ADTOI in association with IATO AND IEIA organises Workshop on EmpowerHer: Fireside Chat on Self Discovery and Financial Freedom

A Workshop on EmpowerHer: Fireside Chat on Self Discovery and Financial Freedom, was Organized collaboratively by the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), and the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), on August 1, 2024, at India Habitat Centre, in New Delhi. The workshop emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges of financial literacy for women. Participants benefited from engaging fireside chats and expert-led sessions covering vital topics such as financial literacy, understanding financial terminology, investment education, business finance management, and utilizing financial tools for effective financial management. By equipping women with essential financial knowledge and skills, the workshop aims to foster greater independence and pave the way for more women to ascend to leadership positions.

In her welcome speech, Pallavi Mehra, Chairperson-Focus Group for Women in Leadership IEIA, said that the theme “Self Discovery and Financial Freedom,” resonates deeply with the broader mission of gender equality, a core principle enshrined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

“I don’t think women need empowerment; they are already the most empowered individuals,” said PP Khanna, President ADTOI, adding that the workshop truly showcases the resilience of ‘naari shakti’ and power of self-discovery.

Khanna stressed the importance of financial savings for security and safety, understanding what lies beyond earning is utilising those savings in better areas. He encouraged women to make their own financial decisions. He also spoke of ADTOI’s Women Empowerment and CSR Wing to empower women in travel and boost tourism. Established in 2016 with support from governing body members, this initiative aims to appoint a Lady Executive Officer (LEO) in each chapter of the association. Currently, Geeta Maheshwari serves as the Chairperson of Women’s Empowerment and CSR activities.

Also speaking during the event, Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO talked about the initial struggles the older generation of women faced. To this he added that one crucial aspect of financial management is enhancing financial literacy. “Providing women with access to quality education is fundamental. It equips them with knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.

“This will benefit not only women but also society as a whole.”

Sooraj Dhawan, President IEIA pointed that the financial literacy has indeed made significant strides over the past 5-7 years. However, understanding the multifaceted impact of money remains crucial. He spoke on “skill up-scale up” policy adding skilling comes with a spark of motivation which the EmpowerHer workshop can offer.

Eminent speakers like Suchita Gupta, a Financial Expert, Deepa Sachdev, Managing Partner at Human Capital India, Himanshi Singh, Soft Skill Trainer, Dr. Bindu Khosla, Head of Leadership Development & HR Advisory Practice at Xcalibur Coach, conducted the workshop with their respective topics.

Concluding with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, associations involved and all the attendees, Dr. Kuku S Kumar, IATO Women Empowerment Committee’s Convener, expressed her appreciation for their support and setting the tone for “EmpowerHer Women” workshop.