The Arbitration and Conciliation Council, WICCI, convened a brainstorming session titled “Empowering Voices: Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution” on March 10, 2024, at the Indian Society of International Law, Delhi, from 10 am to 2 pm. The event aimed to foster meaningful discussions among women ADR professionals and launch the Me-Arcone Queing initiative.
Dr. Deepika Saini, the National President, emphasized the importance of encouraging young lawyers to engage in ADR to contribute to global peace. Notable Pillars of the Council included Ms. Bhavy Jyoti Sharma, Vice-President, and Council members Ms. Divya Ahuja, Ms. Diksha Arora, Ms. Vandana, and Ms. Simran Setia believing in the same ideology.
Dr Saini Believes that Women possess innate qualities that make them proficient mediators, negotiators, and conciliators. Their inherent abilities enable them to effectively facilitate resolutions, negotiate agreements, and foster reconciliation between disputing parties. These skills are pivotal in the realm of law and contribute significantly to the successful resolution of conflicts and disputes.
The session commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the Diya by the National President, Vice-President, Council Members, and speakers. Esteemed speakers such as Dr. Chandra Rajan, Ms. Eshna Kumar, Ms. Anjali Chawla, Adv Aishwarya Gaur, Adv Srika Selvam, and others, including international contributors from the UK, New York, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, shared their experiences as women professionals in the ADR domain.
Challenges discussed included achieving work-life balance, navigating a male-dominated field, and addressing low female participation. Speakers highlighted strategies for overcoming these hurdles, such as confidence-building, networking, continuous skill development, and prioritizing career advancement.
Guest of Honor, Ms. Sarika Chaudhary, MCD Counsellor and President of the Delhi State Women Wing, AAP, shared her journey in overcoming challenges in politics. The event concluded with the launch of Me-Arcone Queing, a platform under the WICCI Arbitration and Conciliation Council, aimed at producing insightful podcasts on ADR. A cake-cutting ceremony marked the occasion, followed by a photography session to wrap up the session.
