As its first-ever initiative to encourage and felicitate successful women leaders, the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Gujarat Council on Wednesday organised a mentoring session. The event, which marks the International Women’s Day celebration, was inaugurated by Anandiben Patel, former Gujarat chief minister.

Under the leadership of Bhagyesh Soneji, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM Gujarat council organised a one-day session named “Beyond Pink - The Power of SHE (Soaring Heights of Empowerment)” to celebrate the success of women from different walks of life.Experts from a variety of fields and leaders deliberated on the challenges faced by women in the current social structure and shared the success stories.

Assocham Gujarat Council felicitated chief guest Patel, who handed over the Mahila Shakti Awards to women in the areas of social cause, sports and entertainment.

The awardees included Sarika Mehta, psychologist and Founder, Biking Queens, for setting a Guinness record for the longest bike journey of 10,000 km (Surat to Singapore) promoting the cause of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save Girl Child, Educate Girl Child); Shital Shah, Gujarati Film personality, and International Women Master (Chess) Dhyani Dave for being the only International chess master from Gujarat.

“Needless to mention March 8 was the day when American women marched in times square for voting rights. In the land of Laxmi, Kali and Saraswati, women should not be deprived of empowerment,” said Soneji.

In her address, Gujarat’s former chief minister, Patel emphasised on the importance of education, health, and economic independence for women.

Elaborating on various supportive schemes of the State government for helping promoting women in the state, Patel informed about free medical education for girls, 33 per cent reservation in police department for women besides free medical treatment to the underprivileged women and increase in the female sex ratio.

The event, supported by title sponsor Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) with Welspun India and ONGC as the industry partners and BusinessLine as its media partner was attended by over 120 women participants from different industries.

Sarika Mehta shared anecdotes of her adventurous journey. Shah discussed the obstacles she had to face and how she overcame them. Ushma Anerao, Principal, Government Polytechnic for Girls congratulated ASSOCHAM Guajrat council and shared her experience as a Principal government institution.

The panelists included Ruzan Khambatta, Founder of Wajra O’Force Empowerment; Nina Jaipuria, business head, Viacom 18 and Radio City RJ Arti Boriya, among others.