International Women’s Day Celebrated at IIM Visakhapatnam
The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam celebrated International Women’s Day, with enthusiasm and pride, highlighting the institute’s commitment to gender inclusivity and women’s empowerment. Marking 10 years since its inception, the Institute continues to foster an environment that encourages equal participation and leadership among women.
In his opening remarks, Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director of Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He noted that women constituted 52 percent of the latest PGP student intake, reflecting strong gender representation. The institute currently has around 53 full-time faculty members, of which about 40 percent are women, with a goal of increasing this to 50 percent in the near future.
Emphasizing the importance of gender diversity in leadership, he referred to research indicating that organizations with higher female representation in executive roles tend to achieve significantly higher profitability. He added that women leaders bring diverse perspectives, foster collaborative work environments, and strengthen ethical decision-making within organizations.
He also highlighted the role of the institute’s incubator, IIMV FIELD, which has incubated over 190 startups, of which more than 135 are women-led, reflecting the institute’s strong commitment to enabling women-led innovation and enterprise.
Dr. Garima Bhagat, IRS, Joint Secretary (Land Systems), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, delivered the keynote address. She spoke about the historical origins and continuing relevance of the day. She noted that the day originated from early labor and political movements advocating equal wages and better working conditions for women. While significant progress has been made over the decades, she stressed that the continued observance of the day reflects the ongoing need to address gender disparities.
The keynote speaker emphasized that gender equality is not only about economic productivity but also about recognizing women’s inherent right to equal participation in society. She encouraged both men and women to challenge deep-rooted stereotypes and unconscious biases that influence everyday behavior and workplace dynamics.
Highlighting practical strategies for personal and professional growth, the speaker also shared insights on goal setting, discipline, and time management. She encouraged students to adopt SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), cultivate discipline over relying solely on motivation, and prioritize activities using the “urgent vs. important” decision matrix.
Students were also urged to maintain continuous learning, develop emotional and social intelligence, and prioritize physical well-being alongside academic and professional pursuits. The speaker emphasized that personal growth should continue throughout life, encouraging young professionals to constantly learn new skills, pursue hobbies, and challenge themselves.
The event also included a series of competitions and activities conducted during the week leading up to the celebration. The winners were felicitated and presented with prizes during the event. The celebrations concluded with cultural performances by students and staff.
The celebration served as a reminder of the vital role women play in shaping institutions, communities, and the future, while reaffirming IIM Visakhapatnam’s dedication to empowering women through education, leadership, and innovation.
