The Heritage Group of Institutions celebrates International Women’s Day 2024

Every year on 8 March, the world unites to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD). This year, the theme, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress and Inspire inclusion," set by the United Nations carries a powerful message: we must actively work towards a world where women are not just present, but truly included, valued, and empowered.

Creating awareness for this theme, on 7 March, Heritage Group of Institutions celebrated International Women's Day, at the Heritage campus by organising a Panel Discussion at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium.

The panel discussion was addressed by Ms. Christina Scott, Minister and Deputy High Commissioner to India at the British High Commission in New Delhi, Ms. Elizabeth Lee, Director of the American Center, Kolkata, Mr. Bhanu Sharma, Global Head for HR and IT, Tega Industries, Ms. Monika Khosla Bhargava, Architect, Urban Designer, Artist, Theoretician and Entrepreneur and Ms. Ananya Chakraborti, former Chairperson of the West Bengal Commission for the Protection of Child Rights and presently the Advisor to the commission.

Prof. (Dr.) Madhupa Bakshi, Dean- The Department of Media Science, The Heritage Academy moderated the panel discussion. Students from various colleges under Heritage Group of Institutions attended the event. Senior officials of Heritage Group of Institutions including Prof. Basab Chaudhuri, Senior Director and Shri Pradip Agarwal, the Chief Executive Officer attended the programme.

“Women are being paid less than men. They are leaving the workforce early. It is up to the government to make the appropriate legislation protecting the rights of women. Also it is pertinent to stress on the importance of education making it accessible for the women,” said Ms. Christina Scott. “There is a preference for men and boys to be borned. Women stay at home unpaid and unrecognised for the work they do for their family. This is a huge part of the economy that is remaining unaddressed where women are not paid for the work they do for their family at home. Every time women constantly have to justify their existence. But there is a significant change which has come up recently and we are seeing lots of progress which is really excellent,” said Ms. Elizabeth Lee.

“The system is made in a way that gives equal opportunities to both the people. It is the duty of the men to humbly support women so that the gender gap is reduced to a greater extent,” said Mr. Bhanu Sharma.

“The path for growth is not laid out for any women. She has to create it. The world is not equal. Women have to fight for their rights. They also have the responsibility in bringing up their sons, inculcating the right values,” said Ms. Ananya Chakraborti.

“This generation has a new super power and that is voice which has to be made heard to the right people. Women have a limitless space for growth and progress which extends to infinity. I urge all women to continue to aspire for their dreams and put the right efforts to succeed,” said Ms. Monica Khosla Bhargava.

The panellists were in the opinion that this isn't just about celebrating individual achievements, although recognising the incredible contributions of women across all fields is crucial. It's about dismantling the systemic barriers that continue to hold women back, whether it's unequal pay, lack of access to education and healthcare, or gender-based violence.