Self-reliance key to gender equality, says Dr Kiran Bedi

HYDERABAD: It is crucial to become a self-reliant woman in all aspects of life and be aware to make conscious choices, said India’s first woman IPS officer Dr Kiran Bedi, former lieutenant governor of Puducherry, on Day 2 of the ‘Future Women Leaders Programme’ event held at the T-Hub.

Organised by Young Indians, the event brought together intelligentsia to discuss women's empowerment, touching on aspects of leadership, equality, equity and future societal roles.

Dr Kiran Bedi, keynote speaker, drew on her life experiences about overcoming challenges at the workplace through exemplary skills, dedication, and hard work.

“As a woman, it is very important to be aware to make conscious choices and not sacrifices as much as it is crucial to become a self-reliant woman emotionally, financially, psychologically, as well as mentally. Moreover, if we recognise the inherent qualities of a compassionate heart, healing power, and helpful nature that we possess as women, and harness our prowess with focus and persistence, we can reach exceptional heights in life,” she said.

This was followed by two panel discussions.

 The first panel discussed ‘Women and leadership – challenges and the road ahead’, which saw the participation of actress Amala Akkineni, Elico Pvt. Ltd’s MD Vanitha Datla and IAS officer Kiran Soni Gupta.

Work experiences from Gupta as an administrator in various capacities, Amala Akkineni’s view on breaking social conditioning norms, as well as the exceptional career path of Vanitha Datla, struck a chord with the audience, most of them who were women.

The panelists voiced issues of discrimination, opportunities and recognition for women, as they concurred that standing up, speaking for oneself and conquering self-doubts and social conditioning are critical to moving forward.

The second panel discussion was on ‘Embracing Equity at Workplace’, featuring ace shuttler and Arjuna awardee Saina Nehwal, Unicef’s education specialist Sunisha Ahuja, Nimhans’ neurology professor Dr Suvarna Alladi, and journalist Uma Sudhir. The discussion was moderated by Tarun Joshi, inspector general of police.

Saina Nehwal said that the role played by people around her in supporting a woman was critical, saying it was her mother’s vision and training by her coaches that helped her achieve the pinnacle of the sport.

Ranging from sports to health, education, and families, the panelists underlined the need for creating an environment to support and encourage women, from policies, research and social behaviour to commonly work to achieve workplace equality.

Aruna Bahuguna, IPS, Global Woman Foundation, Arshiya Afsar, and Ashutosh Deendayal, members of the Young Indians’ executive committee, were in attendance.