Program will feature fireside chat with Mr. Zayed Khan and Ms. Malaika Khan
World Trade Center Mumbai is organizing an interactive program on ‘Women – Wellness and Wealth’ on March 14, 2024 to celebrate International Women’s Day. The program will be addressed by Bollywood celebrities, bureaucrats and social workers.
Ms. Ashwini Bhide, IAS, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) will share her thoughts on gender equality and advancing women’s role in economy. There will be a fireside chat, led by Ms.Aanchal Gupta Kalantri, with noted Bollywood actor Mr. Zayed Khan and Ms. Malaika Khan on women’s empowerment. The event will also be addressed by Ms. Harshita A Narvekar, Former Corporator, MCGM and fashion designer-turned-politician and social worker Ms. Shaina NC.
The objective of the program is to generate public dialogue on women’s health related challenges, securing their financial future and creating awareness on their rights to inheritance and alimony.
There will be a dedicated panel session, led by Ms. Aanchal Gupta Kalantri, with experts, viz. Ms. Nirmala Samant Prabhavalkar, Lawyer – Bombay High Court & former Mayor of Mumbai, Dr. Ankesh Sahetya, Gynecologist, Obstetrician and Reproductive Endocrinologist (Infertility), Pushpaa Hospital and Brillianz Fertility Center, Ms. Nipa Asharam, Certified Life and Health Coach and Mr. Rahil Parmar, Associate Partner, Lifeline Prime LLP. Distinguished experts will discuss practical tips to preserve fertility, cope with menopause, master the Power of Manifestation and manage their wealth to secure financial future.
Health and wellness related challenges are the major barriers for women’s contribution to the Indian economy, which is hardly 17% even though they account for 50% of the population.
Specifically, we need to promote women entrepreneurs in manufacturing and services sector to bridge the gender gap and boost GDP growth. According to the “Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs 2021”, India ranks 57th out of 65 countries in women entrepreneurship. In order to promote women’s entrepreneurship, there is a need to improve women’s access to quality healthcare facilities and finance.
Emphasising on the need to bridge gender gap in the economic activity, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai remarked, “India has envisioned a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, which can be attained only with equal participation of women in the manufacturing and services sector. We need to conduct such capacity building programs and knowledge sessions on women’s mental and physical wellbeing to improve their productivity and economic contribution.”
The share of women owned firms in the MSME sector has grown from 15% in 2020 to more than 37% as of December 2023. Similarly, women’s participation in labour force has grown from 32% in 2020 to 37% by 2023. At the same time, women continue to remain under-represented as they account for hardly 18% of manufacturing employment.
Highlighting the significance of women’s empowerment in the nation’s progress, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai remarked, “A community is only as strong as the health of a woman. Mental and physical wellbeing is a major enabler for women’s participation in the economy and sustainable development. This program will empower women with effective tips to cope with their day to day health challenges and mental stress to lead a productive life.”
Ms. Aanchal Gupta Kalantri, Curator & Moderator of the program underscored the relevance of this event in the current circumstance, where women cope with undue mental and physical stress because of hectic routine, family and societal pressure. Ms. Kalantri remarked, “Today, most women lack mentors within their family or workplace, who can help them navigate through health crisis or manage their personal finance to lead a secure life. This program is specially curated for those women and adolescent girls who seek professional guide on wellness, finance and legal rights.”
