International Seminar – “Perspectives on Women Leadership”, 25th March 2021

The world has rarely been desperate for great leadership as in the face of the biggest disruption of our times – COVID-19. The pandemic witnessed women across the globe execute rapid, effective, winning strategies in the battle against the deadly virus. At this juncture, it is imperative that the discourse shifts to ‘Women Leadership’ through the corporate, social and personal lens. The third in the annual series, the International Seminar on Perspectives on Women Leadership held on 25th March 2021, is a tribute to the indomitable leadership spirit of our foundress, Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima, who rightly embodies the International Women’s Day 2021 theme – ‘Choose to Challenge’. She was a leader par excellence who was instrumental in weaving the social fabric of Kochi and Kerala at large. The online seminar boasted an illustrious panel of speakers such as Ms. Shaini Nair, Ms. Devika Santhosh Nair, and Ms. Rekha Menon, all women leaders in their own right and varied career paths.

Dr. Daly Paulose, Head of the Department kickstarted the seminar with a welcome address, followed by an inspirational Felicitation by Dr. Sajimol Augustine, Sr. Administrator of St. Teresa’s College. With the blessings of our beloved Rev. Dr. Sr. Vinitha, Provincial Superior & Manager, and Dr. Lizzy Mathew, Principal, St. Teresa’s College, the seminar was formally inaugurated by the Keynote Speaker – Ms. Shaini Nair, Regulatory Compliance Manager of eBay – North America, who spoke and stressed greatly in challenging and achieving our goals irrespective of the hurdles, imploring all the participants to never settle for something that’s been given out, but always work hard to achieve what one wants. Following this inspiring session on the corporate perspective of Women Leadership, came to our next speaker Ms. Devika Santhosh Nair providing a social twist on the subject matter. She shared her own lived experiences earned being part of her work with the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) and her latest stint with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), throwing a raw light on Women in Development Sector: Challenges, Changes and Choices.

The seminar was highly appreciated by all its participants including faculty and students, who all continued the dialogue and discussions beyond the seminar and outside of it. It has truly inspired this bunch of women who make this Department!