Arthan, a pioneering organization in the development sector, successfully hosted its first Women at Work conference titled 'She The Change: Empowering Voices, Enriching Workplaces' on July 4, 2023, at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The landmark conference aimed to promote diversity, inclusion, and gender equity within the development sector, bringing together organizational leaders, human resource experts, gender experts, and thought leaders from civil society organizations and enterprises.
The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers, Ms. Renana Jhabvala from SEWA Bharat and Ms. Shrayana Bhattacharya from World Bank – Social Protection and Labour Unit, South Asia. Both speakers shared profound insights on fostering conducive workplace environments and embracing true diversity to create an inclusive and supportive work culture.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of key findings from a comprehensive landscape study that surveyed gender equity practices within nonprofits. The study shed light on successful gender integration practices at the institutional level and their impact on women's workforce participation and leadership in India's development sector.
Diverse panel discussions explored intergenerational and intersectional perspectives and strategies to incentivize gender-intentional organizational behavior. These discussions emphasized the need to identify diverse identities, frame robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, and create a balanced and flexible workplace structure.
Arthan's conference showcased the 'She the Change: Showcase,' where organizations presented exemplary workplace values and practices that contributed to gender equality, integration, women's leadership, and DEI. These practices ranged from flexible workspaces to accommodations for basic and special needs, setting new benchmarks for gender inclusion.
A dedicated networking session provided participants with valuable networking skills and strategies, enabling them to seek mentorship and guidance within the sector. The session encouraged participants to connect with potential collaborators, pitch themselves effectively, and leverage digital platforms like LinkedIn to spark interest.
The Women at Work conference served as a catalyst for dialogue and trust-building among stakeholders, paving the way for a gender-equitable development sector. By addressing hindrances and barriers faced by women and minorities in the workplace, the conference gave voice to concerns, issues, and grievances that need to be rectified.
Arthan's vision extends beyond the conference, as they aspire to build a dynamic platform that facilitates career opportunities, learning, and growth for women job seekers. Additionally, Arthan aims to support social purpose organizations in accelerating their gender integration and GEDI policies and practices.
In conclusion, 'She The Change: Empowering Voices, Enriching Workplaces' laid the foundation for a more inclusive and supportive development sector. By embracing diversity and prioritizing accessibility, the sector can unlock its full potential, empowering women and minorities to lead and contribute significantly to India's development journey.
