XLRI's Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusive Leadership (CGEIL) conducted an online session on Tuesday for creating awareness and advocacy to empower women.
Liselotte Waldheim Natural, a former senior international civil servant, an experienced leader and an untiring champion for women and girls and gender equality was the guest speaker. The first session addressed the key issues of gender equality and focused on inclusive leadership.
“It takes active involvement of men and women to progress the motive of gender equality. You have to grab every opportunity you have, you should never shy away thinking that this kind of work is not cut out for me,” she said.
She also discussed her own career journey and what it takes for a woman to get recognised in their professional life. “What should a female candidate do when her work is rejected by male boss?”, asked a participant. Liselotte replied, “It is something that we have to accept and try to prove them wrong with our hard work and good work. Your male boss will accept it. Even though they don’t, your hard work will definitely pay you in the long run. I have myself transferred to jobs. You have to be open to opportunities, and jump on to them whenever needed. You must be a fighter.”
Significantly, CGEIL has an ambitious goal, which is, to significantly increase the participation of women in the workforce within the next 5-10 years through strategic and broad-based interventions. "As a first step, we have set up the CGEIL and started our sessions too, and we aim to build a world-class centre of excellence in years to come," said Fr. Paul Fernandes, the XLRI director.
Journalist Alka Raza, who was recently appointed as chairperson of CGEIL said, “CGEIL aims at covering the existing challenges and obstacles to women empowerment, peace and security and will be hosting monthly events throughout the year. My experience over the years has taught me that it is our need and duty to reach out to those who live in underprivileged circumstances. We must recognize women for their role and contribution they have been making for centuries."
