The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Business Council of Australia (BCA) have unveiled the India-Australia Women’s Leadership Forum, aimed at enhancing gender diversity in the corporate sector. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in promoting women’s leadership and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the forum was signed at a high-profile event in New Delhi, where leaders from both countries gathered to witness this transformative initiative.
The forum will be co-chaired by Viji Murugesan, Head of Scaleup Business Transformation at Tata Consultancy Services, and Ravneet Pawha, Asia CEO of Deakin University, underscoring the commitment of top corporate figures to this cause.
Echoing this sentiment, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, linked the forum’s goals to global initiatives discussed earlier in the year.
“Aligned with the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity & Equality announced in Davos, the India – Australia Women’s Leadership Forum aims to harness the strengths of women in our bilateral relationship,”
he said.
The initiative not only aims to elevate women into leadership roles but also to integrate gender equality into the broader economic discourse, as reflected in the ongoing commitment following the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). This agreement has already begun to facilitate easier trade between the two countries, benefiting from reduced tariffs and fostering a conducive environment for economic growth.
Bran Black, Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, highlighted the importance of this initiative within the broader context of the Australia-India CEO Forum.
“Our commitment to enhancing gender equality is firm, and we see the Women’s Leadership Forum as a pivotal platform for promoting female leadership, which is essential for boosting the productivity of our economies,”
Black stated.
Parimita Tripathi, Joint Secretary – Oceania at the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, emphasised the forum’s strategic importance, stating,
“This Forum will play a crucial role in broadening our economic and social relationship with Australia, particularly by deepening people-to-people ties.”
The forum plans to engage women leaders through workshops, mentorship programs, and policy-making exercises, aiming to create a robust ecosystem that supports female professionals. These activities will provide vital resources for women, facilitating their rise in corporate hierarchies and helping them to form supportive networks across the India-Australia corridor.
By fostering such cross-border collaborations, the India-Australia Women’s Leadership Forum not only aims to champion gender diversity but also to build lasting relationships that could shape the future of corporate leadership in both nations. With strong backing from governmental and corporate leaders, the forum is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage, advocating for women’s economic empowerment and leadership.
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