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New Government Advisory on Women Parity: A Step Towards Equality

The Indian government has recently released a set of measures to enhance women’s participation in the workforce. This includes gender-neutral recruitment ads, promoting women in management, and providing maternity benefits to highway and construction workers and many more.

@Mirrornow hosted an interesting discussion and our CEO Sonica Aron spoke about how this advisory, if implemented well can make a big difference.

What Organizations Can Start Looking At

1. Systematic Barriers: It’s crucial for organizations to identify and dismantle systematic barriers that hinder women’s progress. Conducting gender-sensitive audits can uncover hidden biases in recruitment, promotion, and evaluation processes. Implementing mentorship programs and targeted training sessions can address skill gaps and create a more level playing field.

2. Infrastructure: Organizations must invest in infrastructure that supports women in the workforce. This includes creating safe and accessible workplaces, providing lactation rooms, and implementing flexible working arrangements. Embracing technology for remote work and virtual collaboration can also enhance inclusivity, allowing women to balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively

3. Governance Models: Reviewing and adapting governance models is essential for fostering gender diversity. Establishing diverse boards and leadership teams can provide different perspectives and promote inclusivity in decision-making. Developing and enforcing policies that address gender-based discrimination and harassment are fundamental steps towards creating a workplace culture that empowers and protects women.

4. Mindset: Shifting the mindset within organizations is a transformative step towards empowering women. Promoting awareness campaigns and training sessions on unconscious bias can help in creating an inclusive culture. Encouraging leadership to champion diversity and publicly recognizing the achievements of women within the organization can inspire positive change. A culture that values and respects diversity will attract and retain a talented and diverse workforce.

Why It’s Important

Promoting gender parity in the workplace is not just about fairness. It’s about leveraging the full potential of our workforce. Diverse teams lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. Plus, it’s a step towards a more equitable society.

Let’s embrace these changes and work towards a more inclusive and equal workplace.

#WomenInWorkforce #GenderParity #Inclusion #Diversity

As shared by Sonica Aron and Amit Dubey in the latest interview with Zee Business: Artificial Intelligence will affect almost 40% jobs globally: IMF report, the evolving landscape of work demands a strategic approach to skill development, especially in the era of artificial intelligence. So, what are the key skills to focus on for personal and professional growth in the coming era:

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Harness the power of analysis and creative problem-solving to navigate complex challenges.
2. Adaptability and Flexibility: Embrace change with open arms and stay flexible in the face of evolving technologies.
3. Digital Literacy: Mastering digital tools is essential; let’s stay proficient in the language of technology.
4. Data Literacy: Decode the language of data and make informed decisions in a data-driven world.
5. Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of successful teamwork.
6. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions—ours and others—is a valuable skill in any setting.
7. Continuous Learning: In a world of constant change, the commitment to lifelong learning is a superpower.
8. Cybersecurity Awareness: Safeguarding our digital presence is a shared responsibility; let’s stay vigilant.
9. Creativity and Innovation: Nurture creativity and be a catalyst for innovation in your endeavors.
10. Leadership Skills: Leadership is not confined to titles; cultivate leadership qualities in every role.
11. Ethical Decision-Making: Navigate the ethical dimensions of AI with integrity and responsibility.
12. Project Management: Organize tasks efficiently and understand the dynamics of successful project management.
13. Customer Focus: Prioritize customer needs to deliver solutions that add real value.
14. Cultural Competence: Work effectively in diverse environments, respecting and celebrating cultural differences.
15. Strategic Thinking: Align personal goals with broader organizational strategies for impactful contributions.

🌐 Remember, as we evolve, our skills should too. What skills do you consider essential in the age of AI? Let’s spark a conversation! 💬

It was an honour to be a part of the Panel discussion during the #Purplefest at Goa along with experts like Vineet Saraiwala Vivek Misra @M Sebastian. Our CEO & Founder Sonica Aron speaks at the #thoughtleadership event held on 10th January on the topic – “Technology in fostering Inclusion and Accessibility”. She spoke about accessibility of the future, role and importance of universal design, and why it is so critical in today’s times.

Sonica shed light on the 21 Marching- Building Disability Confident organisations, our report on 21 disabilities across 15 countries, backed by compelling data, where we engaged with people with all 21 disabilities, their caregivers, employers, NGOs and allies, discovering the challenges they face along with solutions they need. She shared some key findings that highlight the transformative power of tech in breaking barriers. She shared that there are ever more tools for different disabilities serving different needs. The key lies in customization and understanding diverse preferences. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, organizations need to ensure that their initiatives are flexible, accessible and accommodating.

Watch the video to know more about Sonica’s perspective – that innovation is a powerful force for creating a more inclusive world.

Partner with team MarchingSheep and start the conversation, with #21Marching – Building Disability Confident Organizations – A comprehensive Playbook | 21 Disabilities | 15 Countries. Dive into the data with us and explore the powerful insights.

#InclusionMatters #Accessibility #TechForGood #PurpleFestGoa #makeadifference #respectandequalityforall #representationmatters #diversitymatters #diversityequityandinclusion #reasonableadjustments #technology #universaldesign #evolvingtogether #continuouslearning #PWD #personswithdisabilities #PWDinclusion

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There is still so much that so many people do not know, or misunderstand about #personswithdisabilities. There are still so many misconceptions, that lead to #stereotypes, there is still so much unawareness about both visible and invisible disabilities. Often, information about disabilities is scattered or unavailable, emphasizing the need for sensitization and education.

Building a Disability-Confident Organization is crucial for fostering a society where everyone has the right enablement to lead a dignified life. But, many organisations, despite the intent, find it hard to start the journey of inclusion due to lack of awareness of resources, what needs to be done and how.

Our Founder and CEO, Sonica Aron talks to Aajtak about how our in-depth research in the form of world’s most comprehensive DIY playbook for all 21 disabilities covered under the #RPWDact2016, and for 15 countries will help organisations understand each disability and approach their #mobility needs, #Accessibility needs, #Reasonableaccomodations needs, how to go about sensitizing the workforce, designing #inclusivepolicies, #legalcompliances and a lot more.

She highlights that incorporating mobility and accessibility tools, coupled with reasonable accommodations, is not only cost-effective but breaks down barriers that hinder equal participation. Sonica says that removing the barriers of readiness, Disability Confident Organizations become a ray of hope, creating a cascading impact on societal attitudes and structures. Embracing this initiative reflects a commitment to a more equitable future, where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

To know more about the Playbook, watch the full video here.

What is the purpose and intent behind this idea?

Is it literally about the numbers or there’s a broader perspective around it?

Most of us have worked 70 hours a week at some point in our career. But is it advisable on a sustainable basis and was that the message being driven?

Is it for everyone or would should it depend on industry, company, the person and the role? A

How do we strike a balance between employee centric and high performance culture?

If these questions got you curious and thoughtful, check out the video as our Founder and CEO, @Sonica shares her perspective on sensational panel discussion anchored by @Deepak Dobhal on @ZeeBusiness with incredible co-panelists @Satish Sati, @Munira Loliwala, @Amit Kumar Agrawal

#70hourswork #thoughleaders #Makeadifference #Respectandequalityforall #MarchingSheep #industryleaders #businessleaders #Semanticsovertspirit

Inclusion starts with awareness and it has to be the agenda of the entire organization. But are we equipping our leaders, managers, and employees to become a part of the journey of being inclusive?

A very pertinent question raised by Our CEO and Founder, Sonica Aron (She/Her/Hers) to the quorum of CHROs at the 6th CHRO Vision & Innovation Summit & Awards 2023 held in Delhi recently.

To know more about her insights on why and how the CHROs need to look at their organizations from a very critical lens as to where they stand on the D&I maturity matrix and create a multi-pronged solution approach to build a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, watch the video here.

Whose learning needs are today’s organizations meeting, when they create their Learning frameworks? Does the “One size fit all” approach work for a learning organization?

A relevant question was posed by our CEO Sonica Aron (She/Her/Hers) at the L&D Confex and Awards held at Bangalore as she spoke about the evolving needs and expectations of workforces in today’s #BANI world. She emphasized that organizations need to identify their #learningculture, and provide the right mix of learning ingredients to their employees to further improve the efficiency and efficacy of L&D processes within organizations.

To learn the rest and collect some pearls of wisdom, checkout the video. Feel free to add your two bits in the comments section.

#workingwomen #maternityleave #Stereotype
Sub section 5 of The maternity benefit amendment Act which allows extended WFH at mutually agreed time between employee and employer came into the picture in 2017 but how many of us know about it? It again came to the fore during covid as an advisory.

By extending this benefit only to women, are we fortifying a belief that parenting is only a woman’s job? Is it perpetuating the stereotype and social conditioning that primary caregiver for a child is the mother.

How does this impact differently to new mothers in nuclear family versus those in joint family?

If women choose to avail this “benefit”, how does it impact their performance appraisal and growth opportunities in the eyes of managers against those who worked from office?

Check out this thought provoking panel discussion organized by @Mirror Now and hosted by @Shreya Upadhyay where our founder and CEO, @Sonica Aron challenges popular opinions along with extraordinary panelists @Zainab Sikander, @Rituparna Chakraborty, @Talish Ray

#maternityleave #extraleave #extramaternityleave #workfromhome #thoughtleaders #workingwomen #genderbias #inclusion #equity #equality #Makeadifference #Respectandequalityforall #Stereotype #Socialconditioning #perpetuatingbiases

#cnbcawaaz #makeadifference #representationmatters
21% increase in gender balance in comparison to 2021, 37% women at entry level as well as in leadership positions and 65% increase in registration of returning women in tier 2, tier 3 cities – as per a survey of 300 corporates in India conducted by @Herkey

Stimulating panel discussion hosted by @CNBCawaaz to exploring the trend of increased women participation in the workforce, its benefits to organizations and the support women require to stay and thrive at work.

Watch the full video for the insights from our CEO and Founder @Sonica Aron and wonderful co-panelists @Ujala Sabharwal and @Sonal Aroda

#womenemployees #femaleemployees #womenemployees #cnbcawaaz #diversityequityandinclusion #representationmatters
#conversationsthatmatter #Respectandequalityforall #makeadifference

Recently on CNBC’s Consumer Adda show, Vipin Bhatt discussed the skills gap in Indian graduates, citing the ‘India’s Graduate Skill Index: 2023’ report, revealing that just 45% of job-seeking graduates are job-ready. Sonica Aron, CEO of Marching Sheep, joined the show to explore solutions for this gap.

Sonica’s emphasis on seizing control over one’s career trajectory by self-directed career development and embracing internships as a bridge from theory to practice is a beacon of guidance. She also goes on to talk about the challenges that still remain to be addressed and hopes that the dialogue between the media, industry experts, and graduates serves as a rallying call to cultivate adaptable skills and empower the future workforce to thrive amidst evolving market dynamics.

#employability #youth #internships #skillgap #conversationsthatmatter #futureworkforce #marchingsheep #makeadifference #respectandequalityforall

Driving change through both #processes and #intent. What an insightful discussion hosted by leadership advisor @Avinash Ananda on the new episode of ‘Leadership Matters’ by @White Page International where our CEO and Founder, @Sonica Aron shares her expertise, experiences and provides valuable leadership lessons. Watch the complete video on the link below to see how complete transparency, intense passion and integrity, compassion and involvement in humanitarian projects, and a self-effacing nature focused on the mission rather than self sets you apart as an exceptional leader! #LeadershipMatters #DiversityandInclusion #Equality #InspiringLeadership #thoughtLeaders #WomenLeaders #WomenEntrepreneurs #RespectForAll #MakingADifference

After being recognised as an Inspirational Icon in Leadership 2021, @Fortune India adds another feather in the cap of our dearest leader, Sonica Aron – Founder and CEO of Marching Sheep – by recognising her as Top Women Entrepreneurs 2023. Is your HR consulting partner double featured in Fortune Magazine? Check out this video to know what sets us apart. Heartiest congratulations to you Sonica, team marching sheep is super proud of you. Sincere thanks to @digilive and all our clients, partners for the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and career. #Respectandequalityforall #Makeadifference #thoughtleaders #changemaker #WomenEntrepreneurs #womenleaders #changeagent #Marchingsheep