This year’s FWD Women Circle on 12th March at Le Meridien, Kochi was a truly inspiring and thought- invoking event. FWD Women Circle 2017 presented by Rajasree Motors, powered by MOM Premuim Birth Centre, co-powered by Velvet Condoms for Women, in association with Le Meridien, TBZ – Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, Fratelli Vineyards, Big Joe’s Cold Storage, Exo, Nila Herbal Soap and Toni&Guy Essensuals, with WtzupCity, Red FM, Liso Chocolatier, Dhathri Abs Wellness Clinic and Tanishq as partners, was a day that invoked thought about gender norms and effecting change. It was an exclusive platform to engage, network and work towards empowering each other. The second edition of FWD Women Circle was joined by Manju Sara Rajan (CEO, The Kochi Biennale Foundation), Monica Suri (General Manager, Le Meridien), Nisha Jose (Social Changer), Rekha Menon ( TV Anchor & Media Personality), Annah Chakola (Founder & Creative Director of Boho Gypsy), Dr. PTM Sunish (CEO, Gender Park), Dr. Meenu Batra (Consultant – Fetal Medicine Unit, Cimar Fertility Centre), Sheela Kochouseph (Managing Director, VStar Creations), Pearle Maaney (VJ, model, anchor, and actress), and Meera Haridas (Head of Marketing, Mannapuram Finance Ltd) and had in attendance entrepreneurs and renowned personalities of note.

Event Summary

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While the conversation was about women and independence last year, the conversation grew bigger this year. With two sessions and 10 speakers, the day encouraged more positive thought towards equality. The sessions were moderated by the former BBC journalist and editor Anubha George and the first session had Manju Sara Rajan (CEO, The Kochi Biennale Foundation), Monica Suri (General Manager, Le Meridien), Rekha Menon (TV Anchor & Media Personality), Meera Haridas (Head – Marketing, Mannapuram Finance Ltd.), and Annah Chakola (Founder & Creative Director of Boho Gypsy) as the panelists. They gave out their views and wisdom on the topic ‘Today’s women are expected to do it all’, taking inspiration from their own life stories and journeys. The next session on ‘He for She’ was led by Dr. PTM Sunish (CEO, Gender Park), Dr. Meenu Batra (Consultant – Fetal Medicine Unit, Cimar Fertility Centre), Sheela Kochouseph (Managing Director, VStar Creations), Pearle Maaney (VJ, model, anchor, and actress), and Nisha Jose (Social Changer).

The discussion was about how men could be agents of change by encouraging them to be aware and take action against gender inequality that happen around them. After each session,the speakers were presented with mementos by FWD Life Assistant Editor Maria John. Dr PTM Sunish, CEO of Gender Park was honoured with a Ponnada with FWD Women Circle Visionary of the Year award by Sheela Kochouseph, MD of VStar Creations, for his exceptional work in reducing gender disparity. Jatinder Pal Singh, Executive Chef of Le Meridien was honoured with a Ponnada by FWD Media CEO & Editor, Abraham Tharakan on the occasion of his impending retirement.

Session 1

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The first session on the topic ‘Today’s women are expected to do it all’ gave way for a better understanding of the sacrifices most women feel they’re entitled to make while holding a job. There was talk about balancing both, and about how one, either their job or their family can be more important to a person. The need for men to engage in household work was also talked about. Ultimately, the panel came to a conclusion that it was a choice that most women are unaware they have. Only proper education, for both genders can bring about this awareness and that the larger society should be accepting of their decision.

The second session was on the topic, ‘HeForShe’- men as agents of change. The topic was chosen in support of the UN Women campaign – HeForShe, a women solidarity campaign set up in 2014. “We should understand and educate our children to be compassionate human beings. We should raise our sons to be a He that stands for She.’ said PTM Sunish, the CEO of gender park, a prime example of the campaign. Husbands have an equal responsibility in bringing up a child.

A child gets influenced by what he or she sees, so a male figure respecting and treating the women in his life as an equal is always the best ideal. Yet another point that was brought up was how all women should have a ‘he’ inside her, and all men should have a ‘she’ inside her. The conversation lead way to discussions of how gender need not be binary anymore and how every person has both masculine and feminine traits. The fact that more men should be an active part of running a home was highlighted again and again. Safety for women was also discussed.

Session 2

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The event came to an end with a mesmerizing performance by Anna Katherina. It was an opportunity for the participants to meet one another, network and broaden their horizons. The event was much appreciated and was proved a great platform for encouragement, empowerment and for everyone to strive harder at breaking gender norms. FWD Women Circle engaged the attendees and encouraged them to have more conversations that need to be had and will strive to do so in its next edition.