EmpowerHER: Financial Independence and Literacy Workshop scheduled on August 1, 2024, features fireside chats covering key areas like understanding financial terminology, budgeting and saving, entrepreneurship and business finance management, using digital financial tools to manage finances efficiently, among other discussion points.
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a key factor in addressing many of today’s most urgent challenges faced by women. From economic instability and violence against women, to lack of financial independence and ongoing conflicts, women are disproportionately affected. However, they also hold the ideas and leadership capabilities to address these issues, as per UN Tourism.
Central to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by UN Tourism is the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, which is critical for the success of all 17 Goals, while ensuring no one is left behind.
In alignment with this vision, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), and the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) are jointly organising a one-of-a-kind initiative called “EmpowerHER: Financial Independence and Literacy Workshop”. This collaborative effort aims to provide a unified platform for women in our industry to gain the financial knowledge and skills necessary for leadership and independence.
The workshop, scheduled on August 1, 2024, at India Habitat Centre (Juniper Hall), features fireside chats covering key areas like understanding financial terminology, budgeting and saving, investment education, credit and debt management, entrepreneurship and business finance management, and using digital financial tools to manage finances efficiently.
ADTOI President, PP Khanna highlighted that despite significant strides in gender equality, many women still face challenges in achieving financial independence. Factors such as the gender pay gap, lower financial literacy levels, and limited access to financial resources contribute to this disparity. Empowering women financially is not only crucial for their personal growth and security but also beneficial for societal and economic development, he pointed.
“Together, we can create a powerful network of empowered women, driving progress and innovation,” said Khanna.
Representing ADTOI at the workshop, Geeta M Maheshwari, the association’s Chairperson for women empowerment committee and CSR activities expressed her excitement about the initiative. “This empowering event celebrates the strength and resilience of women on their journeys to personal and financial independence and getting stronger on emotional front. Together, we’ll share insights and strategies to unlock potential, fostering a community of support and inspiration. Let’s create brighter futures together!” she said.
Exhibitions industry has a good representation of women in the workspace, and it is only expected that women will increasingly take more leadership roles, asserted Sooraj Dhawan, President, Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA).
“Families are getting nuclear and with large number of single girl child families, women will also be expected to take decisive roles in their parents’ wealth management too. As professionals, most of the senior women leaders have good knowledge of corporate finance. However, skilling them in personal finance would enable them to manage their personal wealth better,” he added.
Taking on from the learnings of the EmpowerHer workshop, IEIA will encourage organisation of more workshops and trainings in future. “As associations, skilling our workforce in wealth management will create a culture of responsibility, empowerment and self-confidence,” said Dhawan.
Pallavi Mehra, Chairperson-Focus Group for Women in Leadership IEIA & Sr. Group Director & Publisher Travel Trends Today, stated that the event is dedicated to inspiring and empowering women on their journeys towards personal and financial independence.
“This event is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the power of self-discovery. I believe that by sharing stories and strategies for financial freedom, we can help women unlock their full potential and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities,” she added.
Speaking further on how the associations can play an active role to curate such events, Rajiv Mehra, President – IATO, highlighted, “The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) can play a pivotal role in empowering women in the tourism industry by creating a dedicated platform for financial education and leadership development. Firstly, IATO can organize workshops and seminars focused on financial literacy, budgeting, and investment strategies tailored to the tourism sector. These sessions, led by industry experts, can equip women with the knowledge to manage and grow their finances effectively.”
“Secondly, IATO can develop mentorship programs pairing experienced female leaders with aspiring women professionals. These mentors can provide guidance on career advancement, leadership skills, and navigating industry challenges. Additionally, IATO can collaborate with financial institutions to offer specialized training programs and resources, ensuring women have access to tools and information necessary for financial independence.”
Furthermore, by creating networking events and forums, IATO can foster a supportive community where women can share experiences, challenges, and success stories, building confidence and mutual support, Mehra asserted. “Partnerships with educational institutions can also be established to offer certification courses and scholarships specifically for women aiming for leadership roles in tourism.”
Notably, IATO recently organised a special workshop on highlights of POSH, an Act to provide protection against sexual harassment of Women at workplace and for the prevention and redressal of complaints thereof.
IATO Women Empowerment Committee’s Convener, Dr Surinder Kumar reiterated that empowering women to take control of their finances is incredibly important for personal growth and well-being. “It gives me a sense of pride to be a part of this fireside chat, which aims to educate and support women in making informed decisions about their money and investments. Such fireside chats can be a fantastic way to have open and candid discussions that help clear doubts and build confidence. I hope the session is enlightening and empowering for all participants,” she said.
The full-day EmpowerHER workshop includes several impactful sessions designed to advance financial independence and literacy for women. Suchita Gupta, a Financial Expert, will lead a session on “Financial Literacy Fundamentals for Women Professionals,” providing essential knowledge on financial terminology, budgeting, and saving. Deepa Sachdev, Managing Partner at Human Capital India, will present a session on “Creating Opportunities at Midlife Career,” offering insights into career advancement and opportunities for women at midlife. Dr. Bindu Khosla, Head of Leadership Development & HR Advisory Practice at Xcalibur Coach, will conduct a session on “Emotional Intelligence: Clearing the Clutter,” focusing on developing emotional intelligence and clearing mental clutter for better decision-making.
This workshop, as per the participating associations, not just marks a significant step towards achieving financial independence and literacy for women but will also contribute to the broader goal of gender equality and empowerment.
(Filed & edited by Gagneet Kaur)
