Women Work Stakeholder Spotlight | Indian Thought Leaders Changing the Landscape of the Indian Workplace

FICCI FLO hosted the impactful event, “Women@Work: Stakeholders in the Spotlight – Indian Thought Leaders Changing the Landscape of the Indian Workplace,” at The Claridges, New Delhi. Bringing together 40 participants, this dynamic session focused on empowering women in the workplace by addressing challenges, fostering inclusivity, and driving actionable solutions for gender equality.

The event began with an inspiring keynote by Ms. Joyshree Das Verma, National President of FICCI FLO. She emphasized the importance of dismantling systemic barriers, addressing leadership challenges, and advocating structural reforms to support women’s growth and success in professional settings.

The session was led by Preeti D’mello, founder of Conscious Development and an expert in human behaviour, organizational sustainability, and social impact. Her insightful talk covered critical aspects of women’s experiences in the workplace and provided strategies for empowerment through knowledge, resilience, and purpose-driven vision.

Themes Explored

The session was structured around four key themes to identify workplace challenges and propose actionable solutions:

1. Social & Systemic Barriers
• Explored the impact of societal norms, unconscious bias, and gender stereotypes that hinder women’s growth.
2. Leadership & Cultural Transformation
• Emphasized the importance of women in leadership roles and the need for cultural shifts within organizations.
3. Representation & Training
• Highlighted the need for skill development, mentorship programs, and representation to fast-track women leaders.
4. Organizational Policies, Structure & Implementation
• Discussed how thoughtful policy reforms and effective implementation can create equitable workplaces.

Interactive Exercises

Participants were actively engaged in group activities, which included:

• Workbooks for Reflection: Attendees documented their insights and solutions after each thematic discussion, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
• Creative Expression: A drawing session encouraged self-expression and creativity, adding a lighter touch to the intense discussions.
• Voting on Recommendations: Participants voted on proposed recommendations, adding an interactive and democratic element to the discussions.

Key Takeaways

The event provided transformative insights into fostering gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace. Some key takeaways included:

• Women’s representation on boards enhances company performance.
• Mentorship programs accelerate leadership pathways for women.
• Policy reforms are essential for sustainable workplace equity.

This thought-provoking conclave was coordinated by Vinita Bimbhet, FICCI FLO Past President, with the session expertly conducted by Preeti D’mello and her team at Conscious Development. Their innovative approach to human and social sustainability laid the foundation for this powerful dialogue.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for the full white paper, which will document the session’s findings, insights, and actionable strategies to drive change in the Indian workplace.

FICCI FLO is proud to champion initiatives that empower women, foster inclusive leadership, and reimagine the future of work in India. Together, let’s continue to dream with purpose and create workplaces where everyone thrives.