FTSC), Export Market- wide-ranging experience in Ms. Michaela Marksová, ing Bureau (EMB), Bureau of trade negotiations, and in Af- Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Domestic Trade Promotions rican and broader international Labour and Social Affairs of (BDTP), Center for Interna- economics and diplomacy. He the Czech Republic tional Trade Expositions and was born in Bungoma District, Missions (CITEM), Philippine western Kenya, in 1956. He Ms. Michaela Marksová was Trade Training Center (PTTC), studied political science and appointed as Minister of La- Philippine International Trad- international relations at the bour and Social Affairs of the ing Corporation (PITC), and University of Nairobi and at Czech Republic on January, Design Center of the Philip- Makerere University in Kam- 29, 2014. In this position, she pines. As Governor of the Board pala, Uganda, receiving a BA is responsible for social policy, of Investments (BOI), she pro- in 1982. He went on to earn an social security, employment, vides strategic direction on in- MPhil in 1986 and a doctorate labour legislation, occupation- vestment promotions and assis- in 1989 from the University of al safety and health, European tance. Prior to her appointment Bergen, Norway. Social Fund and other social or as the IPG Undersecretary, she labour related issues. Ms. Dorothy Ng’ambi Tembo, was the executive leader for Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Marksová has for a long DTI’s Management Services International Trade Centre time been dealing with the po- Group (MSG). (ITC) sition of women and men in the society, issues on women’s Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah, Ms. Dorothy Tembo, a Zam- rights and family policy. These - Deputy Director-General, bian national, took office on issues have been subjects of World Trade Organization 3 June 2014. She has 30 years her lectures and articles, and Mr. Yonov Frederick Agah was of experience in trade and de- media performances. Further- appointed as Nigeria’s Ambas- velopment. Ms. Tembo served more, she is a co-author of a sador to the WTO in 2005. In previously as the Executive publication “On the way to the that capacity, he served as the Director of the multi-donor European Union (a guide not Alternate Chief Negotiator for funded Enhanced Integrated only for women)” and the au- the Doha Round and Head of Framework Programme (EIF) thor of a publication “Family Nigeria’s Trade Office to the based at the World Trade Orga- and Work – how to reconcile WTO in the Permanent Mis- nization (WTO) from October without going crazy”. She is sion of Nigeria to the United 2008 to 2013. During her ten- married and has two children. Nations Office in Geneva. The

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Trade Office is responsible for Ms. Saroja Sirisena, Con- tion Ltd.) & Transport Com- Nigeria’s participation in Gene- sul General of Sri Lanka in missioner of Maharashtra. va-based trade-related interna- Mumbai tional organizations, particular- The iconic Bandra-Worli Sea ly the UN Conference on Trade Ms. Saroja Sirisena has been Link was commissioned when and Development, the World serving as the Consul General Dr. Sethi was MD, MSRDC. As Intellectual Property Organisa- of Sri Lanka in Mumbai with Transport Commissioner she tion, the International Trade jurisdiction in Maharashtra, framed the city taxi policy that Centre and the WTO. Gujarat and Goa since July has been recently announced 2014. Prior to this, she served by the Government of Maha- Mr Agah served as Chair of as the Director General for Ex- rashtra and also the policy for the WTO’s General Council in ternal Relations in the Minis- promoting women drivers for 2011. He was responsible for try of Economic Development auto rickshaws, taxis & heavy organizing the Eighth WTO handling foreign affairs related vehicles. Ministerial Conference, which matters from 2012-2014. was acknowledged to be suc- Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Canadian cessful despite the prevailing Ms. Sirisena had also served as Politician stalemate in the Doha Round. Director -South Asia and Di- rector -Consular Affairs of the Dr. Ruby Dhalla created his- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of tory in 2004 when she was Ms. NilaKanthi Ford, Direc- elected as a Member of Parlia- tor, KFV Consulting UK Sri Lanka in 2011 - 2012. Ms Sirisena is a career diplomat of ment to Canada’s Parliament Ms. NilaKanthi Ford has been the Sri Lanka Foreign Service and earned the honor of being working on organisational re- who has served as Minister of one of the first Indian and first structuring and transformation, the Permanent Mission of Sri Sikh woman elected to federal leadership and culture devel- Lanka to the United Nations Parliament in the western world opment for 30 years. She has Office in Geneva from April outside of India. In her tenure been involved closely with in- 2010-November 2011 and the as a Parliamentarian, Ruby ternational stakeholders at all Minister Counsellor of the Sri has always been a respected levels, facilitating substantial Lanka Embassy in Brussels ac- and progressive voice, a fear- and sustained improvements in credited to the European Union less advocate, for women, and organisational performance by from 2007-2010. youth and those less fortunate. working through the strategy From a fascinating journey that and developing the people. Dr. Sonia Sethi, IAS, Addi- tional Director, Directorate began by writing a letter advo- Ms. Ford has been instrumental General of Foreign Trade, cating for peace to the Prime in facilitating effective work- Mumbai Minister of India at the age of 10 ing relationships between Mul- to being raised as the daughter tinationals, statutory and Gov- Dr. Sonia Sethi belongs to the of a single mother, Dr. Ruby’s ernment authorities as well as IAS 1994 batch. Dr. Sethi has own journey and experiences investment houses and other fi- many firsts to her credit. She continue to serve as her inspi- nancial institutions worldwide. is the 1st lady officer of Ma- ration in championing change, In addition, she has been effec- harashtra cadre to hold presti- campaigning for human rights tive in coaching and mentoring gious portfolios like Joint MD, & advocating for the voiceless. leaders and their teams all over CIDCO (City & Industrial De- the world. velopment Coporation of Ma- Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tuyet harashtra Ltd.), Joint MD & Minh, Chairwoman, Viet- MD MSRDC (Mahrashtra State nam Women Entrepreneurs Road Development Corpora- Council (VWEC), Vietnam

68 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Chamber of Commerce and woman at work evangelist and professional engineer and a Industry (VCCI) and Direc- earlier she co-founded Flexi- fellow of the Nigerian Society tor, WECREATE VIETNAM moms. She is also the Conve- of Engineers, a past President ner, The SHEROES Summit of the Association for Profes- Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh and has been instrumental in sional Women Engineers of Ni- has nearly 35 years of working bringing businesses and wom- geria. Engr. Agberagba is pas- experience, in the leadership en professionals on a common sionate about building the next position of various organiza- platform. generation of engineers and sci- tions. Ms. Minh was the first entist. Engr. Agberagba is also Chairwoman of ASEAN Wom- Nominated for the Editor’s associated with the Federation en Entrepreneurs’ Network choice for L’oreal Femina of African Engineering Organi- (AWEN) (2014 – 2016). Ms. Women’s Award, she is also an zation (FAEO). Minh was one of the co-found- alumnus of Cartier Women’s ers of AWEN, Gender Econom- Award Initiative for 2012 and a Engr. Agberagba has served ic Development Working Group TED speaker, among others. as quality control engineer in (GED), and Network for Em- many projects within the Fed- powerment of Women (NEW). Ms. Sangeeta Wij, President, eral Capital of Nigeria and is She is also the Executive Mem- Women in Science and Engi- very involved in the power ber of Vietnam association for neering (WISE) India sector. She presently leads the intellectual women. She is also Ms. Sangeeta Wij is a renowned Presidential project of provid- part of the Advocacy Board for Civil Engineer from Delhi Col- ing solar home systems to the establishing Vietnam National lege of Engineering with a M. rural communities in Nigeria. Entrepreneur Network. Tech from IIT Delhi and has She was honoured with the spent 34 years in the building Ms. Karen Horting, Execu- Third-Class Labor Medal from design industry in Senior Man- tive Director and CEO, Soci- the President of Vietnam in agement Roles. She is Man- ety of Women Engineers 2016 for the extraordinary aging Partner, SD Engineer- Ms. Karen Horting is the Ex- achievements in establish- ing Consultants (SDEC), a 20 ecutive Director and CEO of ing and operating the ASEAN year old Detailed Engineering the Society of Women Engi- Women Entrepreneurs Network Consultancy firm in India. She neers (SWE), a 40,000 member (AWEN). has worked as Deputy General organization founded in 1950. Manager in Rail India tech- SWE is the driving force that Ms. Sairee Chahal, Founder, nical and Economic Services establishes engineering as a CEO, SHEROES (RITES) before starting her highly desirable career option Engineering Consultancy firm for women. Ms. Sairee Chahal is the SDEC. She has also worked Founder, CEO of www.sheroes. as Director (Technical) at AE- With more than 25 years expe- in - an online career destination COM for a couple of years han- rience in sales, marketing, and for women. The SHEROES dling prestigious high rise as- fund development, Ms. Horting Community has access to high signments. came to SWE in March 2004 growth career resources, men- from the New York Academy of torship and support. SHEROES Engr. Valerie Agberagba, Sciences where she served as engages with businesses to help Vice President, World Fed- Director of Strategic Planning, them connect with female tal- eration of Engineering overseeing the Academy’s de- ent in the form of employees, Organisations and Chair, velopment activities and long- partners, customers and busi- Committee for Women in range organizational planning. ness owners. Engineering, France Prior to NYAS, Ms. Horting worked at the American As- Ms. Chahal is India’s foremost Engr. Valerie Agberagba is a sociation for the Advancement

69 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT of Science (AAAS) managing on different projects of Reserve Dr. Usha Haley is a Professor both marketing and fund devel- Bank of India (RBI) during this of Management at West Vir- opment on a global level. tenure. Later, she moved into ginia University. Previously, teaching and has more than 24 she was Professor of Interna- Ms. Roslina Chai, Co-Found- years of academic and corpo- tional Business at Massey Uni- er and Chief Learning Cu- rate training experience to her versity, Auckland, New Zea- rator, Gnowbe . Grow Your credit. land. Her research focuses on Knowledge Into Being multinational corporations and Currently, Dr. Chitnis is the Di- international strategic manage- Ms. Roslina Chai is a serial rector of Symbiosis Institute of ment, especially in Asian and entrepreneur, lawyer, organi- International Business (SIIB) emerging markets, including zational change strategist, pro- which offers two years full time business-government relations, fessional speaker and executive MBA programs in International governance, business and soci- coach who is passionate about Business (IB), Agri Business ety, strategic decision-making, elevating human conscious- (AB) and Energy and Environ- innovation, sanctions and sub- ness. Having been involved in ment (EnE). sidies. human development for over 2 decades, Roslina is widely rec- Dr. Mrs. Madhuri Bhushan She has 266 publications and ognized for her ability to cre- Khambete, Principal, Cum- presentations including 31 ate environments that catalyzes mins College of Engineering journal articles (in Journal of quantum changes. for Women International Business Stud- ies, Human Relations, Journal Ms. Chai’s professional life tra- Dr. Madhuri Bhushan Khambete of Management Studies, Tech- versed industries such as tech- has been serving as Principal nological Forecasting & So- nology, private equity, strategy at Cummins College of Engi- cial Change, California Man- consulting, shipping, urban de- neering for Women, Pune since agement Review, and Harvard velopment, education and oth- 2008. Dr. Khambete has more Business Review, among oth- ers. Having been at the forefront than 25 years of experience in ers), 7 books, 2 on international of innovation for the past two academics and she is a recog- best-seller lists, and 38 book decades, across multiple func- nized Ph. D. guide at Savitribai chapters. tions, sectors and countries, at Phule Pune University. She has both the regional and global served on various committees Ms. Chhaya Sehgal, Owner level, Ms. Chai has honed the of Pune University. Dr. Kham- and CEO, The Winning Edge unique ability to recognize sys- bete is the recipient of appreci- temic patterns, intuite trends, ation certificate from Institute Ms. Chhaya Sehgal is a first and build international stellar of Electronics and Electrical generation entrepreneur and an teams. Engineers(IEEE) for her contri- alumnus of Mumbai University bution to the field of engineer- Institute of Chemical Technolo- Dr. Asmita Chitnis, Director, ing. She is also the recipient of gy and Jamnalal Bajaj Institute Symbiosis Institute of Inter- many other awards including of Management Studies. She national Business (SIIB) ‘Maharshi Karve Award of Ex- began her professional journey cellence’ and Woman Achiever over three decades ago with In- Dr. Asmita Chitnis is a post Award of ‘Accenture’. dia’s public sector oil market- graduate in Statistics and holds ing company HPCL. Later, she Ph.D in the field of Operations established her firm ‘The Win- Management. She started her Prof. Usha Haley, Ph.D., Pro- ning Edge’ – which mentors en- career with National Institute fessor of Management and trepreneurs and professionals of Bank Management (NIBM) Co-Chair, All Academy, West across small and medium enter- as a researcher and has worked Virginia University prises, multinational companies

70 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT and government bodies through Ms. Lakmini Wijesundera, Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, learning and developmental in- Co-founder, Director and Founder – President, AVTAR terventions. She is also a vis- Chief Executive Officer, Iro- Group iting faculty at her alma ma- none Technologies (Private) ter Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Limited. Dr. Saundarya Rajesh is one of Management Studies, Prahlad India’s earliest voices to speak Kakkar School of Branding Ms. Lakmini Wijesundera has on Gender Diversity & Inclusion and Entrepreneurship and many over 20 years of experience of Women. She has won a slew other management institutions ranging from guiding the com- of awards – a few of which are for over two decades now. pany’s strategic direction, glob- listed here – The Standard Char- al growth and its innovations. tered SCOPE Woman Exemplar As the Chief Executive Officer Award 2006, The Yuvashak- Ms. Deepika Rohit Rajnoor, of Ironone Technologies (Pvt) thi woman entrepreneur award Founder and Lead Image Ltd. she oversees all aspects 2007, the CavinKare Chinni- Consultant, Image Mantra of Ironone business and is the krishnan Innovation Award 2011 Ms Rajnoor works on Image El- driving force behind Ironone’s and the TiE Stree Shakti Entre- ements like Clothes, Grooming, global success. preneur of the year award 2011. Body Language & Etiquette For her work in building and and Vocal communication for Ms. Lakmini has been the re- creating India’s first women’s individuals, groups and corpo- cipient of several prestigious careers service she was award- rate. Individual Coaching on industry recognition awards for ed the Swadeshi Jagran Manch Image enhancement for Senior her contribution to the Informa- Woman Entrepreneur Award, the Managers, Chartered Accoun- tion Technology sector of Sri FICCI FLO Woman Entrepre- tants, Engineering Students, Lanka including the female ICT neur of the year award, the Natu- Homemakers, Industrialists, Leader of the year, by Comput- rals Extraordinary Woman 2014 Construction Managers, School er Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) and the Jeppiaar Icon Award Students, Recruiters and Tech- and being selected as one of the 2016. nical Directors, Trainers, Doc- 50 most powerful women in tors and many other profiles. business awarded by the Ech- In Jan 2016, she won the high- elon Magazine and Ironone ly prestigious #100Women Ms. Rajnoor is a Trainer with Technologies being selected Achievers of India award in a more than 1500 hours training as one of the ‘most respected public voting selection process experience. She has conducted companies’ in the 2016 LMD and had lunch with the Presi- training sessions for Mona Spa business review and awards. dent of India! Recently, she was & Salon Staff, Miss Wow Con- She has also won the following named to the United Nation’s test, Station Masters of Zonal awards, Woman Entrepreneur List of “25 Women Transform- Railways Training Institute and of the Year 2015, Woman Ex- ing India” developed by the NITI Branch officers of Western Rail- porter of the Year and the Gold Aayog. Founder-President of ways. Conducted workshops Award in the large category at AVTAR Group, Dr. Saundarya for the Rajasthan Jain Ladies the awards ceremony held by leads tripartite (community-or- Association (Vadodara and Na- Women’s Chamber of Industry ganization-individual) engage- diad) and Rajasthan Jain Youth & Commerce in 2016. She re- ments in Women’s workforce Camp, Fresher to crack their cently won a special award by participation. She has pioneered Dream Job, ‘Stylized yourself- the National Chamber of Ex- the concept of Career Intention- Women’ in Vadodara, Busi- porters (NCE) of Sri Lanka in ality and has trained several thou- ness & Corporate Etiquette for recognition of the Unique En- sand women professionals on professionals in Vadodara and trepreneurship and Achieve- this. Her latest initiative is to Surat and Federation of Indian ment in the Field of Exports. skill 10,000 Corporation school Export Organization(FIEO) girls to become career inten- members, Mumbai. tional via Project PUTHRI.

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Ms. Mitu Samar, Founder, Ms. Selima Ahmad, President Ms. Birgit M. Liodden, Di- Eminence and Founder, Bangladesh rector, Norwegian Sea Rescue Women Chamber of Com- Academy, Ocean Industry A first generation entrepreneur, merce and Industry (BW- Forum Oslo region and Ms. Mitu Samar has a proven CCI) WISTA Norway track record in strategic commu- nication and thought leadership Ms. Selima Ahmad, President Ms. Birgit M. Liodden is the positioning. She is the founder and Founder of Bangladesh Director of Nor-Shipping and of ‘Eminence’, a boutique firm Women Chamber of Commerce a Board Member of the Nor- with the value proposition - and Industry and Vice Chair- wegian Sea Rescue Academy, building brands and position- person of Nitol-Niloy Group is Ocean Industry Forum Oslo re- ing personalities. She serves as the developing world’s personi- gion and WISTA Norway. She an Independent Director on the fication working for the private also chairs two commercial real boards of Times group Com- sector development for last 28 estate companies. Ms. Liodden panies namely, Brand Equity years. She founded BWCCI in is the founder and former Sec- Treaties Ltd, Junglee Pictures, 2001 to empower women into retary General of YoungShip Zoom Entertainment Network businesses and developed more International. She holds 5 years and Times Global Broadcast- than 8,000 women entrepre- entrepreneurial experience as ing Co. Ltd. The Group owns neurs. Ms. Selima Ahmad is the owner of Liodden Projects, de- and manages powerful brands Board Director of Janata Bank livering project management across media such as The Times Limited. She is also the Board and consultancy services to of India, Times Now, The Eco- Member of SME Foundation a.o. OECD, SeaTrucks Nige- nomic Times etc. Ms. Samar is and holds important posts in ria, Wilhelmsen Maritime Ser- a member of CII Indian Women various national and interna- vices and Nor-Shipping. Ms. Network’s steering council and tional organizations. Liodden has made her mark as CII WR Task Force for Swachh a passionate shipping environ- Bharat campaign. She is also Ms. Ahmed is the Govern- mentalist and business activist, an active mentor under CII ing Body Member of Bangla- actively challenging the mari- Western Region Women Net- desh Economic Zone Authority time industry on key challenges work’s initiative- ‘100 hours of (BEZA), Government of Ban- related to leadership, diversity, change’. Additionally, she is on gladesh for two years in 2016 sustainable development, en- the advisory board of Biz Divas and also the Governing Body trepreneurship and innovation. – a platform that offers diver- Member of Bangladesh Invest- She frequently contributes as sity and inclusion expertise to ment Development Authority speaker and panelist both with- organisations and a mentor at (BIDA), Government of Ban- in and outside of the maritime SHEROES. For her contribu- gladesh in 2016. She is also industry, and has served as jury tions in the communications the Trusty Board Member of member for several internation- space, Mitu featured in the list Honourable Prime Minister’s al maritime awards. of ’50 Most Talented Corporate Education Welfare Trust, Min- Communication Leaders 2015’ istry of Education, Government Ms. Tejal Gandhi, CEO and by World CSR congress and re- of Bangladesh in 2016 and the Founder, Money Matters, ceived the ‘Promising Business Global Ambassador of The In- India Communicator 2010’ award ternational Alliance for Wom- from the Association of Busi- en (TIAW). Recently she has Ms. Tejal Gandhi has 26 years ness Communicators of India been awarded with “2014-2015 of experience in the Banking (ABCI). TIAW World of Difference and Financial Services industry. Lifetime Achievement Award”. She has worked with Standard Chartered Bank over 13 years and has extensive experience

72 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT in Retail Banking and Com- the United States, regional in- has made her a sought-after ex- munications all over India and tegration initiatives, and other pert. Equipped with 15-years of overseas. She was part of the trade issues. As a customs at- experience building relation- 6 member team representing torney, Ms. Ewart assists and ships and managing accounts, India which was sent to Hon- counsels businesses and entre- Ms. Thomas uses her expansive gkong for the Y2K project. In preneurs on accessing the U.S. network to empower profes- 2002, she founded her own firm market with minimum cost and sionals with the tools they need called ‘Money Matters’ which hassles. Prior to opening her to increase clientele and con- focuses on Wealth Manage- own firm, Andrea Ewart worked nect with the right partners. ment and Consulting. Ms. Gan- in international trade regulation dhi works with various focused and legislation with the law Ms. Thomas has been employed groups and manages portfolios firm of Holland & Knight, LLP. at the World Trade Center Ar- and does Financial Planning for She is the current President of kansas for more than 8 years. HNIs and is a Certified Finan- the Organization of Women in She actively promotes trade for cial Planner. She also is invited International Trade (OWIT).Ms Arkansas through public speak- by various Chambers of Com- Ewart is the author of Develop- ing engagements in the U. S. merce, Rotary Clubs, Associa- TradeLaw Blog on trade policy and abroad and facilitates dis- tions and Colleges to deliver and issues of particular rel- cussions on global opportuni- talks / lectures on Personal evance to developing countries ties at colleges, universities, Finance in today’s times. Ms. and to small businesses (www. and companies. She is an ex- Gandhi has won awards such as: developtradelaw.net) pert on global team building, TATA AIG Life Honors Achiev- strategic partnerships, negotia- ers Club and ICICI Prudential Ms. Denise Thomas, Director tions and leadership. She has Mutual Fund – Chairman’s of Africa Trade Public Rela- orchestrated the development Award in the Bronze category. tions and Marketing, World and implementation of global Most noteworthy award was as Trade Center Arkansas initiatives to further growth the Most Consistent Individual and development of businesses Financial Advisor – 09 by Mo- Ms. Denise Henderson Thomas, in African and Middle Eastern tilal Oswal Securities Ltd. a global strategist and business territories. development expert, has been Ms. Andrea M. Ewart, Presi- connecting people and prod- Mr. Joseph D. Burke, Deputy dent, Organization of Women ucts through strategic partner- Secretary, Department of in International Trade ships for more than a decade. Community & Economic De- As Director of the World Trade velopment (DCED), Office of Ms. Andrea Ewart is a customs Center Arkansas, Africa, and International Business Devel- and International trade attorney Middle Eastern trade desk, she opment, Commonwealth of with her own firm, Develop- draws upon her diverse experi- Pennsylvania TradeLaw, LLC, which works ence in international market- Pennsylvania’s Office of Inter- with businesses, governments, ing, and business development and individuals to facilitate national Business Development to create platform opportunities (OIBD) led by Joseph Burke, the successful movement of for Arkansas companies to pro- goods and services across na- housed under DCED, boasts the mote their work, share exper- largest network of international tional borders. Ms. Ewart also tise, and seize business oppor- consults businesses and gov- offices of any state in the Unit- tunities and partners within the ed States. In his role as Deputy ernments on World Trade Or- state, in Africa, and the Middle ganization (WTO) rules and Secretary, Joseph Burke leads East. Her innovative and un- a professional team of interna- negotiations, development of paralleled ability to harness WTO-consistent trade and cus- tional economic development the power of relationships to specialists that contribute to toms laws, trade relations with increase partners’ bottom lines

73 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT the growth and strength of the for the organization. She also different years in International Commonwealth’s economy manages the development of Trade, Ms. Viktoria promoted by providing value-added in- programmes intended to gener- commercial relations between ternational trade services to ate demonstrable evidence that Italian Companies and the com- Pennsylvania’s businesses and informs, influences key policy panies of such Countries as universities, and by attracting discourses and designs. Russia, Baltic States, Ukraine, foreign business investment to Azerbaijan and others. the State. Her expertise covers the busi- ness’ role in development Ms. Viktoria also developed in- Mr. Joseph Burke joined DCED through the Sustainable Devel- stitutional relations with differ- in 1990 as the Deputy Director opment Goals, business ethics ent Government structures. In in the Office of International and governance, democratiza- the last two years, she has been Business Development. Since tion of the ICT arena, impact focusing on Indian Market, es- joining the department, he has of ICT on development and of pecially in following sectors: held various management po- the regulatory and policy en- Furniture & Design; Smart So- sitions in trade promotion and vironment on businesses. Ms. lutions for smart Cities; Fashion foreign direct investment. Pri- Nishtha has had a long standing and Travelling. or to joining DCED, Joseph career with the United Nations brought twelve years of experi- in India, prior to which she Ms. Kaylene Alvarez , Global ence in sales, market research spent around a decade working Advisory Principal, Bank- and analysis, and business in the private sector with lead- ing on Women, International planning with major law firms ing firms such as KPMG and Finance Corporation (IFC) in Washington, DC, and con- American Express as an Econo- sumer packaged goods com- mist. As a futurist and feminist, Ms. Kaylene Alvarez is a gender panies and marketing research she is an active advocate of the specialist in financial inclusion firms in Philadelphia and New urgency to mainstream women and impact investing with the York City. across the marketplace, work- International Finance Corpora- place and community. Nishtha tion (IFC). She has over twenty Ms. Nishtha Satyam, Stra- has authored a number of stud- years of banking and invest- tegic Partnerships, Policy ies on the business value of ment experience in almost thir- Impact and Public Relations inclusion and continues to be ty emerging markets. Ms. Alva- for UN Women excited about exploring the in- rez focuses on access to finance terplay of policy, politics and for women-owned MSMEs, risk Ms. Nishtha Satyam heads people to foster growth for the management, investment struc- Strategic Partnerships, Policy most marginalized. turing and innovations to reach Impact and Public Relations at underserved sectors. Prior to UN Women, the entity of the Ms. Viktoria Lopatina, joining IFC, she founded two United Nations that is dedicat- Founder & Managing Di- businesses supporting equitable ed to working towards Gender rector, Kat.El International access to finance for women in Equality and Woman’s Empow- Trade Consulting Srls, Flor- emerging markets. erment. Her role at UN Women ence, Italy focuses on developing strate- Smt. Chand Kureel, Deputy gies aimed at securing a diver- Ms. Viktoria Lopatina was born General Manager, Small In- sified partnership portfolio with in Vilnius, Lithuania. She has dustries Development Bank the Governments of India, Bhu- got two University degrees in of India, Mumbai Regional tan, Maldives and Sri Lanka Law, one in Moscow, Russia Office, BKC, Mumbai. and the Private sector to build and the other in Florence, Italy a community of commitment and is also specialized in Inter- Ms. Chand Kureel has more than leading to sustained support national Commercial Law. In 20 years experience in SME

74 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Banking, involved in promotion Chicken Soup for the Indian property in emerging markets. and development of SMEs and Women Soul. She has authored An award-winning author, Dr. framing policy framework for the “Impact Shopping” page Haley has over 135 articles credit delivery to MSME Sec- for the Afternoon Despatch & (in journals such as Harvard tor. Ms. Kureel has worked in Courier that included her col- Business Review and Indus- the Northern and Western Re- umn “An Empowered World” trial Marketing Management), gion, handling a large business and regularly contributes ar- books, book chapters, research portfolio, thereby, developing ticles on Diversity, Inclusion reports and presentations. He is healthy customer relationships and Sustainability. a member of the boards of the and having indepth knowl- World Affairs Council of Con- edge of the issues faced by the Prof. George T. Haley, Pro- necticut and the Connecticut- MSMEs. fessor of Marketing and China Business Council. International Business, Uni- Ms. Karon Shaiva, Chief Im- versity of New Haven, West Dr. Monisha Behal, Executive pact Officer & MD, Idobro Haven, Connecticut Director, North East Network Ms. Karon Shaiva is a social Mr. George T. Haley (PhD., Ms. Monisha Behal belongs to entrepreneur, writer, speaker University of Texas at Aus- a generation of activists whose and trainer. As Chief Impact tin) is Professor and Executive efforts brought change in the Officer & Managing Director MBA Module Director of Mar- mind sets of many rural women of Idobro, Karon has designed keting and International Busi- who had always accepted the the Idobro I5 model that mul- ness at the University of New traditional pattern of patriar- tiplies the impact of Women, Haven (UNH) where he teaches chy, in parts of the north east Social and Green initiatives. in graduate and executive pro- region of India. Questioning She has been deeply involved grams. In summer, he serves as their low status in society, Ms. in the women empowerment Distinguished Guest Professor Behal went on with the life mis- and social entrepreneurship of Marketing at the School of sion to work with rural wom- space. Ms. Shaiva is a mem- Business, ITESM in Mexico. en’s collectives, a common fea- ber on the international jury for He is founding Director of the ture of the region. Her work is the SEED Gender and SEED Center for International Indus- important because it touched Global Awards and was invit- try Competitiveness (CIIC), a those critical local and policy ed to speak at the worldwide Center of Excellence at UNH. issues that women’s groups are launch of the Mentoring Wom- The CIIC focuses on small and concerned about, such as good en in Business programme by medium-size manufacturing governance, land based re- the Cherie Blair Foundation in companies’ concerns in global sources, and growing violence New York City. She passionate- environments. Dr. Haley’s ex- against women. Monisha’s ly advocates on women issues pertise is in strategic marketing struggle since the 80s and 90s of violence and discrimination and emerging markets, includ- gradually developed into a well and mentors women and youth ing the historical, cultural and recognized organization, North through a number of platforms. legal environments in which East Network (www.north- eastnetwork.org). Through her Ms. Shaiva has over 20 years of to formulate strategies. He fo- cuses on strategic decision- work the organization has in- experience in Asia and the USA fluenced several State agencies in Technology, education, fi- making, product and technol- ogy management, distribution of Assam, Meghalaya and Na- nance, gemology and develop- galand in giving recognition to ment sectors. Karon has lived in and supply-chain management, B2B marketing, Chinese, Lat- women’s work and contribution India, USA , Africa and Japan to society. and her personal story has been in American and Asian busi- covered by the iconic series – ness, and managing intellectual

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Mr. T Kalyan Chakravarthy, service and sales excellence. row. She is a pro-bono Mentor Founding Sevak & Executive She has been a vocal spokesper- with the Cherie Blair Founda- Director, PanIIT Foundation son for industry associations, tion for Women, a member of and has chaired and moderated KPMG’s Governance Institute’s Mr. Chakravarthy is a strong panel discussions involving In- Independent Women Directors believer of applying market- dia’s leading business leaders. Program and also of multiple based solutions for societal Currently she is Chairperson, Industry women networks like problems and development in- Indian Women’s Network, Ma- IWN, FICCI FLO, etc. terventions. He leads PanIIT harashtra, a CII initiative aimed foundation that has been set at engaging, enabling and em- Ms. Carolina Quintana, Cre- up by PanIITian alumni with powering women. Additionally, ative Economy Programme, a mission to enhance incomes she has been part of women’s Coordinator, Networking and of the underprivileged through groups, which has encouraged Partnerships UNCTAD self-sustainable models like the first generation women entre- gurukul model. The gurukul preneurs into taking business The Creative Economy Pro- model is first-of-its-kind skill initiatives. gramme assists government ini- loan based vocational education tiatives to implement integrated program aimed at school drop- Ms. Anupama Kapoor, public policies that support the outs. A non-profit special pur- Founder, Reboot cultural sectors which are im- pose vehicle has been launched portant contributors of social by Pan-IIT Foundation with Ms. Anupama Kapoor is a gen- and economic development. agencies of government of der advocate and a women The Programme provides a con- Jharkhand called Prejha Foun- coach, with over 20+ years of ceptual and policy framework dation to replicate the gurukul experience in diverse functions as an effective way to advance and other skill development ini- across the Services, Banking & policy coherence and interna- tiatives in every district of the ITeS industries, in Hong Kong, tional actions in the area of cul- state. the US & India. Ms. Anupama ture and creative industries and is a passionate exponent of highlights the importance of Ms. Pallavi Jha ,Chairperson women’s economic empower- culture, creativity, knowledge, & Managing Director, Wal- ment. She is the Founder of and technology as key drivers chand PeopleFirst Ltd. Reboot, A Women Empower- for jobs creation, innovation ment Initiative by BEANStalk. and social inclusion. Prior to Ms. Pallavi Jha is the Chair- Her decade long entrepreneur- the work on creative economy, person & Managing Director of ial venture BEANStalk, helps Ms Quintana was involved in Walchand PeopleFirst Ltd. Ms. organizations’ in retaining & various technical assistance Pallavi has diversified exposure strengthening the women lead- programmes related to trade to various management prac- ership pipeline via diagnostics, facilitation and trade promo- tices in areas such as training strategy and implementation tion (Trade Point Programme), and development, HR, consult- of gender appropriate HR poli- new financial services (micro- ing and business restructuring, cies & practices. Ms. Anupama credit) and customs moderniza- covering a wide range of indus- is also a Consultant with the tion (ASYCUDA programme). tries from media, entertainment, Women Leadership Programme Ms. Quintana holds an MBA technology to the financial ser- at S.P. Jain Institute of Manage- on Finance from the Business vices sector and the engineer- ment & Research at Mumbai School Lausanne and has 25 ing industry. She has singularly and has co created the India’s years of experience of work in led the India operations into first full-time Post Graduate UNCTAD. the fastest growing region for Management Programme for Dale Carnegie Training, win- Returning Women, aspiring to ning several global awards for be Women Leaders of Tomor-

76 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Testimonials

Delegates Ms. Ashwini Lad, Manager- cating women’s empower- OPS, M/S Alpha Solutions and ment globally Mr. Ike Sinha, Country Direc- Logistics • Media Coverage globally tor, Unite4 : Good “This is the first time I have been The Summit has given big oppor- “I am extremely grateful to you at GES Summit. The experience tunity to develop my business ca- for giving ‘Unite 4: Good’ an op- was very good in all aspects. I reer during my start-up time. We portunity to be a part of Global have met so many contacts all are starting collaboration with Economic Summit. I must say around the world. Definitely good some Indian companies for busi- that Rupa, you are a true leader for our business”. ness in Nepal”. who has exhibited exemplary leadership qualities in making Mrs. Kajal Anand (Debon Mr. Shashikant Dalichand your complete WTC Team work Herbals) Shah, Proprietor, Dm Gems, together. I thank you for allowing MUMBAI me to work with you. I look for- “We appreciate your support dur- “We are extremely honoured ward to engaging with you in the ing the Global Economic Sum- to be a part of such a wonder- future”. mit. We look forward to many ful, resourceful and enlightening more such Summits. Summit. Please accept our ap- Ms. Shalini Dabholkar, Found- preciation for the enormous ac- er and Principal Consultant, We also would like to thank your complishment and success of the SOCIOCATALYST colleagues Ms. Vanita Ghuge & Summit. Mr. A. O. Kuruvila for all their Having attended the Summit with “As a women entrepreneur, I got support”. my daughter Ms. Kinjal S. Shah, a good platform to interact with our total outlook of female entre- professionals. Madhuri and Kamala from Ne- preneurship has changed. Women pal entrepreneurs can be unstoppable The international speakers cer- and the sky could be the limit. tainly added a good perspective “A big thank you to WTC Mum- to challenges and possibilities in bai and AIAI who gave us this The whole notion to promote and the emerging landscape on wom- golden opportunity to attend the strengthen women’s participa- en empowerment. Summit and special thanks to tion in entrepreneurship, innova- Happy to have been there!” Rupa Mam, Mr Vijay Sir , Anup tion and capacity building was a Misal Sir and all the team. grand success. Ms. Jyoti Dave-Singh, Manag- Your organization has most ac- ing Trustee, Jyoticare Benevo- GES 2017 was a wonderful jour- curately and preciously quoted lent Foundation ney for us (me and my Mum - “Women around the world can Kamala Bishwokarma). We are improve their quality of living by “The summit was indeed a huge inspired by those speakers who focusing on practical strategies success. I got to interact with have struggled for their name and experiences for economic in- many organizations and individu- and fame and encouraged women clusion. Women’s contribution to als whom I wouldn’t have had the empowerment, leading to world the mainstream economy needs to opportunity to meet otherwise. transformation. We met many be enhanced. The initiatives taken business expert women and com- by academicians, social entrepre- Thank you for making it possible. panies in B2B meeting”. neurs, policy makers, artists and I look forward to the next global I would like to give a few sugges- business women in their ascent to meet”. tions for GES 2018: the top echelons of leadership are • To make/release ‘GES State- not sufficient. In this context the ment, Declaration’ for advo- role of policy makers and leaders

77 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT is paramount in effectively imple- The logistics and arrangements Dr. Shraddha Lunia, Director, menting policies and initiatives”. were superb. The panels were KERFS It was exactly what I had in my well-rounded and representative. Thank you for hosting such a mind after the Summit. If I have one suggestion it would beautiful conference and we felt be to reduce the number of panel- really delightful to be part of it Hats off to you and your whole ists, so there is sufficient time for and we are proud to win the pres- team. Keep up the good work. discussions”. tigious award for women entre- And we look forward to attend preneurship and innovative prod- the next summit and be a part of Ms. Karen Horting, MBA, ucts. THE CHANGE”. CAE, Executive Director and CEO, Society of Women Engi- Ms. Roslina Chai, Chief Learn- Ms. Monisha Behal, Executive neers ing Curator, gnowbe Director, North East Network “It was my pleasure to partici- I shall be echoing the many Thank you very much for inviting pate! Thanks for all your assis- thanks expressed by the panelists me. I do hope we have more to do tance in preparing for the event. to you Rupa. The assistance with with each other and perhaps a fu- I hope to participate again in the the logistics and transportation ture collaboration with our north future”. was very much appreciated. La- east region. dies, it was a pleasure to be shar- Ms. Shashini, Disli Fashion ing the stage with all of you who Ms. Farhana Sharmin, Con- are in your ways expressing the tract Supervisor , C.M. Con- “Thank you for everything you best that the feminine brings to tracts Incorporated, Los Ange- have done for us. That was a the industries that had long been les, CA, USA good experience for us to build so male dominated. Looking for- our future. We hope to come next ward to how our paths may cross “It was really a great opportunity year also to get to know more again. to meet many successful people at people”. the same time and listen to them. Ms. Karen Horting, Executive The Summit was so well orga- Ms. Bela Shanghvi, Purnakala Director and CEO Society of nized. Loved everything about Women Engineers, USA it. Look forward to joining more It was a pleasure to meet and in- events like this”. teract with all of you. Your team Thank you very much for orga- helped me constantly. It was such nizing this great event! And thank Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Winner a pleasure to see such an inspired you to all my fellow panelists – I of “25 Women Transforming team led by you Rupa. Congratu- think we had the liveliest discus- India” Award by Niti-Aayog lations for hosting such a wonder- sion of the day. Government of India, Found- ful event. Thank you for making er-President, AVTAR Group me part of this. Ms. Nishtha Satyam, Head, Strategic Partnerships, Poli- “It was great being at the Sum- Ms. Karon Shaiva, Chief Im- cy Impact (M&E) and Public mit. It was an amazing show and pact Officer & MD, Idobro Im- Relations,UN Women, Office I look forward to seeing how pact Solutions for India, Bhutan, Maldives & AVTAR can be more involved Sri Lanka with the wonderful work you do. Congratulations on a great Con- Let’s stay connected!” ference and Thank you for the op- “The pleasure was all mine! portunity to meet such wonderful Lets keep in touch for more such Ms. Andrea M. Ewart, Esq. people from across the world!! events that will push the envelope President, OWIT International Look forward to working more on gender”. closely, with WTC on issues re- “I have only positive feedback lated to women. on the summit, which amply dis- played India’s warm hospitality.

78 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Engr. Valerie Agberagba, Vice This in itself creates hope and op- graphs are really nice and mem- President, World Federation of timism for the better future of hu- ories to treasure. I look forward Engineering Organizations manity as a whole. to an enduring collaboration and engagement with WTC while en- “Thank you Rupa, please accept I, for once want to thank each one riching myself”. my high commendation of your of you from the bottom of my programme”. heart for being so very positive, Mdm. Nguyen Thi Tuyet willing and cooperative through Minh, Chairwoman, Vietnam Ms. Sangeeta Wij, Managing those pre - event preparatory Women Entrepreneurs Coun- Partner, SD Engineering Con- marathons. cil (VWEC), Vietnam Cham- sultants LLP ber of Commerce and Industry My heartiest congratulations and (VCCI), Vietnam “Rupa, your event was a thor- thanks to WTC for honouring me oughly enjoyable experience with this opportunity to contrib- “Thank you once again for your on the whole and meeting hun- ute and participate in this world invitation as well as the support dreds of amazing women from class event. Under the able-lead- given to our delegation. I am very all walks of life made it totally ership of Ms. Rupa Naik, it was happy to be at this important con- worthwhile. Congratulations on sheer pleasure to witness the way ference and share with the par- a job well done, and keep up the this spectacular show was pulled ticipants an ASEAN initiative on great work! off with unbelievable ease. Women’s Empowerment. I do My special thanks to Debjani, hope to have an opportunity to Lots of love to all the lovely Dolly, Tripti, Vanita, Mansee, work with you again”. people in your team who really Kranti, Doris, Lourdes, Chhaya worked very hard to back you up and everyone who is part of team Ms. Carolina Quintana, completely!” WTC”. UNCTAD, Cultural and Cre- ative Industries Programme, Dr. Madhuri Khambete, Prin- Ms. Usha C. V. Haley, PhD, Coordinator, Networking and cipal, Cummins College, Pune Professor of Management/co- Partnerships Chair, All Academy Practice “Thank you very much for giving Theme Committee, Academy I appreciate the relevance of the opportunity to be among accom- of Management, West Virginia topics discussed in all the ses- plished women. Many thanks to University, College of Business sions and the diversity of views all panelists for making the ses- & Economics and experiences brought in from sion lively and interesting”. the various panelists and audi- “Thank you for inviting me to be ence. The sessions were interac- Ms. Chhaya Sehgal, Founder a panelist on this important topic. tive. I met very interesting people and CEO, The Winning Edge I thoroughly enjoyed the discus- with whom I hope to develop col- sion and debate and meeting all laboration. “GES 2017 was a memorable these strong, thoughtful women. event, where we rocked the stage, I also appreciate the help WTC The integration of the cultural forged lifelong friendships and gave me with the logistics of my performances into each of the ses- collectively learned from each trip and participation”. sions was a great idea and I hope other! that this can continue in future Ms. Yogita Shukla (PhD), Ad- events. The B2B meetings were It is heartwarming to see that visor, SkyMap Global and also very motivating, since I met women all over the world are fac- Principal Investigator - WOS young women entrepreneurs who ing the same challenges, same di- - A, Indian Institute of Remote are passionate about their work lemmas, and have to overcome Sensing and are looking to expand their similar obstacles to grow and em- business internationally. This is power them; which they do with “I am extremely thankful to you a good platform to support busi- immense resilience, self belief, for inviting me to speak at the ness contacts for new and innova- dignity and above all with love. prestigious event. The photo- tive products.

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Media Coverage orld Trade Centre Mumbai and All of the participants, speakers, exhibitors and India Association of Industries (AIAI) sponsors. The Pre and Post event website was Wpromoted the 6th Global Economic developed and registered as www.ges2017.com Summit through advertisements in National which carried the entire information pertaining and Regional Newspapers (Print), Hoardings to this summit. (Outdoor) and Television Channels (Electronic). We also organized two media centric run- The event was also promoted through Digital up events to the main GES 2017 Summit with Marketing by online promotion, E-mailers, Social Doodarshan, the National Channel of India. One Media Campaigns and Blogs. of the events was titled: ‘Nayika – Honoring Social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Women of Substance’ and it was organized on Instagram, and YouTube were optimally used the occasion of International Women’s Day 2017. to reach out to a wide gamut of audience. The The event was recorded and subsequently telecast Summit was also promoted by word-of-mouth. on the same day by DD National Channel across The two day conference was broadcast through India and also by DD Sahyadri, the regional live streaming in WTC Mumbai’s official social government channel of Maharashtra. media handles. The other precursor seminar to the GES 2017 was A series of pre-event and post-event organized with The Hindu and the Business Line advertisements featured in the various editions of Group. The seminar was titled: ‘A Power Women the print media, both in English and Marathi (the Seminar Celebrating Womanhood’. The seminar Regional language of Maharashtra, India). Some was given extensive coverage across different of the print media that carried the advertisements states in India by The Hindu Group’s print and include Times of India, Business Standard, online publication. Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Maharashtra As part of Outdoor promotion, World Trade Times, Asian Age, Loksatta, Indian Express, Centre Mumbai displayed the banners, standees, DNA, Mint, Afternoon Despatch & Courier, The posters of the GES 2017 and distributed Summit Hindu and Business Line. brochures and flyers at various events in India and A GES 2017 promotional film to promote the abroad. The summit was publicized though large summit theme and to call for registration for hoardings at prominent locations across Mumbai the main event was scripted and executed. This city which included Haji Ali, Khar, Matunga and promotional film on Women’s Empowerment Mahim. was played at various national and international The Sessions of the Summit received wide events. A separate film for launching the SHE electronic and print coverage in newspapers, TRADES App in Mumbai for announcing WTC magazines, radio and television channels such as Mumbai and AIAI as the active verifiers was All India Radio, DD Sahyadri News, DD News, conceptualized and launched at the inaugural of IBN Lokmat News, ANI, Aaj Tak, India Today TV, GES 2017. PTI, Business Line, Economic Times, Loksatta, We created a dedicated website for the 6th Global Hindustan Times, Bombay Times, DNA, Asian Economic Summit to enable the online registration Age including online media news agencies.

80 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Media Coverage

81 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT Media Coverage

82 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

White Paper on Women’s Empowerment

he first Prime Minister of on do not allow women to make support from family, 3. Lack of Independent India Pandit effective life choices. There- entrepreneurial guidance, men- Jawaharlal Nehru once fore, the role of government toring and incubation support. T civil society, academic institu- said “You can tell the condition Government and women busi- of a nation by looking at the tions, corporate sector and other ness chambers must work to- status of its women.” Economic stakeholders is to create an en- gether to enhance flow of funds empowerment of women is es- abling environment for women to women-owned start-up en- sential to attain overall prog- to make effective life choices. terprises. Also, government can ress in the society. This was the Almost all the speakers at the collaborate with academic in- unanimous opinion of all the 6th Global Economic Summit stitutions to provide effective th participants in the 6 Global agreed that entrepreneurship is incubation services for women- Economic Summit. The Sum- the preferred way for women’s owned start-up enterprises. In- mit covered various dimensions economic empowerment as it cubation centres play an impor- of women’s empowerment such provides them flexibility to ad- tant role in providing marketing as education and skill develop- just their work timings based assistance, management train- ment, role of technology in em- on family commitments. En- ing and financing assistance for powering women entrepreneurs, trepreneurship not only makes start-up companies. need for capacity building, rel- a woman financially indepen- evance of gender equality to Government of India is promot- dent but also enables them to ing incubation centre for start-up sustainable development goals, provide jobs to other women as and women’s empowerment enterprises under Atal Innova- well. Advancement in informa- tion Mission (AIM). Howev- through arts and culture. World tion and communication tech- Trade Centre Mumbai (WTC) er, the initiative of the central nologies has opened various av- government is not enough for a and All India Association of enues for entrepreneurship. In Industries (AIAI) have jointly country of more than 30 states this technologically advanced and union territories. The cen- prepared this White Paper to world, women can explore en- present some of the key policy tral government must encour- trepreneurship in a wide gamut age state governments to set suggestions that were echoed of segments ranging from mo- by speakers during the Summit. up incubation centres for start- bile and internet service provi- up enterprises. Government of The White Paper aims to docu- sion, desk top publishing, to Gujarat is encouraging the de- ment the obstacles in women’s development of mobile gaming velopment of incubation cen- economic empowerment and apps. Also, women can set up tres through incentives such present useful recommenda- start-up enterprises in online as financial grants, exemption tions to address them. Women’s education, online financial ser- of stamp duty and registration empowerment can be better vices, e-commerce, quick ser- fee, concessional electricity tar- achieved by increasing the ca- vice restaurants and so on. iffs and so on. States such as pability of women to make ef- However, studies conducted Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka fective life choices and ensur- by various organizations have have also introduced similar ing that these choices lead to shown that the failure rate of policies to support start-up en- their overall progress. However, start-up enterprises established terprises. Government of India certain factors such as women’s by women is higher than those must encourage other states to role as primary care giver in established by men. Some of the adopt policies for start-up enter- the family, gender stereotyping, reasons why women are not able prises. gender discrimination at work- to sustain their entrepreneurial place, lack of property rights, Providing non-financial services activities are – 1. Lack of in- and training, along with access lack of access to finance and so stitutional finance, 2. Lack of

83 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT to financial products, will offer core competence of every town registered with the Ministry of holistic growth opportunities to in the country with the help of MSME. Therefore, they do not women entrepreneurs. Lending the local administration. Based benefit from the various govern- institutions rely heavily on col- on the outcome of this study, the ment schemes. lateral to give credit, which is ministry must upgrade the skills The Ministry of MSME offers a constraint for many women- of the local women in the iden- financial assistance for micro owned services enterprises. The tified occupation or core com- enterprises to participate in Government of India should petence. In places where the overseas exhibitions under the also encourage ownership rights traditional occupation is dying, Market Development Assis- for women by offering incen- the ministry must take efforts to tance Scheme. However, this tives for registration of proper- revive them through adoption of scheme is restricted only to ty. This could help women who modern technologies, providing registered units. Efforts must own SMEs to get greater access marketing infrastructure, up- be made to identify these un- to collateral and, in turn, access grading skills of women work- organized women enterprises business finance. ers and so on. More importantly, and bring them under the for- While the advent of digital tech- the Ministry of Micro, Small and mal system. Although micro fi- nologies has enabled women to Medium Enterprises (MSME) nance institutions in the country make effective career choices, must work in co-ordination are meeting the credit needs of we feel even the government with the local administration in the unorganized women-owned can also facilitate women’s par- imparting entrepreneurial skills enterprises, not all districts and ticipation into entrepreneurship among women in the identified villages in the country benefit and workforce in the following sectors. The Ministry of MSME from their service. Therefore, ways - must also work in close co-or- the Ministry of MSME must dination with the National Skill provide incentives to the exist- Development Council (NSDC) ing micro finance institutions 1. Identifying core compe- in this initiative. This would not to offer their services to all the tence of all districts and only provide livelihood support unorganized women enterprises imparting relevant skills to for women, but also revive the across the length and breadth of women local economy of towns and vil- the country. lages. Every town in the country has For the welfare of tribal wom- some or other core competence, 2. Supporting Women enter- en, the Ministry of Tribal Af- based on the endowment of fairs has been administering the natural resources or traditional prises in unorganized sec- tors Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran skills of the local people. For Yojana. Efforts must be made instance, the town of Pocham- In the tribal areas of Chhattis- to cover all the unregistered or pally in Telangana is famous for garh, women have been tradi- unorganized tribal community manufacture of sarees. Simi- tionally gathering forest prod- under this scheme. larly, Bhadohi town in Uttar ucts and make household articles Pradesh is famous for hand- such as brooms, baskets and 3. Creating effective Monitor- made carpets. In some places, mats. In the North Eastern state ing and Evaluation (M&E) the local population may have of Meghalaya, women farmers Programme for existing abandoned their traditional oc- have been traditionally saving schemes cupation in the course of time seeds of various crops and pass- In order to promote women because of lack of demand or ing them on to their next gen- entrepreneurship in the small lack of marketing facilities for erations. Similarly, women in and medium enterprises sector, their products. The Office of the Bhuj area of Gujarat are known Government of India has im- Development Commissioner of for making embroidery in leath- plemented five schemes. These the Ministry of Micro, Small er, garment, silver and other schemes are and Medium Enterprises must articles. These women are gen- ** Trade Related Entrepreneur- conduct a study to identify the erally unorganized and are not ship Assistance and Devel-

84 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT opment Scheme for Women (TREAD), which offers finance 5. Improve Ease of Doing (TREAD) and information related to trade Business for Women and ** Micro & Small Enterprises for women-owned SMEs are Create Awareness on Mea- Cluster Development Pro- commendable but can be broad- sures Taken gramme (MSECDP) ened. Complexity in starting and ** Credit Guarantee Fund running an enterprise is a key Scheme For Micro and deterrent for aspiring wom- Small Enterprises 4. Expanding activity of Rashtriya Mahila Kosh en entrepreneurs and existing ** Support for Entrepreneurial women-owned enterprises in and Managerial Develop- Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK), the unorganized sector. Accord- ment under the Ministry of Women ing to the World Bank’s Ease of ** Exhibitions for Women un- and Child Development, has Doing Business Report 2017, it der Promotional Package for been functioning since 1993. takes 26 days and 14 procedures Micro & Small Enterprises The organization offers small to start a business in India, com- The Women Cell of the Minis- loans to self-help groups owned pared to only 16 days and 8 pro- try of Micro Small and Medium by women through non gov- cedures in other countries of Enterprises must monitor and ernment organizations across South Asia. evaluate the effectiveness of all states in the country. Since inception, the organization has Many women-owned enterpris- these schemes by conducting es in the unorganized sector do impact assessment. The Cell benefitted more than 7 lakh women, who are mostly from not wish to register their busi- must also identify changes re- ness with the Registrar of Com- quired in these schemes to make poor and marginalized section of the society. panies and enter into the formal them in sync with the evolving economy. This is because of the needs of women entrepreneurs. Now, the time has come for increase in compliance burden According to the latest Eco- RMK to re-invent itself and be- with respect to tax and labour nomic Census, there are more come a full-fledged non bank- laws (to name a few) once they than 80 lakh establishments ing finance company. Pres- become registered entities. owned by women entrepreneurs ently, the organization depends on grants from the central and Complex compliance burden in India. Of these, about 65.12% and high cost of doing business are located in rural areas. Many state governments and other or- ganizations to meet its financial in the formal sector can drive of these women entrepreneurs women-owned enterprises into may not be benefitting from the needs. In future, RMK can in- vite capital from venture capi- the informal sector or the shad- schemes of Government of In- ow economy. Legal formalities dia because of poor awareness. tal funds, private equity funds and other new age funding in- required to register a business Therefore, government must can also hinder unregistered create awareness through grass- stitutions. This would not only diversify its source of funds, business transition to formal root agencies such as women self economies. According to the help groups, village panchayats, but also enhance its lendable re- sources and increase its ability World Bank’s Women Business women business associations, and Law Report 2016, in India, farmer producer organizations to serve more women entrepre- neurs. RMK can also increase a fragmented legal framework and other community based or- re-enforces inequality of wom- ganizations. the maximum loan amount from the present Rs. 10 lakh to Rs.20 en, and about four legal gender Also, some experts feel that lakh. Increase in the loan size differences impede their eco- government must enlarge the would enable women borrowers nomic participation. In order for scope of the existing schemes to expand the scale of their op- women- owned enterprises to that benefit women enterprises. eration to the optimal level and register, public institutions need Particularly, schemes such as thereby enhance operational ef- to devise inclusive policies and Trade Related Entrepreneurship ficiency. regulation. Assistance and Development There are 2.69 million unreg-

85 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT istered women-owned MSMEs es in the unorganized sector may ternational standards on product in India, according to the 4th not be aware of these initiatives. quality. This would also prepare MSME Survey Census 2006 Government of India, with the women enterprises to join the and the latest Annual Report help of these chambers of com- global value chain. of the Ministry of MSME. By merce, must create awareness registering their business with about these measures among 7. Empowering women in the Registrar of Companies, women-owned enterprises. agriculture these entities can benefit from According to Census 2011, more the schemes of the Ministry of 6. Procurement from Women- than 80% of female workforce MSME and other ministries of owned Enterprises in rural areas is employed in ag- the government. Government of India has intro- riculture. These women are ei- Government, by itself cannot duced the Public Procurement ther cultivators (who own land) reach these millions of unreg- Policy Order in 2012. Under or agriculture workers. Agricul- istered enterprises which are this policy, all the departments ture is a risky occupation as it spread across the length and of the central and state govern- depends on the vagaries of the breadth of the country and help ments and public sector enter- climate patterns. Frequent oc- them in entering the formal sys- prises must buy a certain portion currence of flood and famine tem. Therefore, the government of their annual procurement of threatens the livelihood of these must take the support of indus- goods and services from micro, women. In order to protect the try chambers, particularly, the small and medium enterprises interests of women in agricul- women’s wings of these cham- (MSMEs). Within MSMEs, the ture, the government must pro- bers, in helping these unorga- government has introduced sub- mote climate resilient practices nized women-enterprises enter target for procurement from en- among women workers in agri- the formal system. terprises owned by scheduled culture. There are around 665 caste and backward commu- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) In fact, the government must nity. across the length and breadth partner with chambers of com- However, no such target exists of the country. The govern- merce in training and hand- ment must set an annual target holding women-owned enter- for procurement from women- owned enterprises. Under the for each KVK to train certain prises in the unorganized sector number of women agriculture on various kinds of compliance Public Procurement Policy, the government must set an an- workers and cultivators in their procedures to be fulfilled by a jurisdiction on climate resilient registered company. nual target for procurement from women owned enterprises. farming. Also, government must create Many co-operatives or estab- Another way of empowering awareness about its recent ini- lishments owned by women women farmers is through pro- tiatives to improve ease of do- produce various goods and ser- motion of digital and commu- ing business. Government of In- vices of credible quality. These nication technologies. These dia has taken several measures organizations must be given an KVKs can also play an impor- to reduce the compliance cost opportunity to participate in tant role in promoting latest dig- and procedures for doing busi- the government procurement. ital technologies among women ness. For instance, government By participating in government farmers to have real time infor- has created a portal for online procurement, women-owned en- mation on weather patterns, lat- registration of establishment terprises can increase the scale est price in the market for their with the Employee Provident of their operation, provide more crops and so on. Government Fund department. Similarly, employment opportunities and can also form public private government has introduced on- also secure credit from finan- partnership with mobile ser- line process for filing all forms cial institutions. By participat- vice providers or community and documents while incorpo- ing in the government procure- radio service providers to equip rating a company. ment, women entrepreneurs are women farmers with latest com- Many women-owned enterpris- forced to adopt national and in- munication technologies.

86 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT 8. Improving women’s par- other family responsibilities. c. Availability of Infrastruc- ticipation in workforce Many a times, women tend to ture Services While entrepreneurship is an ef- quit jobs on account of increase In many instances, women are fective way to attain economic in family responsibility after willing to take up full time jobs; independence, not all women they become mothers. Once however, they are unable to do can become entrepreneurs. their children attain maturity, so because they have to spend Therefore, we need to create these women plan to re-enter considerable amount of time in employment opportunities for the workforce. Government doing household work such as women through various mea- must set up training centres or fetching water from far-off plac- sures. Participation of women skill development centres to es and cooking food. Similarly, in employment is far lower upgrade the skills to facilitate women staying in remote villag- compared to men. According these women to re-enter the la- es or outside the city limits are to Census 2011, the workforce bour force. This would facilitate unable to take up jobs because participation rate for females women to upgrade their skills, of lack of transport facilities, is 25.51% against 53.26% for unlearn obsolete practices and safety issues and other consid- males. Women’s participation learn new technologies in their erations. It is the responsibil- in workforce can be enhanced job and thereby regain the lost ity of the state governments and through following ways - ground because of long career local bodies to offer drinking gap. water connection to all house- a. Improving employability of holds. This would save the time women b. Alternative to Maternity spent by women on fetching One way to encourage female Leave water from far-off areas. Simi- employment is to improve the Government of India has recent- larly, government must provide employability of women candi- ly introduced a legislation to in- transport facilities to connect dates. While data from Census crease the mandatory paid ma- satellite towns and villages to shows increasing number of ternity leave to 26 weeks from adjoining cities. This would en- women graduates in the coun- the earlier 12 weeks. While this courage women living in these try, the employability of these legislation will apparently ben- towns and villages to take up graduates is questionable. Most efit women employees, it may jobs in nearby cities. Also, bus- graduates from Indian colleges force employers to prefer men es and local trains connecting and universities lack skills and candidates instead of women. these areas must be manned by knowledge required by indus- Also, increasing maternity leave security guards to ensure safety try. Therefore, the central gov- for women employees will rein- of women passengers. ernment and state governments force the stereotype that child d. Common Facilities for Fam- must upgrade the skill deficit care is the sole responsibility of ily Care among women graduates to im- women. prove their chances of getting Women with infant children or The concept of maternal leave disabled elders in the family are jobs. The state government of must be transformed into paren- Kerala has established Women unable to take up full time jobs tal leave to change the view that because of the need to attend to Resource Centres across vari- child caring is the exclusive re- ous arts and science colleges in these dependents. In order to fa- sponsibility of women. In Swe- cilitate these women to take up the state. These centres impart den, for example, employers of- skills among graduating women jobs, we need to set up care cen- fer 480 days of parental leaves, tres in each and every locality of students to facilitate their ab- which can be shared by mother sorption in the industry. cities and towns. The municipal and father. Some experts advo- bodies or local governments, Also, government must create cate the introduction of paternal employers and non government skill development centres for leave for fathers so that men organizations must set up com- women who have taken career can take equal responsibility in mon facility centres for child- breaks because of child care or child care. care, care of disabled people or

87 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT elderly people, so that women tions. The data generated by on social welfare programmes can take up full time jobs. These this software system would en- and infrastructure facilities that centres must offer good-quality able employers to assess gender benefit women. Countries with childcare and other social care differences in the payment of quotas for the number of female services at affordable cost. wages and take corrective ac- legislators spent more money on e. Promoting gender equality tions. Government of India, in social services and welfare than in work place association with the chambers countries which lacked such of commerce, can explore the quotas 1. Increasing the num- One way to promote women’s possibility of these measures in ber of women legislators would participation in employment our country as well. facilitate the achievement of is by encouraging business or- Lastly, the Ministry of Child Sustainable Development Goals ganizations to adopt best prac- (SDGs) of the United Nations. tices on gender equality. Gov- and Women Development must ernment of India must partner partner with a research organi- According to the Inter-Parlia- with chambers of commerce to zation to conduct surveys and mentary Union (IPU), India is train business organizations on rank companies in the private ranked 148th out of 193 coun- gender equality practices. Such sector based on best practices in tries in terms of percentage of practices include avoiding gen- gender equality. In USA, Work- women members in the Parlia- der discrimination in payment ing Mother Network, a division ment. Only 11.8% of members of wages, in promotion of em- of Bonnier Corporation, iden- in the Lok Sabha are women ployees, preventing sexual ha- tifies and honours companies in India and this is lower than rassment in workplace and so (through periodic surveys) that corresponding number in poor on. Government of India has in- adopt conducive environment countries such as Sierra Leone troduced legislation to prevent for working mothers. Compa- (12.4%), Cambodia (20.3%), sexual harassment in workplace nies are rated based on param- Sudan (30.5%), Nepal (29.6%), and it has also offered legal eters such as safety and securi- Ethiopia (38.8%) and so on. remedies for women victims of ty, work-life balance, employee Therefore, Government of India sexual harassment. benefits and so on. The Ministry must promote participation of of Child and Women Develop- However, much more needs women in the election process. ment in India must partner with Political parties must be encour- to be done to ensure that busi- such research organizations in ness organizations adopt gender aged to field women candidates India to identify and honour across all levels of election (be equality practices in workplace. companies that adopt best prac- Some European countries have it for Parliament, State legisla- tices in gender equality. Gov- ture or municipal councils). set up equality advisors to ad- ernment must also offer fiscal vise business organizations on incentives for companies that equality practices. For instance, follow best practices in gender the government of Italy has also equality. established a network of Equal- ity Advisors at the regional and provincial level. Women, who 9. Improving women’s repre- find themselves discriminated sentation in legislature at the workplace, can seek legal Government of India must en- remedies from these Equality sure that there is adequate rep- Advisors. resentation of women in Par- Similarly, the Government of liament, State Legislatures and Czech Republic, has set up a local bodies. Countries that software system to track the have considerable number of wages earned by men and women legislators are found to women in different organiza- be spending adequate resources

88 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Acknowledgements

e extend our profound gratitude to Social Buzz and Webcast Partner - Epitome for all the speakers, business delegates, providing technology support to the event. government officials, sponsors, W Special thanks to our Outreach Partners media partners and audience who collectively SHEROES, IDOBRO, We Connect, SAARC contributed to the success of this Summit. Chamber of Commerce & Industry, India We are grateful to the Ministry of Women and Business Group (IBG), National Agriculture Child Development, Government of India for and Food Analysis and Research Institute, supporting us in this endeavour. (NAFARI), Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CWCCI), Saturday Club We acknowledge with gratitude the honourable Global Trust, ZHEP and National Institute for presence of Mr. Deepak Kesarkar, Hon’ble Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni- Minister for Finance, Planning and Home msme) for supporting and participating in this (Rural), Government of Maharashtra and Summit. the officials from United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), We are indebted to the experts and women International Trade Centre (ITC), World achievers who contributed their valuable Trade Organization (WTO) and government perspectives on Women’s Empowerment in the departments of various countries. form of article and interviews to the Summit Handbook. We also thank all our sponsors - Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), We also extend our thanks to all the women Andhra Bank, Korgaonkar Group, Wealth achievers who were honoured at the event for Zone Concept Clothing (KERFS), Jagannath being part of this Summit. We thank Women’s Gangaram Pednekar Jewellers and M/s India Trust for partnering with us in the Post- Supreme Project Management & Associates event Tour. (SBM) for financially supporting us in this We appreciate all the artists who performed endeavour. at the Cultural Programme and the Musical We thank our media partners - India Today Theatre for their valuable contribution to the Group, Laqshya Media Group and Bright Summit. Outdoor Media Pvt. Ltd. for providing adequate Finally, we acknowledge the efforts of all the coverage to this event and helping us reach a departments in World Trade Centre Mumbai wide gamut of audience. and All India Association of Industries for We are grateful to our Technology Partner - making this Summit a grand success.

89 6th GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Reports of Earlier Global Economic Summits

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