An International Women’s Day dialogue session was the highlight of the QI Group’s recent celebration of the event, hosted by Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation.
The discussion featured two remarkable women representing RYTHM’s long-standing partner organisations – Dr Madhavi Panda, Founder and Director of Parinaama Development Foundation in India, and Amara Wichithong, a former Olympian windsurfer and master trainer with ASA Foundation (ASA) in Thailand. RYTHM is the social impact initiative of QI.
As founder and director of the New Delhi-based Parinaama, Dr Madhavi has an illustrious history of working with civic and social organisations to address community issues and build stronger societies through tangible outcomes.
Since winning several world championships and competing in the Olympics, Amara’s passion for the sport, women’s empowerment, and the environment have led her to active advocacy and activism in these areas of public interest.
climb to the same level but not differentiate them.
While the lively conversation shed light on the importance of gender equality and equity in today’s world, it also delved into the guests’ inspiring stories of adversity, gender discrimination, familial challenges, and even hostility.
Dr Madhavi and Amara’s narratives not only illuminated the struggles of women in their everyday lives but also highlighted their resilience and strength.
Datin Sri Umayal emphasised acknowledging and valuing the distinctive qualities that make individuals unique while ensuring they have equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
“This theme means everyone is different,” she said about #EmbraceEquity, this year’s premise for IWD. “It means giving everyone the platform and space to climb to the same level but not differentiating them.”
Watch QI Group’s Executive Chairman Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran, and Datin Sri Umayal talk about empowerment and equality in recognition of Women’s Month:
Efforts Toward Sustainable Change
Dr Madhavi echoed a similar perspective. “To me, equity means creating opportunities for economic and social impact and equaling women’s and men’s earning power.”
Dr Madhavi founded Parinaama after witnessing deprivation as a demographer across states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha in Eastern India, one of the country’s poorest regions. She has driven the non-profit to actively challenge and transform traditional gender norms, leaving no doubt about her tireless commitment to the cause.
“These are the inherent biases at every step, nook and corner. We have made some strides in some areas but are still struggling with that,” Dr Madhavi said of the organisation’s skill-building and capacity development projects.
one of the country’s poorest regions.
Despite facing significant challenges during her childhood, Amara overcame poverty and countless barriers to succeed in windsurfing. Her journey has given her a unique perspective and deep appreciation for the importance of providing opportunities to the disadvantaged. Today she dedicates her time to creating chances for at-risk youngsters through the sport and environmental awareness.
Amara’s efforts have already led to tangible results. She has trained two Olympians and another teen who won at a Youth Olympic Games.
Her efforts to clean up the oceans and educate young people about the environment are just as inspiring. Through her work, she has also provided job opportunities for girls who might otherwise risk falling into undesirable outcomes.
For those disinclined to windsurfing, Amara’s facility recycling plastic, bottle caps, and old sails offers young women alternative work and sustainable incomes.
“In Thailand, gender disparity is not as bad as before. More women are standing up for their rights more and more. However, I can’t go around and tell anyone how to change. You have to be an example that people can follow.
“As a result, more mothers have asked me if I can train their daughters. That is a nice feeling. Girls and families are seeing that they can make other choices in life,” she added.
at-risk youngsters through sports and environmental awareness.
As the talk drew to a close, Datin Sri Umayal reiterated the importance of celebrating diversity while working towards a world where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
“We must embrace the unique qualities that make us who we are while striving to create a world where everyone can reach their full potential without discrimination. Let us celebrate diversity and work towards true equity and inclusivity.”
QI Group Founder and Executive Chairman, Dato’ Sri Vijay Eswaran.
In conjunction with IWD, watch QI Group’s women leaders share their perspectives on how women in positions of authority can empower and uplift other women:
Catch the entire segment in the video below for deeper insights into Dr Madhavi and Amara’s inspiring stories of perseverance and empowerment:
