Participants at ICCC's Annual International Women's Day Celebrations

Women empowerment has many dimensions and many aspects. It is connected to a career, wealth, success personally and professionally. On their journey to fulfillment and empowerment, women face discrimination and gender bias, orthodoxy in personal spheres, conservative moors and the necessity to adjust in an ever-changing as well as an ever-shrinking space.

These and many other related issues were hotly discussed and debated on the occasion of the International Women’s Day at the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters in Toronto. The panelists and the audience included some of the Indo-Canadian community’s most successful women. They included entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, artists, academics. All of them are all this in addition to their primary role of being home makers.

The panelists were: Ms. Christina Doyle a professional motivational speaker, Dr. Vinitha Gengatharan Director, International Strategy and Partnerships at the University of Toronto, Dr. Amitha Mundenchira, Family Physician, and Ms. Nav Mander, Vice President,Commercial Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank.

This was the sixth annual International Women’s Day panel discussion organized by ICCC. And the diversity of views represented by the panelists and the audience gave a different dimension to the theme of Women Empowerment. Among the issues that the panelists discussed included the following:

• What is Women Empowerment? Is it limited to a career choice, generating wealth and corporate success or is it something intangible
• Dealing with discrimination and gender bias
• The two biggest challenges faced in the journey to success
• Traditional conservative families – are they the biggest hurdle to women empowerment
• How can women empowerment change social structure of the society

In her welcome remarks, Devika Penekelapati, Vice President, Events and Programs said that Women Empowerment refers both to the process of self-empowerment and professional achievements, which enables women to overcome any obstacles to achieve success.

It also reflects women’s ability to use their developed skills and intellect to shape future for an unbiased social structure. Active participation of women in all spheres of life will help in promoting new ideas, rational decision making and positive use of socio-eco and political power.

Mr. Arun Srivastava, President ICCC in his welcome remarks said that the chamber is giving more importance to the women and working towards promoting the women entrepreneurship. He said the ICCC was celebrating its 40th year in 2017, which coincided with India’s 70th year of Independence and Canada’s 150th year of the formation of the Confederation. Chamber has lined up events to celebrate its 40th year. Chamber will be holding 'Canada India Business Symposium' on 9th June 2017 with the Business Expo. A business delegation will come from India during the symposium. The ICCC President said that the Chamber has rededicated itself in its fortieth year to fulfil its twin objectives of fostering bilateral economic ties and creating opportunities for Indo-Canadians.

The panel discussion drew tremendous response from the ICCC members and non-members and was attended by an overwhelming number.

Ms. Shibani Sahney, Chair WEP committee moderated the session and also gave a vote of thanks.