Mumbai: After a successful launch of their first Sodexo Women’s India Network (SoWIN) in Chennai last week, Sodexo, a world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions, has now launched SoWIN – Prernaprad in Mumbai as a second chapter of the network. Renowned professionals from the industry were present for the launch to share their insights talking on a variety of issues like providing a forum to raise awareness of gender specific challenges and increasing employee engagement in the workplace.

The program is an extension of Sodexo’s belief to create a gender friendly work environment. Two additional chapters will be launched later this month across Bengaluru and Delhi as well. With the mission of “Inspiring Change, One Person at a Time”, the Prernaprad network intends to raise awareness and understand gender issues, facilitate communications across gender, and promote professional development opportunities in the work place.

Deborah Gillis, Senior Vice President, Membership & Global Operations of Catalyst a keynote speaker for the event focused on female talent being the key to future business success and breaking down myths about women’s leadership. Deborah used Catalyst research on India and best practice examples to make her point. She also identified successful diversity programs that were sustained through senior leader commitment and accountability.

Structured on three fundamental pillars of awareness, engagement and transformation the SoWIN- Prernaprad Mumbai chapter is an effort by Sodexo to enhance the leadership capabilities of women employees and highlight their role in the organization. The initiative ultimately aims at emphasizing the importance of women’s networks as a great resource to recruit and retain talent.

Speaking on the occasion, Cecy Kuruvilla, Global Director – Leadership Development / Diversity, Sodexo said, “By launching our second chapter we are ensuring our commitment towards fostering a gender friendly workplace and promoting equal opportunity. Our first chapter which was launched in Chennai proved to be a great success and we are certain our following chapters will be well received and support women’s professional development.”