With mentorship, networking opportunities, and a focus on inclusivity, the UPAY-GLBI Student Chapter aims to create a nurturing environment where women can excel in leadership roles
Hena Pandey
GL Bajaj Institute of Management and Research (GLBI) has launched a new collaboration with UPAY NGO through the “UPAY-GLBI Student Chapter.” The initiative was introduced in conjunction with Women’s Week, focusing on promoting gender equality and empowering women for leadership roles.
The event aimed to inspire confidence, foster leadership qualities, and address challenges such as workplace discrimination, societal biases, and work-life balance. By providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and role models, the initiative seeks to create a supportive environment where women feel encouraged to take on leadership roles and contribute to societal progress.
Panel Discussion Highlights
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion with prominent speakers, including Usha Bhasin, Former Additional Director General of Prasar Bharati; Rajshri Rai, Managing Director of APN News; and Hena Pandey, a social activist.
Usha Bhasin highlighted the hardships women face due to alcohol consumption in rural areas and the lack of confidence to take action. “Women in villages suffer a lot due to alcohol, but they don’t have the confidence to act against it. I visited villages, spoke to the women, and later did a broadcast on All India Radio, which empowered many of them to raise their voices.”
She further discussed gender discrimination in workplaces, stating, “Women face discrimination in offices, and it’s not just about color or body shape—it also happens based on age. This kind of bias exists everywhere, whether in offices, colleges, or other institutions.”
On the subject of empowerment, she emphasized, “Empowerment shouldn’t be limited to women alone; men also need to be equally empowered. True empowerment happens only when both men and women grow together.”
By fostering collaboration and advocating for equal empowerment, such initiatives play a crucial role in building a progressive society where both men and women can thrive together and drive meaningful change
Rajshri Rai underscored the role of a fair judicial system in societal progress. “A country will progress only when its judicial system is fair and effective. The government launched the Vishakha Committee to empower women to take a stand against workplace harassment.”
She advocated for equal opportunities, stressing, “There should be equal opportunities for both men and women. It’s not just about women’s empowerment but about overall social empowerment. We need to focus on social empowerment so that the entire community grows together, leading to a truly empowered future.”
Hena Pandey emphasized the importance of skill development alongside education. “Education and skills are both important because just reading books is not enough—without practical knowledge, one cannot apply what they learn. That’s why more emphasis should be given to skill development.”
She also spoke about confidence-building among women, stating, “Women often put men ahead, believing that they know better, and in doing so, they underestimate themselves. This lack of confidence makes them doubt their abilities, relying more on men rather than trusting other women or even themselves.”
Addressing societal issues, she pointed out, “In many households, girls face harassment but are unable to speak up due to fear and lack of confidence. As a result, they endure everything in silence.”
The event successfully shed light on the significance of empowering women for leadership, reinforcing the need for gender equality and social progress. Through engaging discussions, the panelists addressed key issues such as workplace discrimination, skill development, and the importance of self-confidence among women.
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