Summary
The announcement was made at the Women’s Week Leadership Conclave
The centre will not only impart functional skills, but also take measures to improve women’s self-confidence and psychological boosting
The Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, announced the launch of a Centre for Women Leadership under the guidance of its associate professor, K. Rajeshwari, at the Women’s Week Leadership Conclave.
The announcement was made by Suresh Ramanathan, dean, Great Lakes Institute of Management, at the inauguration of the Women’s Week Leadership Conclave - #ChoosetoChallenge (The Status Quo) in the campus on March 4. It was the first live event since the college reopened after the pandemic.
Announcing the launch, Ramanathan said, “We are proud to announce that we will be starting the Centre for Women Leadership at Great Lakes Institute of Management. The centre will provide a pathway for women to get back into the workforce. It will be a certification programme in association with corporate learning and development.”
He highlighted that the centre will not only impart functional skills, but also take measures to improve women’s self-confidence and psychological boosting. Mentorship will also be provided by the institute’s alumni and corporate leadership.
“We are also trying to incorporate sensitivity training and gender role debiasing in the curriculum,” he explained, stating that it aligns with the principles of the institute that is being inclusive, diversity of thought and opportunity for all.
Ranjini Manian, founder chair, Championwoman, and the keynote speaker, shared her journey from being a successful entrepreneur and cultural ambassador to a philanthropist and author. Elaborating on the importance of being an Indian she said, “It is important that we are rooted in India and flying around the world and this is exactly what Great Lakes Institute of Management does.”
Manina urged women to challenge their own understanding, challenging the mindset of others and community biases. She also elaborated on the yardstick used to measure success today. “We must start measuring success based on mental health, physical health, free time, liking what you do along with job title and salary,” she added.
A book by Manian, Champion Woman Truths, was released by Ramanathan on the occasion.
The event was followed by a panel discussion on #ChoosetoChallenge with key speakers Bhavani Balasubramanian, chief strategist, Diversity Evaluations Avtar Group; Lalitha Balakrishnan, principal, M O P Vaishnav College for Women; Sruti Harihara Subramanian, National Award-winning filmmaker and co-founder, Goli Soda Sustainable Solutions and Rohini Rau, medical professional, International Athlete – Sailing and moderated by K Rajeshwari, senior associate professor, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai.
Last updated on 07 Mar 2022
