Acer India Introduces Menstrual Leave Policy 'Matrika'

Acer India has introduced ‘Matrika,’ a menstrual leave policy to foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Inspired by the Sanskrit word ‘Matrika,’ which signifies the divine feminine, the initiative underscores Acer India’s commitment to empowering women employees with policies that recognize and respect their well-being.

Under this policy, female employees will be entitled to one additional day of paid leave each month, allowing them to prioritize their menstrual health without impacting their regular leave entitlements. This move aligns with Acer India’s broader vision of creating a workplace that champions gender inclusivity, health, and holistic employee support.

"A workplace that truly supports its people goes beyond policies—it fosters understanding, respect, and real change. With the "Matrika" menstrual leave policy, we are taking a step toward normalizing conversations around women’s health and well-being. Inclusivity is not just about representation; it is about recognizing and addressing the everyday realities of our employees. Through this initiative, we aim to create an environment where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work every day." said Harish Kohli, President & Managing Director, Acer India.

Bhasker Bhandary, Senior Director – Human Resources, Acer India, added, "At Acer India, we believe that true inclusivity goes beyond policies, it is about fostering a culture of empathy and support. With the ‘Matrika’ menstrual leave policy, we are taking a meaningful step toward acknowledging the health needs of our women employees while reinforcing workplace equity. By embracing progressive policies like these, we aim to create an environment where every individual feels valued, empowered, and respected."

As more organizations recognize the importance of menstrual leave, ‘Matrika’ sets Acer India apart as a forward-thinking employer that prioritizes gender equality and employee-centric initiatives. With this policy, Acer India continues to evolve as a workplace that integrates inclusivity into its core values, ensuring every employee feels valued and supported.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, today Acer is one of the world’s top ICT companies and has a presence in over 160 countries. As Acer looks into the future, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software, and services will fuse to open up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. From service-oriented technologies to the Internet of Things to gaming and virtual reality, Acer’s 7,000+ employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

Accenture Locked Its Profile on X (Formerly Twitter) Following Public Outcry Demanding Dismissal of Nikita Singhania

Accenture has locked its profile on X (formerly Twitter) following public outcry demanding the dismissal of Nikita Singhania, an employee accused of harassing her ex-husband, Atul Subhash, who tragically took his own life.

Subhash left behind a detailed suicide note and video, alleging emotional distress caused by Singhania and her family. This incident has sparked significant online backlash, with many calling for Singhania's termination.

The case has highlighted ongoing debates about gender bias in legal systems concerning marital disputes in India.

Accenture locked their account because they don't want to terminate Nikita Singhania. It's time to show the power of social media. @Accenture you can't silence us, either you terminate your employee or be ready for backlash.#JusticeForAtulSubhash pic.twitter.com/6usG9FmO8a

— Voice of Hindus (@Warlock_Shabby) December 10, 2024

TW : SUICIDE : BANGALORE

◾Atul Subhash, 34 year old
◾Got married in 2019
◾Driven to suicide by wife, in-laws, biased laws & system within 5 years
◾Left 1.5 hr suicide video, 40 page note
◾Wife demanded 3 Crores Alimony
◾Wife didn't let him even see the face of his child… pic.twitter.com/zDoSjD9CKN

— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) December 10, 2024

The public reaction to Atul Subhash's tragic death has been intense and widespread. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for Nikita Singhania's dismissal from Accenture.

As of now, Accenture has not issued any official statement or comments regarding the case of Atul Subhash's suicide and the public outcry for the dismissal of his wife, Nikita Singhania. The company has, however, as said above, locked its X (formerly Twitter) profile amid the growing demands for action.

The situation remains highly sensitive, and it seems Accenture is likely taking time to assess the situation before making any public comments.

Many users have expressed outrage, accusing Singhania of harassment and emotional distress that led to Subhash's suicide. The public outcry has also sparked a broader debate about gender bias in India's legal system, with many calling for reforms to protect men from false accusations and legal harassment.

The legal proceedings in this case are complex and ongoing. Subhash left behind a 24-page suicide note and an 80-minute video detailing the alleged harassment and extortion by Singhania and her family. He accused them of filing multiple false legal cases against him, including dowry harassment, unnatural sex, and even murder. The Bengaluru police have registered an FIR against the accused under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cruelty and intimidation.

The Supreme Court of India has introduced an eight-point framework for calculating alimony in divorce cases to promote fairness and equity. This case has brought attention to the emotional and legal challenges faced by men in similar circumstances, with growing calls for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Tata Steel Becomes First-in-India to Integrate Transgender Employees in Core Mining Operations

Tata Steel has taken a pioneering step in workforce diversity by integrating transgender employees into its mining operations. On March 31, 2024, in celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility, Tata Steel's West Bokaro Division onboarded 14 new transgender trainees as Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) Operator Trainees.

This initiative has increased the company's total transgender workforce to 120.

The company has been at the forefront of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace, with various programs and policies designed to create a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.

The inclusion of transgender employees in core mining operations is not only about providing jobs but also about empowering these individuals, fostering an inclusive work environment, and enhancing the diversity of Tata Steel's workforce.

Tata Steel's West Bokaro Division has been at the forefront of integrating transgender persons into its workforce. Earlier in 2022, the division took a landmark step by onboarding 14 transgender employees as Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) Operators at its mines, who are successfully operating 100-ton dumpers in West Bokaro.

This initiative goes beyond just providing jobs. It empowers transgender employees, fosters a more inclusive work environment, and strengthens the diversity of Tata Steel's workforce.

Anurag Dixit, General Manager, West Bokaro Division, Tata Steel, said, "We are delighted to welcome our new Operator Trainees today. This is a momentous occasion as we continue to build a truly inclusive workplace at West Bokaro Division. We are confident that our new trainees will make valuable contributions to our team, and we are committed to providing them with the support and opportunities they need to succeed."

In India, besides Tata Steel several companies are actively working towards transgender inclusion in the workplace. Here are some examples:

• RJ Corp: This conglomerate is also known for hiring transgender workers.
• Publicis Sapient: The global advertising firm has hired transgender individuals through programs like the Rainbow Internship.
• ESL Steel: Part of the Vedanta Group, ESL Steel is planning to hire transgender employees in administration and security functions.
• The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group: They offer higher stipends for skill enhancement training programs for transgender people, recognizing the additional costs they may incur for hormone therapy.

These companies are not only providing employment opportunities but also revising their policies to be more inclusive, offering health insurance benefits that include gender reaffirmation surgery and hormone replacement therapy, and identifying more roles for transgender employees. This reflects a growing momentum towards increasing the participation of transgender individuals in regular office work.

Tata Technologies Launches Diversity Hiring Campaign, Encourages Women to Join Them for #EngineeringABetterWorld

Company aims to hire 1000+ women over the next 12 months

Tata Technologies, a global leader in engineering and product development digital services, today announced the launch of its gender diversity focused hiring campaign, in line with its renewed focus on promoting gender diversity across its workforce. The new brand campaign #EngineeringDiversity invites women innovators to be part of the Tata Technologies transformation journey and grow with it while innovating safe, sustainable solutions for the global original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) and their ecosystem of partners. Learn more about the diversity campaign at https://www.tatatechnologies.com/diversity/

Manufacturing companies rely on Tata Technologies to enable them to conceptualize, develop and realize better products that are safer, cleaner, and improve the quality of life for all the stakeholders. This requires innovative solutions, and we believe a diverse and inclusive culture is core to incubating innovative solutions. Hence, we believe in creating an inclusive culture that provides equal opportunities to all individuals irrespective of colour, race, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or nationality. Through a global, diverse, and exciting working environment, and access to the latest technologies, we cultivate a workplace in which everyone has the freedom and opportunity to succeed. Besides competitive remuneration, we offer innovators an opportunity to work on global projects, upskill & learn through classroom and global eLearning platforms and collaborate with 11000+ global talent pool. We believe that a diverse workforce will lead to innovation, productivity, & creativity and will also create a more positive and welcoming work environment, leading to better employee engagement, better customer engagement and overall better performance. 

Through the RAINBOW program, the company has focused interventions on onboarding more women and parallelly creating support frameworks for them to succeed. The program has a structured framework and four key pillars–

• Hiring - Focused efforts towards attracting and onboarding diverse talent pool. The company aims to hire 1000 + women engineers in FY24, to strengthen its gender diversity ratio further and has identified specific opportunities for women.
• Communication- Creating more platforms for employee participation and dialogues with an aim to break the bias and build a culture of inclusivity ground up. The company also recognizes women innovators within the organization through the SHEnnovator campaign.
• Growth- Grooming women leaders for tomorrow through the LeaderBridge-WINGS program, a 6-month developmental intervention aimed at helping women employees develop their leadership potential further and excel in their careers.
• Enabling- Aimed at creating a conducive ecosystem and infrastructure that nurtures a diverse workforce.

The campaign was launched with a new diversity focused microsite, YouTube campaign video, Linked In post, Instagram post, Facebook post, Twitter post

As KSUM Starts 2-Day Conclave, Kerala To Intensify Gender Equal Entrepreneurship Vision

Gender equality key to entrepreneurial advancement: Minister at KSUM summit

Kerala is intensifying its efforts to promote entrepreneurship with parallel focus on gender equality, Health Minister Smt Veena George said today. “The government’s vision and policy make it compulsory to implement steps that encourage women to enter entrepreneurship and innovation in stronger numbers. We have been increasingly organizing programmes to up-skill and re-skill talents to increase their confidence,” she said inaugurating a two-day conclave by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in its efforts to further promote female participation in the founding companies.

“KSUM has been working for long to remove all obstacles towards gender neutrality in entrepreneurship. This event envisages the creation of a solid ecosystem for females,” the Minister pointed out in a video appearance at the ‘ Women Startup Summit 4.0,2022 ’ that began on Friday with seven key sessions in the run-up to the formal inauguration in Edappally on Saturday.

The two-day summit had sessions that promised to carry forward administrative ideas and make them fruitful, she said at the WSS 4.0, which overall hosted 30 live sessions addressed by 80-plus speakers in the presence of more than 500 delegates. The day’s proceedings featured a string of sessions with speakers who included founders and managing partners, predominantly women, of a range of successful companies.

The summit at Marriott Hotel, a day after its inaugural sessions in KSUM’s Technology Innovation Zone at Kalamassery outside the city, featured an expo of more than 100 products, while simultaneously conducting master-classes, workshops, pitch fest, SheLovesTech and Investor Café.

Actress-danseuse Remya Nambeesan speaks at '2022 Women Startup Summit 4.0’ organised by Kerala Startup Mission at Edappally in Kochi on September 24, Saturday

Actress-dancer Ms Remya Nambeesan, addressing the inaugural ceremony, said conventional gender biases cannot anymore stop women from becoming entrepreneurs in a changed world marked by renewed fighting spirit amid institutional support.

All the same, the state’s film industry “has only 20 per cent female presence” even as the artistes “celebrate womanhood and our abilities”. “Each person has her unique performing capacity. We must not only recognize this fact, but respect it as well,” she said, capping up her talk by delivering with a popular Hindi song.

KSUM CEO Mr Anoop Ambika, addressing the inaugural ceremony, said entrepreneurship in the state merits newer ideas that cater to the needs of its geriatric people when Kerala has aged men and women contributing to 60 per cent of the population.

Kerala Startup Mission CEO Anoop P Ambika at the inaugural ceremony of Women Startup Summit 4.0, 2022, organised by the nodal agency at Hotel Marriott, Edappally in Kochi on Saturday, September 24, 2022

"Also, we are set to set up community innovation centres in the state’s rural parts to scout talents in the villages as well as small towns to groom them. Further, the government is to work with NRIs in a bigger way to create new enterprises in the state,” he revealed, while welcoming the inaugural session at WSS, through which KSUM provided a view of leaders in “real action” from all across the globe.

A session on 'Building Future India through Startups' on at 'Women Startup Summit 4.0 2022' organized by Kerala Startup Mission on at Edappally in Kochi on September 24, Saturday

The forenoon sessions of the day included a panel discussion on ‘Building Future India Through Startups’ after a dialogue on ‘Women Pulling the Indian Startup System.” The afternoon sessions were on ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’, ‘Overview about KSUM’, ‘Sustainable Future in Business’ and ‘Role of Media in Women Empowerment’.

The first day of the summit held a pivotal She Loves Tech India ’22. The day also hosted a pitching session on productization grant for women startups. The money will be for those Indian startups that have women holding more than half the ownership stake. The winners are set to get Rs 12 lakh. They will also be eligible for soft loans of Rs 15 lakh (6 per cent interest) and seed funds.

She Loves Tech India was addressed by the largest accelerator platform’s Co-founder Leanne Robers. The inaugural day of the summit chiefly held four panel discussions and three fireside chats.

The summit on Friday hosted a panel discussion on ‘Exploring the Plethora of Opportunities and Support to Promote and Encourage Women Startups and Entrepreneurship’. The afternoon sessions featured three workshops and a pitching under ‘Investor Café’, before a panel discussion on Smart Steps. This was followed by networking.

Women's World Banking Announces 2023 Fintech Innovation Challenge to Elevate Fintechs with New Solutions to Close the Gender Gap in Financial Services

Competition invites later stage fintechs pioneering innovative financial solutions for the low-income women's market to apply; finalists and winner to access premier fintech networks and resources

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's World Banking announced today the 2023 Fintech Innovation Challenge, a global competition to highlight and advance solutions to close the gender gap through digital financial services. Now in its fourth year and the only women-centered fintechs competition, the Challenge will provide a platform for later stage fintechs working to address the persistent challenges in serving the low-income women's market.

According to the latest Global Findex Report, the number of women adopting digital financial services has risen dramatically since 2017, with the gender gap dropping from 9% to 6% in key emerging markets. But despite these advances, 742 million women are still excluded from the formal financial sector, and women are 31% more likely than men to have an inactive bank account.

Digital financial services can serve as an on-ramp for low-income women to adopt and use a large suite of formal financial products and services, expanding women's choices and their financial and economic resilience and empowerment. Low-income women represent a large, untapped market opportunity for digital financial services providers, particularly fintechs leveraging technology to close the gender gap in financial services.

"To achieve the promise of inclusive growth for the global economy, women need equal access to financial products, services, skills and technology," said Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women's World Banking. "Fintechs are uniquely positioned to help close the digital financial services gap because they have the ability to provide products and services differently and can efficiently meet the needs of low-income women in ways that traditional financial services providers can't or won't."

Applications for the Challenge will be open from August 3 to September 15. Entry categories include, but are not limited to:

• Sending and receiving money
• Credit for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
• Safety net products (insurance, savings and pensions)
• Beyond money (financial and digital capabilities, and other business support services)

The top four finalists of the Challenge will participate in an in-person pitch competition next February in Dubai, and be fast-tracked for participation in the Women's Economic Empowerment Accelerator, powered by the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University. They will also receive pitch advice and a UX design consultation. The Grand Prize winner will receive access to key 2023 fintech events like Point Zero, Elevandi Connects, and the Singapore Fintech Festival, as well as a speaker invitation at a Women's World Banking Making Finance Work for Women event.

All female-founded fintechs that make it to the top 12 of the competition will be selected for the first-ever Female Founders Circle, an exclusive network of like-minded female-founded fintechs, and will be promoted through a robust integrated communications, marketing and media campaign.

"Participating in the Women's World Banking Fintech Innovation Challenge drove us to learn more deeply how we can better serve our women customers," said Rachel Freeman, Chief Growth Officer at Tyme, a 2020 Fintech Innovation Challenge Winner. "It gave us global recognition at a crucial time in our expansion into the Asian market and during our recent capital raise, and we got valuable feedback from the judges that helped us refine our proposition."

The top twelve finalists and Female Founders Circle participants will be announced on October 26, with the top four finalists announced on January 9, 2023. The Grand Prize winner of the Fintech Innovation Challenge will be announced in Dubai, on February 16, 2023 following the pitch competition.

The Fintech Innovation Challenge is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Leading Sponsor) and Ernst & Young LLP (EY US and Advancing Sponsor). Women's World Banking's core funders are Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and Visa Foundation.

About Women's World Banking

Women's World Banking designs and invests in financial solutions, institutions, and policy environments in emerging markets to create greater economic stability and prosperity for women, their families, and their communities. With a Global Network reach of 62 financial services providers in 35 countries serving more than 138 million women clients, Women's World Banking drives impact through its scalable, market-driven solutions; gender lens private equity fund; and leadership and diversity programs. To learn more visit womensworldbanking.org.

Media Contact: Kelsey Thompson: kelsey.thompson@porternovelli.com

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The Gender Park and UN Women to sign MoU as Equal Partners

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 21: The Gender Park, an autonomous body under the Kerala government is all set to partner with UN Women to further the cause of women empowerment and function as a South Asia hub for gender equality. The Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the partnership will be signed in the honourable presence of the state's Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday.

Gender Park CEO Dr P T M Sunish and UN Women Deputy Country Representative Ms Nishtha Satyam will officially sign the MoU at Cliff House, the Chief Minister's official residence in Thiruvananthapuram on December 21 at 3 pm. Smt K K Shailaja, Hon. Minister for Health, Social Justice and Women & Child Development will be present on this occasion along with Mr Biju Prabhakar IAS, Secretary, Social Justice and Women & Child Development.

Smt Shailaja said the cooperation with the UN Women will give a renewed push to the Gender Park's efforts by providing support for activities like research, education and social intervention towards establishing gender equality. The world body's association marks the global recognition of Kerala's decades-long efforts in the field of woman empowerment, she added.

Sri Prabhakar noted that the UN partnership will boost and broaden the novel activities of the state's Women and Child Development department through the 2013-founded Gender Park. Headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, it drives various projects and programmes on gender equality in the state including running a gender library, museum and training centres for sustainable entrepreneurial ventures.

The UN Women Multi-Country Office located in Delhi will support Gender Park to develop it into a South Asia hub for gender related activities. The two parties will set up the Gender Data Centre at the Park's 24-acre Kozhikode campus that also houses an International Institute for Gender and Development.
UN Women established in 2010 works with the all strata of society to promote gender equality. Its Delhi chapter comprises India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives. The organisation provides advocacy for budget and national planning with a view to empowering women.