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CII launches Indian Women Network (IWN) in Chennai
Jan 24, 2013

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) launched the Indian Women Network (IWN)  in Chennai  on 23 January 2013.   IWN  is  an exclusive forum which would aim to provide a platform for women  from all walks of life to come together to discuss, debate and collaborate on creating an environment for more and more women to participate in business and society.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr G V Sanjay Reddy, Chairman,  CII Southern Region said, “today, 30% of workforce in organizations comprises women but they still don’t have an appropriate forum to discuss issues that are relevant to them.  Through IWN, CII hope to provide a platform for women to discuss issues and opportunities at work places and learn from each other’s experiences.  IWN would also provide impetus for women to become successful in their respective fields.

Ms Suhasini Maniratnam,  Actress, Film Director, Film Producer & Writer in her keynote address said, “IWN is a platform for all women to drive their ambition and motivate them to achieve their dreams. There is a need to focus on the working women. Every women has to think back as to what she would like to be in the future. Would she want to develop her own identity and be a role model for herself. Unless you expand, you will never be able to achieve. The minute you are contended you stop growing. Hence I think IWN is one platform which would help a women grow and achieve her dreams as we today see lot of women entrepreneurs who have come out of the stereotypical clutches and come out of their nest. Hence it important for all of women to realize their potential and question everyday as to what they are capable of achieving, said Ms Maniratnam.

While setting the context, Ms Bhairavi Jani, Chairperson, IWN Steering Committee said, “CII, through its various initiatives, has been working, towards bringing about positive change in businesses, and society at large to address the issue of gender equality. CII has developed a tool kit to equip companies to educate on gender sensitivity. The main aim of the launch was create bouncing boards for women entrepreneurs, senior management, facilitate  a three tier network for women in any organisation wherein the immediate senior group shall mentor the  immediate junior group women.   The forum not only targets working professionals, but also seeks to help women at the grassroots become self-reliant and come to the forefront.

Ms Suchitra K Ella, Chairperson, CII Andhra Pradesh State Council said, IWN would reach out to engage and empower women through various initiatives to augment knowledge, skills and equal opportunity to enhance inclusive growth and economic parity for sustainable development of the country.  Later Ms Ella was appointed as the Chairwoman of CII Indian Women Network by Mr Sanjay Reddy, Chairman, CII Southern Region.

The launch function also featured a panel discussion on ‘Challenges and opportunities for career women in today’s world and to build an inclusive society”.   Panelists participated at the discussion included; Ms Bhairavi Jani, Chairperson, IWN Steering Committee; Ms Suchitra K Ella, Chairperson , CII Andhra Pradesh State Council; Ms Gayathri Sriram, Managing Director, Ucal Auto Pvt Ltd; Ms Rajani Seshadri, Vice president, Tata Consultancy Services; Ms Rani Muralidharan, Executive Director, GK Sons Engineering Enterprises Pvt Ltd; Ms Latha Rajan, Director, Ma Foi Strategic Consultants; Ms Sushila Ravindranath, Consulting Editor, Financial Express and Dr Jayashree Gopal, Specialist, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Apollo Hospitals, amongst others.

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