Women’s Day at SMPK

In a significant move to promote gender inclusivity and equality, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port’s (SMPK) Centre for Human Resource Excellence organized a special one-day program titled “Empowerment of Women in the Workplace” on 6th March 2024 at Subhas Bhaban Auditorium in Kolkata. The event, held ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2025, brought together key figures from SMPK and industry experts to champion the cause of women’s empowerment.

A Step Toward Inclusive Workspaces

The event served as a platform to address pertinent topics such as:

• Diversity, culture, and inclusivity in organizations
• Bridging the gender gap in leadership
• Creating a safe and comfortable workplace environment
• Insights on the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment)

Through interactive sessions, 51 women employees from SMPK actively participated, sharing their experiences and learning valuable insights that can be implemented in their professional lives.

Key Takeaways from Industry Experts

The event featured an esteemed panel of industry leaders and professionals who provided practical strategies for fostering gender equity:

• Ms. Anidita Banerjee Tamta of Parivar ( a unit of Bijan Banerjee Memorial Charitable Trust) shared valuable insights on creating inclusive environments through empathy and collaboration.
• Ms. Angana Guha Roy from BCC&I emphasized the importance of mentorship and leadership development for women in male-dominated industries.
• Ms. Debaduti Aich from YES Bank discussed financial empowerment as a critical tool for achieving workplace independence.
• Ms. Nilanjana Pal Chowdhury of IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Pvt Ltd highlighted effective conflict resolution strategies that empower women to speak up.
• Ms. Megha Suri of Century Plyboards encouraged women to embrace assertiveness while maintaining professional decorum.

Voices from SMPK Leadership

Mr. Joydeb Ghosh Dastidar, Sr. Personnel Officer-KDS Administration, commended the initiative, stating:
“Empowering women is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and productive workforce. This program underscores SMPK’s dedication to nurturing talent regardless of gender.”

Mr. Chandan Chatterjee, Secretary, SMPK, praised the dedication of the women employees, stating:

“Empowering our women workforce is not just about equality but about driving innovation and growth through diverse perspectives.”

Mr. R.K. Kar, Chief Mechanical Engineer, added:

“This initiative reflects SMPK’s commitment to fostering an environment where women feel safe, supported, and motivated to excel.

Mr. Rajhans, Traffic Manager, shared his thoughts:
“Incorporating diverse perspectives enriches our decision-making process. Ensuring women are actively involved in leadership roles drives positive change across the organization.”

Ms. Subarna Thakur, Sr. Asst. Estate Manager, applauded the initiative, remarking:

“Women face unique challenges at the workplace, and programs like this help build their confidence and create awareness about their rights.”

Execution and Coordination

The program was seamlessly facilitated & anchored by Mr. Sanjay Gupta and Mr. Sudipto Basu of Dynovia Solutions LLP, ensuring smooth execution and active participant engagement throughout the day. Mr Rajkumar Mitra provided a strong back-end support.

The overall average score that has been obtained for the programme based on the participant’s feedback was 97%.

The Road Ahead

With such empowering initiatives, SMPK continues to champion diversity and inclusivity, reinforcing its dedication to providing women employees with equal opportunities to thrive. The event not only fostered knowledge sharing but also equipped participants with practical skills to excel in their respective roles.

As we approach International Women’s Day 2025, SMPK’s initiative stands as a beacon of positive change, reminding industries that empowered women are the driving force of tomorrow’s workforce.