Of peace and unity
Over 500 accomplished women achievers, artists, policymakers, sportswomen among others will participate in the 8th International Women’s Conference (IWC) titled, ‘Life: A Mystical Journey,’ that will be held at The Art of Living International Center, Bengaluru between February 23 and 25.
IWC has unique twin goals- individual development and collective action. It facilitates partnership-building and leadership development among women leaders globally.
Some of the speakers for this year's conference include Arundhati Bhattacharya, former chairman, State Bank of India; Chetna Gala Sinha, founder-chairperson Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi foundation, Rani Mukherji, Indian actress, Vandana Shiva, environmentalist, and ecologist; Madhoo Shah, actress, Mridula Sinha, Governor, Goa, Adriana Marais, theoretical physicist, head of innovation at SAP Africa; Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe, founder director of Center for Gender Studies, University of Kelaniya.
“Women are leading peacemakers. They work together towards creating a stress and violence-free society. The conference is a message of peace and unity,” shares Bhanumathi Narasimhan, Chairperson, IWC.
The 2018 conference will explore ways to amplify the message of peace and empowerment, including spiritual tools. “The role of women in the development of a society is of utmost importance. It is the only criterion that determines whether a society is strong and harmonious,” says Gurudev Ravi Shankar, founder, The Art of Living. Since its inception in 2005, the conference has focused on diversity and inclusiveness.
Over 375 eminent speakers and 5500 delegates from over 100 countries have participated in the conference. The IWC focuses on advancing the status of women in fragile and post-conflict states. It also worked with the World Bank Institute to develop empowerment schemes for women in vulnerable nations and expanded vocational training for widows in Iraq.
The IWC also supports The Art of Living’s ‘Gift A Smile’ project. Over 58,000 students study in 435 free schools across 20 Indian states. Encouragingly, girl children comprise 48% while 90% are first-generation learners.
Promoting girl child education is the underlined focus area for IWC. This year the focus will also be to create open defecation free districts in India. In phase 1, the organization will work towards sensitization and awareness about use of toilets and increasing health and hygiene in these areas. In Phase II, 4000 toilets will be built.