Work environment may be more conducive to women now than ever before but they should learn from their male counterparts to address some ‘blind spots’, according to Sadhana Somasekhar, Managing Director, Platinum Infosystems.

Following the economic recession, more men have lost jobs than women and there are opportunities for growth. But male-dominated board rooms have been successful over the years, and women will have to imbibe some of those traits and do away with some ‘self-limiting traits’, she felt.

‘Men more inclusive’

Addressing the MMA Women Managers Convention 2016, organised by the Madras Management Association, she said women have their strength in creativity, empathy and emotional link, but typically tend to be more possessive and see other women as rivals.

Men are relatively more inclusive and get along better with co-workers, whom they may see as competition but not rivals.

Raghu Raman, Group President (Risk, Security & New Ventures) of Reliance Industries, said India should take the lead in women empowerment. It has a tradition of women heads of state and is largely gender neutral in accepting leadership.

Not just women leaders but even as mothers and housewives, they play a key role as they shape the next generation – the future leaders. It is the mothers and grandmothers who impart values to the young at home.

It is important that women be professionally, financially and physically independent for empowerment. “Nobody gets invited to the high table,” he said, indicating that women will have to fight for their professional progress and career growth.

The MMA convention on the theme Route to the Summit is in its 14{+t}{+h} edition, with over 650 delegates participating. The conference highlighted the importance of women in leadership roles and ways to foster and promote the next generation.

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