Breaking Barriers: Insights on Gender Equality from Ms. Shobha Sylvia Veigas


The first-year PGDM students of Section C from the Business Ethics class at St. Joseph's Institute of Management had the privilege of attending a guest lecture delivered by Ms. Shobha Sylvia Veigas, an esteemed social actionist and advocate for gender equality. The lecture, titled "Challenges in Achieving Gender Equality and How We Can Change the System," provided a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and offered actionable insights on how to create a more equitable society.

Ms. Veigas began her lecture by addressing the persistent gender disparities that exist in various sectors, including the corporate world. She provided data and examples to illustrate the systemic challenges women face, such as wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and unconscious bias. Ms. Veigas delved into the root causes of gender inequality, highlighting how deep-seated cultural norms, stereotypes, and institutional barriers continue to perpetuate discrimination. She discussed how these factors create an environment where women are often overlooked for promotions, face discrimination in hiring, and struggle to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

She emphasized the importance of implementing and enforcing policies that promote gender equality in the workplace. This includes equal pay initiatives, parental leave policies, and anti-discrimination laws. The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students engaged with Ms. Veigas, asking questions about her experiences and seeking advice on how they can contribute to achieving gender equality. She encouraged students to reflect on their own biases, support women in their professional and personal lives, and actively work towards creating a more inclusive environment. Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ, the faculty in General Management at SJIM organized the lecture. The event took place on August 08, 2024