Mysore/Mysuru: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mysuru, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Panel, hosted the second edition of ‘Inspiring Women to Live Fulfilling Lives 2026’ at Infosys campus in Mysuru recently.

More than 200 delegates from the IT sector, academia, healthcare and other industries participated in the symposium.

Trishikha Kumari Wadiyar, Chairperson of Bherunda Foundation, joined the event virtually. Addressing the gathering, she underscored the need for inclusive conversations in today’s fast-paced world.

“Conversations around inclusiveness and supportive work environments are no longer optional; they are essential. Platforms that focus on holistic well-being of women, financial, emotional, mental  and physical, are of paramount importance,” Trishikha Wadiyar said.

The programme revolved around four core themes. Financial, mental, physical and emotional well-being, offering practical insights aimed at strengthening both personal and professional excellence.

Savitha Mallappa, Convenor of CSR and DEI Panel, noted that India’s female labour force participation has risen to about 37 percent, according to World Bank data.

“While this reflects progress, it also highlights vast untapped potential. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 warns that at the current pace, achieving full gender parity could take over a century. Incremental change is not enough. We must accelerate,” she said.

She added that well-being has emerged as a core leadership and business priority. Citing estimates from the World Health Organisation, she said depression and anxiety cost the global economy nearly one trillion dollars annually in lost productivity.

“Financial, mental, physical and emotional well-being are not perks; they are essential enablers of performance, resilience and sustainable leadership,” Savitha Mallappa observed.

Nagaraja Gargeshwari, Chairman, CII Mysuru Zone, said inclusive growth and industrial competitiveness go hand in hand. “As Mysuru evolves as a knowledge and industry hub, organisations must create ecosystems where women can participate, progress and lead with confidence. Such platforms convert intent into structured industry action,” he remarked.

Panellists from diverse backgrounds shared insights on financial independence, mental health awareness, preventive healthcare and organisational health frameworks. Discussions focused on breaking stigma, encouraging open conversations and fostering supportive environments that enable women to lead fulfilling personal and professional lives.

The second edition also marked the launch of a Women Return-to-Work platform aimed at connecting women seeking to re-enter the workforce after a career break with industry partners, enabling phased and structured engagement.