BENGALURU: With women from 60 countries including 250 delegates, 75 speakers, 100 from rural areas, 60 from over 30 colleges, the 8th edition of the International Women’s Conference got off to a start at Vishalakshi Mantap at The Art of Living International Center.The conference saw addresses from dignitaries including D Roopa, IGP, Karnataka; Arundhati Bhattacharya, former chairman, SBI; Rani Mukerji, actor; Dr Jiko Haveni, first female speaker in the Fijian Parliament. Women achievers from diverse fields were awarded with the Vishalakshi Award for their impactful contribution for making a difference in their professional spheres. The ceremony also recognised the role of men in empowering women by felicitating them through the Acharya Ratnanand Awards.
Titled, ‘Life: A Mystical Journey,’ the three-day conference is a congregation of accomplished women achievers, artists, policy-makers and sportswomen among others, to explore ways to amplify the message of peace and empowerment, including spiritual tools.This year, the IWC’s focus will also be to create open defecation free districts in India.
In phase 1, the organisation has worked towards sensitisation and awareness about use of toilets in 12 gram panchayats across seven states. In Phase II, 4,000 toilets will be built. Day 2 and Day 3 of the conference will keep up with stories of exemplary women like Jian Abdulla Merani, Founder, Ronahee Foundation, Kurdistan, Raseel Gujral Ansal, lifestyle designer, Arundhati Bhattacharya, former banker, and Shaikha Al Shaiba, a para-athlete.