The Indian Institute of Management (IIM)–Sambalpur, Odisha recently conducted a ‘Management Development Program on Women Leadership’ for women officers.
The two-day workshop for the officers from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. aimed to guide them in sustaining their careers in a dynamic environment.
The modules covered include work-life integration, emotional intelligence, empathetic communication, and stress management, as per reports.
The program turned the focus on progression in career for women and the importance of a congenial environment, empowering them to realize their fullest potential. The program also emphasizes the importance of male allyship in supporting women and the need for a collaborative effort by family and institutions.
Such programs play a vital role by giving a sense of direction to women, especially those in the mid-career stage when they often drop out of their careers. The significance of retainment and advancement of women in this stage have been highlighted by Avtar through its initiatives.
The Best Companies for Women in India(BCWI), an annual gender analytics exercise by Avtar and Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media) looks at factors or determinants while ranking companies on their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Mentorship, leadership training, and career sponsorship are components that illustrate an organization’s commitment to gender parity in the workforce.
Male allyship is also considered by Avtar as an important enabler at the workplace. It is not limited to men advocating for or helping women. While advocacy efforts might sometimes involve supporting some women, it is more than that. Male advocacy is all about bringing in systemic change. Male allies relentlessly work towards changing the prevailing mindsets and attitudes.
