From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru Mar 3: Days before the International Women’s Day on March 8, Karnataka Government took the novel initiative to celebrate women and recognize their struggles and successes.
The State Government in association with the Karnataka Udyog Mitra, knowledge partner TTC, and event curator MM Activ, along with a host of partners and associates, organized a unique and celebratory event to salute women achievers from different fields, and to recognize the greater struggles they face from society and businesses.
The programme aptly named, ``Women of Worth,’’ is particularly significant because statistics show that Karnataka is one of the very few states in the country that has a higher-than-average participation of women in the workforce, and the state ranks third across India for number of women entrepreneurs.
Women of Worth programme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also distributed special WoW awards to women from all walks of life, recognizing their worthy contribution in developing the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister said, “This is the first time in our country that such a platform has been given to women. We constantly aim towards social justice for women and to help those women who are deprived of opportunities.’’
“Our government is providing the backbone support for women. We have provided and will continue to provide women with opportunities,’’ he said.
At a time when women are being forced to conform to age old oppressive practices and when women in other parts of the country are being relegated to the background and are dismissed as their worth is only in the kitchen, Siddaramaiah said: ``I am very happy to share that the women of Karnataka have come forward to take up their rightful place in the limelight. Only the full and willing participation of women, in the home, in the community, in the industries, and in the state, will take us forward into a free, just, and equal future. I salute these WOW women, and I shall look forward to seeing more and more girls and women shake off these chains and stand up for their - and society’s - rights.”
The Chief Minister also unveiled the foundation stones for the establishment of Women Entrepreneur Parks in the state.
Karnataka’s Large and Medium Industries Minister R.V Deshpande launched a unique exhibition and trade show that will offer a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, network with the larger business community, explore new opportunities and enhance existing businesses. The exhibition has a special focus for micro and small businesses and start-ups.
Deshpande said “We hope that this exhibition is the Launchpad for all the inspiring, motivated entrepreneurs in the state, and in the country. We hope that this will be the catalyst that sees more and more women scripting their own story. We hope that the successful women who are part of this event will inspire more and more such successes, and bring greater gender parity in the state.’’
“Once women were designated to only kitchen and taking care of children but now women are going places. They play an important role in our society and are highly dedicated. We are focusingon skills as they are highly important in the creation of jobs. Women should become job creators by starting new industries and being entrepreneurs,’’ the minister said.
Women organisation have come forward from all over the state from places like Kalburgi, Hubballi, Dharwad, Kadur, Chikkamagaluru, Belagavi and from other parts of the State.
As many as 141 stalls have been put up at the exhibition hosting over 200 startups with women in leadership roles, as well as established businesses run by women entrepreneurs, and will feature stalls, kiosks, booths and more from across the length and breadth of the state.
The WOW event also features talks, panel discussions, break-out sessions, workshops, and an exclusive fashion show. A special section called Hidden Treasures of Karnataka felicitated women from the districts of Karnataka, and celebrated their achievements.
These women have been selected for carving a niche for themselves across various sectors, especially in unconventional businesses, for working towards the growth and prosperity of their districts and towards the upliftment of society.
Panel discussions will cover women in startups, technology, manufacturing industries, women in tourism and hospitality, and women in governance, among other topics.
A special fireside chat between Ratna Prabha, IAS, chief secretary and Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT. BT, S&T, will also cover topics about inclusive development and gender parity.
Ratna Prabha also commented on the importance of such an event, and said, “I really look forward to meeting the amazing women from all walks of life, who have made Karnataka one of the most developed state. Every day, we hear horror stories from across India, and around the world, which shows that the struggle for equality is still not over. I hope this event will be one small but important step towards that. I am proud to be associated with the event, and the inclusive and open government led by Siddaramaiah, and hope other cities and states follow this example.”
The highlight of the WOW event is an exclusive fashion show - called the Karnataka Heritage Textile and Crafts Fashion Show that aimed to highlight & popularize the heritage products of Karnataka as well as to educate the audience on the importance of maintaining and supporting our artisans and craftsmen.
The fashion show was conceptualized and curated by fashion icon Prasad Bidappa, and features models from Bangalore and Mumbai who showcased the traditional silks, and other fabric of the state. Dedicated to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the fashion show takes inspiration from the simple but exquisite sarees the Iron Lady of India wore.
The WOW event is a step towards a future Karnataka that sees complete inclusivity in all realms of society.