THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, celebrated Women’s Day with an array of power-packed programmes that aligned with the United Nations’ Women’s Day theme of ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’, at the company’s Thiruvananthapuram campus.
The Women’s Day celebration was graced by three prominent personalities – Kiran Narayanan IPS, District Police Chief, Trivandrum Rural; Shiela James- entrepreneur; and Fathima Anshi, National Award Winner, and Kerala Ambassador of the Project Vision. Speaking at the event, Kiran Narayanan talked about the independence of women in society, and how women need to invest in one’s self and believe in themselves. Sheila James spoke about her entrepreneurial journey and the hassles she had to face on the road to reaching where she is today. Fathima Anshi narrated her tale of success despite disability proving to be a roadblock.
The Women’s Day celebration featured a range of cultural activities, including group dance and music. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Inspiring Women Awards 2023. Inspiring Women Awards, part of the initiative that recognises women who have stood out in various categories, included laurels such as ‘Inspiring Leadership Award’ for the person with the most outstanding leadership qualities; ‘Inspiring Personality Award’ for the most inspiring person; ‘Inspiring the Digital Way Award’ for the best contributor in the digital space; and ‘Social Cause Award’ for the person who has contributed to a noble cause. Awards were given to around 30 women employees at UST this year.
Besides these, a range of art and literary competitions were also organized. Certificates were awarded to the winners in categories that included poetry, short story, and article writing (in English and Malayalam), painting, and pencil sketching.
“Celebrating Women’s Day aligns with UST’s belief in providing equal opportunities for everyone in the organisation, irrespective of gender, since its inception. Equity and equality are things we believe in, and our women Ussociates have proven beyond doubt that they are integral to the growth of the organisation. In keeping with the UN theme of ‘Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress’ this year, we are glad that UST does exactly that,” said Shilpa Menon, Center Head, UST Thiruvananthapuram.
A wide range of activities, including on-stage events, panel discussions, grooming sessions, exhibitions, and sales of products by women entrepreneurs at UST and by women entrepreneurs who work for a social cause, were part of the celebrations. Speakers, including Reshni Kochunni, Senior Solution Architect from UST; Usha Rajesh, lawyer and banker, professional groomer, stylist, and fashion choreographer; Sankari Unnithan, Co-Chair of the Young Indians Trivandrum chapter and CEO Timetronic Management Consultants Private Ltd., addressed the UST employees.
A panel discussion on the theme Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ was also organized. Dr. Lizzie Abraham, an assistant professor who led the women-only team of 30 students to build WESAT, the first women-only satellite launched from Sreeharikotta; Tina James, CEO, Revyrie Global and President WIIT (Women Inclusive In Technology), Technopark Chapter; Subha Varier, head of Advanced Video Imaging Division of VSSC; Vijay Raman, Group Manager at UST, HR Shared Services, HR Benefits & HR Operations; and Ramya Kannan, Industry Head for the manufacturing vertical of UST, were the panelists. Stalls by women entrepreneurs at UST, as well as by women entrepreneurs who work for a social cause were also part of the celebration.
