Indian Women Network
TARGET: To remain a proactive platform for women to discuss ideas, issues, and opportunities at work places/campuses, and also empower each other.
ORIGIN: Falling under aegis of Confederation of Indian Industry, the Indian Women Network (IWN) is an exclusive outfit that’s steered by the solitary theme ‘of women, for women and by women’. The Kochi Chapter of IWN got underway only as recently as April 2013. However, within a short span of time, it made a difference to its members through several motivational programmes. And, prompted by the response, another chapter of IWN was opened at Thiruvananthapuram in January this year. IWN Kerala currently has 130 members.
Membership to IWN is open to women, subject to certain conditions. There are options such as group nominations and online memberships. The online membership is by invitation valid for a year and thereafter one has to opt for a direct membership. A choice of memberships like corporate, institutional, student and professional are on offer and the annual fee is at Rs.371, Rs.1685, Rs.562 and Rs.3932 respectively. The corporate members will have to be nominated by companies, institutional membership is meant for faculty members of institutions and, final year U.G. and P.G. students can avail of the student memberships.
ACTIVITIES: Though still in its nascence, IWN is busy with numerous programmes. Its activities are classified into three different categories - ‘Wellbeing’, ‘Learning and Development’ and ‘Policy and Services’. The regular activities at IWN include interactive sessions with prominent individuals from various fields, seminars, workshops and field visits to various successful enterprises. A workshop on holistic wellbeing, blood donation and health check-up camp were the other activities conducted under its ‘Wellbeing’ initiative.
Mentoring sessions with leading women entrepreneurs, industrialists, artistes and professionals are also offered by IWN. Online training sessions on relevant topics by experts, career counselling sessions by industry professionals, and an opportunity to interact with industry experts at select IWN sessions are offered to students. Annual leadership development programmes, networking opportunity among peers, free expert counselling on health, workplace and business issues, and finally, opportunity for select members to counsel students in student mentoring programme are offered to career women. Both sessions are being offered against fees.
The IWN, in association with the Cochin Municipal Corporation, in an attempt to empower women on the move has also introduced an app called ‘Help me on Mobile’ for the safety of women. Recently they organised a ‘Women Leadership Conclave’ which involved successful women who had made a mark.
IMPACT: Through a host of vibrant and interactive programmes, Indian Women Network could enhance the confidence quotient of its members.
GETTING IN TOUCH: To know more about Indian Women Network, Kochi Chapter and their various initiatives call 0484-4012300 or email: chairwoman.iwnker@cii.in
