04 January 2024
The students of Business Ethics class had the privilege of listening to enlightening lecture on the intricate topic of "Challenges in Achieving Gender Equality and Regulations to Reduce Gender Gaps" by Shobha Syliva Veigas. Until recently, Ms Shobha was the State Lead - Awareness Generation and Capacity Building, UNDP-SDGCC Karnataka and providing technical support to the Planning Department, Government of Karnataka. The lecture, which delved into the realm of business ethics, provided valuable insights into the obstacles faced in attaining gender equality and the regulatory measures necessary to bridge existing gaps.

Key Takeaways:

Systemic Challenges: Shobha Veigas highlighted the deep-rooted systemic challenges that hinder progress towards gender equality in various professional spheres. Issues such as gender bias, unequal pay, and limited representation of women in leadership roles were discussed in detail. She gave a detailed data to understand the present reality of gender inequality.

Corporate Culture and Diversity: The lecture emphasized the significance of fostering inclusive corporate cultures that embrace diversity, equality and inclusivity (DEI). Ms Veigas stressed the need for companies to actively promote an environment where individuals of all genders can thrive and contribute effectively.

Regulatory Measures: The discussion extended to the regulatory framework necessary to address gender disparities. Shobha Veigas outlined existing regulations and proposed initiatives that can be implemented to enforce and encourage gender equality within businesses.

Importance of Education and Awareness: The lecture emphasized the crucial role of education and awareness in challenging and changing societal norms. Shobha Veigas highlighted the need for educational institutions to instill values of equality and ethics, fostering a mindset that promotes gender parity.

Corporate Responsibility: Business ethics were at the forefront of the discussion, with an emphasis on corporate social responsibility. Shobha Veigas advocated for businesses to take an active role in creating a more equal and just society, with an emphasis on equity and equality recognizing their responsibility beyond profit generation.

Shobha Veigas' lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced in achieving gender equality within the business landscape. Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ, who teaches Business Ethics at SJIM moderated the discussions.

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