On March 15th, 2019, AMCHAM’s Eastern Region, in association with Hyatt Regency, Kolkata, organized an event for members and guests to celebrate international Women’s Day, which was celebrated on March 8th worldwide. The theme was #BalanceforBetter with panel discussion topic ‘Breaking Stereotypes in the Work Place.’

The event was graced by eminent personalities from various walks of life who shared their experience, highlighting various roles played in balancing the work place. Ms. Amada Kidwai, Regional Director – Eastern Region, AMCHAM, gave the introductions and vote of thanks. Ms. Brigit Holms, General Manager, Hyatt Regency and Executive Committee Member – Eastern Region, AMCHAM, gave the welcome address. The baton was passed on to moderator Ms. Oindrilla Dutt, CEO, Open Doors. She began by talking about the how far society has come in balancing gender, highlighting that balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, more gender-balance in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage and much more.

The panellists included Ms. Brigit Holm, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Kolkata, chief guest Ms. Usha Uthup, singer/performer and recipient of the Padma Shree Award in 2011, Mr. Bhaskar Banerjee, Chairman, Calcutta Stock Exchange, Ms. Sheena Hall, Vice Consul, U.S. Consulate Kolkata, Ms. Sonali Bhattacharya, Sr. Director Enterprise IT Automation, Cognizant and Mr. Suborno Bose, Founder and Chief Mentor of Indimart Group and MD IIHM. The panellists spoke about their own experience covering their areas of expertise. The interactive session was both lively and thought provoking, wherein the panellists and audience had a very interesting dialogue. The session concluded with Ms. Usha Uthup and Ms. Francis Lepcha enthralling the audience with their singing performance.