Creating A Century of Women; A Century of Life!

Highlighting the significance of the role of women in ushering in an era of peace, a webinar entitled “Beautiful Stories of Women Creating a New Age Towards 2030”was held today. Organized by Bharat Soka Gakkai, the Indian affiliate of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), the webinar drew attention to the value and wisdom that women can bring to our society as future leaders.organized the webinar.

The panelists, representing a broad spectrum of society, were: Ms.Vinita Bali, Independent Director, Strategy Advisor, and Former CEO&MD of Britannia Industries, Ms. Mirian Vilela, Executive Director, Earth Charter International; Ms. Safeena Husain, Founder, and Executive Director, Educate Girls, andMs. Tillotama Shome, Filmfare Award-winning actor.

Each spoke about their journey, providing different dimensions to what constitutes the true empowerment of women. Their powerful testimonials brought home a fundamental truth – worldwide peace and prosperity can only be brought about in a gender-sensitive society.The vision behind the webinar is the core Soka Gakkai belief in women’s pivotal role in creating and nurturing a culture of peace. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda who has worked tirelessly to help build a truly equitable society says that “The twenty-first century will be the century of life. It will be the century of women.”

"There can be no better time for a dialogue to foster empathy, compassion, and understanding so that we may live in a world that is fair and equitable for all", said Vinita Bali, who has served in senior executive positions in several companies such as Britannia Industries, Coca Cola and Cadbury.

“What is there in the innate feminine intelligence and wisdom that the world is in so much need?” questioned Mirian Vilela. “Sensitivity? empathy? sense of care? flexibility? Maybe our world is in desperate need to cultivate these human essential elements and move away from the myopic view of indifference”, she said.  

“Completing 70 years of service is a huge achievement for the Women's Division of Soka Gakkai," said Safeena Husain and added, “Over the decades, BSG has striven to create an environment of peace through cultural, educational and community-lead initiatives and I am glad to play my part as an advocate for girls’ education and gender equality.” Further, Safeena highlighted, “Girls’ education is the biggest investment that a nation can make today and with consistent support from like-minded supporters like BSG, we hope to gain more traction on the achievement of SDG4 by 2030.”

The webinar’s message struck a strong chord with speakers and audiences alike “The yearning for peace is not just for those in the midst of a war. It is our shared responsibility, irrespective of who we are. In a post-Covid world, the suffering of another is deeply connected to one's own," said Tillotama Shome. She added that “sisterhoods are very powerful ecosystems”.

On behalf of BSG, Mr. Vishesh Gupta, Chairperson, Bharat Soka Gakkai, thanked the panelists and said,“Your life's struggles and achievements based on the spirit of challenge and continuous learning echoes the Soka Philosophy espoused by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. His vision of 21st century being a 'Century of women' comes alive in the work of women like yourselves”.

Ms. Rashi Ahuja, Director and Head of External Relations, welcomed the audience to the webinarand called out to everyone in the audience to come together and create an era in which all people are valued for their humanity, as unique and irreplaceable manifestations of life, an era in which all will enjoy the full richness of human diversity.

The webinar attracted an audience from across the country and from all walks of life.

BSG (Bharat Soka Gakkai) is the Indian affiliate of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI). It has a membership spread across 600 towns and cities in India. Coming from all walks of life, BSG’s members believe that a fundamental change in a single individual (‘human revolution’) can bring about a great transformation in society. The organization seeks to create an environment of peace through cultural, educational, and community-related activities. What sets these initiatives apart is the humanistic spirit of reaching out through 'heart to heart' dialogue.