~ Focuses on Gender Balanced Leadership ~
Bangalore, February 15, 2016: Schneider Electric India – the global specialist in Energy Management and Automation, together with National HRD Network – the national apex body of professionals committed to promoting the HRD movement in India –jointly inaugurated the 4th National Women Leadership Summit in ITC Windsor, Bangalore. The two day seminar scheduled on the 15th and 16th of February is focused on Gender-balanced Leadership highlighting topics like women in Board rooms, how to build a sustainable pipeline of women leaders and the impact of diverse leadership on business & people metrics. The event is being graced by some of the leading names from the HR fraternity as key speakers and panellists and with representatives from various public and private sector companies.
The first day of the event also witnessed Schneider Electric India’s Prerna award being presented to Pavithra YS for her incredible entrepreneurship in the field of manufacturing with a team of only People with Disabilities (PWDs) and Kala Charlu for her significant role in skilling women/girls who are burn victims and provide gainful employment for them. Launched in 2015 on the same platform, the Prerna awards are aimed at recognizing women entrepreneurs who have excelled significantly in the male dominant fields of profession.
Elaborating on the need of women in leadership, Ms Chris Leong, Chief Marketing Officer, Schneider Electric, said: “Life is Energy, and Life is On today because Energy is On. Hence, at Schneider Electric, our intent is to make sure Life Is On for everyone, everywhere and at every moment with our technology. I feel proud to say that my women colleagues are changing the way the electricity grid operates and the way manufacturing and production processes produce far better efficiency. So, uni-dimensional thinking does not work in this brave new world.” She further added, “All humans are the product of diversity. Today, we are taking diversity from our homes all the way to our workplaces. We are creating a much more beautiful world”
Speaking on the occasion, Kamal Singh, Director General, National HRD Network, said: “Women represents 50% of the highly educated people and 30-50% of the entry pool at campus, however, the percentage of women in the board rooms today are much less than that of men. It clearly shows that even with a strong pipeline of female leadership, somewhere the disparity sets in the way that impacts a woman’s career growth trajectory immensely. At NHRD, it is our constant endeavour to bring awareness about the need of Gender-balanced leadership and why it is imperative to have a have balance for the success of any business.”
Diversity boosts creativity and innovation by adding complementary knowledge, skills and experience. Researchers have observed that organizations that have higher percentage of women on top not only deliver better quality of governance and ethical behavior; it also records strong financial performance. The summit brought forward all the issues and challenges faced by a women in their career growth path such as Marriage, maternity and mobility that decelerate careers, causing disparity. The conference is focused on creating a sustainable culture of inclusion, where all diversities are respected and valued
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of €25 billion in FY2014, our 170,000 employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies will reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.
About NHRD Network
The National HRD Network is the national apex body of professionals committed to promoting the HRD movement in the country and enhancing the capability of human resource professionals to compete globally and thereby create value for society. Towards this end, National HRD Network is committed to the development of human resources via education, training, research and experience sharing. Established more than 28 years ago, NHRD is an autonomous, not-for-profit, professionally managed organization, playing a catalyst’s role in grooming Leaders for tomorrow. It has 12,500 members representing, Multinationals, Public and Private organizations, including Government, MSME and NGOs spread across 30 chapters in India and serves as a reference point for HR professionals in Indian Industry.