New Delhi, March 5 : The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) hosted a conference on Women Empowerment in Delhi under the theme ‘Celebrating Womanhood: Empower, Educate, Elevate.’ Addressing the gathering, Mridula Pradhan, Chairperson of Vikas Foundation Trust, stressed the need for true gender equality, emphasizing that the slogan ‘Beti-Beta Ek Saman’ should be implemented across all aspects of life. The event brought together leaders and advocates committed to advancing women’s rights and fostering societal progress.

During her speech, Pradhan underscored the dignity and respect of women, quoting a Sanskrit shloka: “Where women are respected, divine blessings follow.”She also highlighted the need to protect women’s reproductive rights and ensure equal opportunities. Former Union Minister Smriti Irani acknowledged the resilience of Indian women, particularly during the pandemic, and highlighted the government’s initiatives in financial inclusion, while also addressing the digital gender gap. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat, emphasized the importance of inclusion for differently-abled women and reaffirmed that women’s rights are non-negotiable.

The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional women leaders across various fields. Among the awardees were Amit Chauhan, Chairperson of Amity Group of Schools (Women Leader of the Year), Charu Modi, Director of Godfrey Phillips India (Excellence in Educational Leadership), and Humaira Mushtaq, India’s first international racing champion (Speed Queen International Award). Other honorees included entrepreneurs, legal experts, journalists, and social activists, whose contributions continue to shape a more inclusive and equitable society.