Moms and Moms to be experience India’s First ‘What Mothers Want Conclave’ by WSquare
September 2019, Chennai
Women today face unique pressures on their work-life balance, especially when it comes to motherhood. One end of the spectrum envisions women at home, taking care of children, and the other end needs women to “lean in”, be a boss and a business leader. WSquare is India’s First Co-Working & Incubation Center only for Women focuses on digital transformation for women entrepreneurs and opportunities for women in technology, especially Women in Tech Leaders and Role Models as well as upskilling in emerging technology.
In partnership with Madras Management Association, WSquare launched for the First Time in India – What Mothers Want Conclave, a community of 350+ addressing mompreneurs, mothers on a break with opportunities in technology and panel discussions by a community of women leaders and an all-working mothers panel. This unconference highlighted various angles of being financially independent through interactive workshops, masterclass sessions, storytelling sessions, fireside chats and panel discussions with accomplished mothers, who are willing to mentor and be role models for more mothers looking to get back to work.
“Women who launched businesses routinely report that they have had to defy stereotypes and
overcome others’ expectations of them; they also cited the lack of female role models in
business. Another undetected issue that women entrepreneurs are facing today, are the lack of
resources and acceptance for mothers to balance both work and career and What Mothers Want Conclave reaches out to mothers at different phases in life to upskill and embrace technology” says Vandhana, CEO & Co-Founder of WSquare
The conclave also launched a unique inclusivity initiative BYOB- Bring Your Own Baby where mothers are encouraged to bring their children to this one of a kind Conclave.
Playback Singer & Television Anchor Sriranjanji Sundaram delivered the KeyNote Address. She was accompanied by her Husband Amit Bhargav and her 3 month old daughter who clearly made a statement on the need for a strong support system to ensure the journey of parenting doesn’t become an obstacle in one’s life. It’s important to have open conversations, share your dreams and its this support system who will ensure to push you reach there.
The Conclave Started with a power packed Panel discussion on Rise of Mompreneurs – The Vision | The Voyage | The Victory with emienant speakers Veena Kumaravel, Co-Founder Naturals Salon & Spa; Sumathi Srinivas, Founder, WeMagazine; Anupama Shivaraman, CEO, Shriram Leadership Academy; Dr.Chytra V Anand, Founder & CEO, Kosmoderma – Skin, Hari and Laser Clinic and Anju Jayaram, Co Founder Women’s Web.
The event also saw a Fire side chat with Women in Senior positions talking about Must Inclusivity Start from the Top? Technology, Diversity and Representation in Business & Life with Smitha Venkataraman, Vice President, HR & Head of Communications, AGS Health ; Tina Vinod Head, Diversity & Inclusivity India, ThoughtWorks; Arundhati Swamy, Head, Parent Engagement Programmes ParentCircle; Jayashree Venkataraman CEO Appreiz.
“ It was highly motivating to hear such amazing thoughts by women who shared their personal experiences and journeys with us to not just tell us to follow our dreams but also stand strong and make it happen although you have a break. Be proud and tell your interviewer you were on a career break. It was a great experience to see many women in a room and interacting with them although i had by 4year old daughter with me. Stalls put up Urban Clap, Hathway Broadband, iThought and Cue Math was very engaging and were offering their services for us at experience. I am Really glad I could attend this one of a kind event” Says Uma, Attendee
The audience of 300+Women had a mix of Moms and Mom-to-be who are looking at a way to get back to work. A Masterclass session by CueMath addressed their question with a 1 hour interaction by fellow Cue Math teachers sharing their stories and How can you leverage digital transformation to become an entrepreneur from home
The conclave also had an insightful session by Ithought Advisory who stressed on the need for Business planning – Budgeting, inventory management, cashflow management, setting milestones .
We believe that One Woman Can Make a Difference, but Together we can Rock the World. It’s Important to have the right allies to take you through the journey. This conclave was Powered by CueMath, Co-Sponsored by – ParentCircle, UrbanClap, Naukri.com. The Associate Sponsor was Kosmoderma and Strategic Sponsors were Kohinoor, iThought and Hathway Broadband and in partnership with Madras Management Association. Our Partners include communities like FICCI FLO, Swayam, Elite Women Club, Women’s Web, SHEROES, All Ladies League, JobsforHer, EwIT, TiE Chennai. Our Gift Partner Bottled Bliss, Our Invite Partner Lettering Artz and Sweet tooth Partner Buttons Cupcakes without whom this event wouldn’t have seen light “ says Jinal Patel, COO & Co-Founder of WSquare.
“Successful Mothers are not the ones that never struggled. They are the ones that never give up despite the struggles.”
