Women’s Day at WE

"Achieving your dreams” was the theme of an interactive event in which over 40 women members of WE, the Women Entrepreneurs’ Wing of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC), participated at the Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy Parsee Benevolent Institution premises in Fort, Bombay on March 14, 2015. It was a double celebration, mentioned Homai Mehta, WE chairperson, while welcoming the gathering, as they were observing international Women’s Day as well as the completion of three years of WE, stated a write-up on the occasion sent by Villie Daruvala, vice chairperson.

The entire month of March is the time to uphold women’s achievements, recognize their challenges and focus greater attention on their rights and gender equality, Mehta said, while introducing keynote speaker Dr Zareen Karani Araoz who conducted the first session. President of Managing Across Cultures, a global management training, cross border consulting and leadership coaching firm, US based Araoz said she values being able to understand people’s aspirations and help them be the best they can in life, at any age, and to achieve their dreams. She encourages them to eschew negativity, to be determined and passionate and aim at excellence. One of the founder members of WZCC, Araoz served as an international director for six years.
A cake presented to WE, made by Theobroma Patisserie, was cut on the occasion. Theobroma’s proprietor Kamal Messman, introduced by Daruvala, shared her experiences and the hurdles she faced in her entrepreneurial journey. She and her chef daughter Kainaz never gave up and continued to deliver the best products, not compromising on quality though their prices were higher than those of other bakeries, the write-up mentions. Their concern is now a decade old and they thrive on the love and affection of their loyal customers. She shared that she had never dreamt of being an entrepreneur; it all happened serendipitously.
The next speaker, Zenobia Davar of ZS Embroideries was introduced by Behroze Daruwalla, corporate secretary, international board and WE committee member. Davar undertakes all forms of embroidery, tailoring and stitching, specializing in hand embroidered garas. Though hers is a niche area, her 14-year-old concern has held exhibitions in India and abroad, conducted fashion shows, prepared garas for movies and held hand embroidery workshops in colleges and other forums. "According to me, any business would take at least 10 years to get established. There will be ups and downs… Instead of quitting… we should innovate, study further and improve our own skills,” she said. The key to success is to remain committed and be persistent in achieving goals, she exhorted. She is also a member of the Cherie Blair Foundation for women (see "Hosting Cherie Blair,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, August 21, 2014).
After the animated question and answer session, Percis Dubash, secretary WE, thanked those present.