Interactive Session with Sheryl Sandberg, COO Facebook on ‘Women, Work & Will to Lead’

Women need to break stereotypes, demand fair & equal treatment and strive for balance to realize full potential, said Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg at an Interactive Session with FLO Members. The programme was jointly organised by FICCI-FLO and Random House India on 2 July 2014 at Hotel Oberoi.

In her address, Sheryl underlined the imperative of recognizing the fact that for any economy to grow and prosper, it was essential that women realize their full potential.

Highlighting the gender differences in workplaces Sheryl said “When girls lead, we call them bossy. We need to stop doing this. Very often the parents call their daughters bossy.”

Speaking about breaking stereotypes, Ms. Sandberg said that across the globe it was perceived that men are natural leaders and women were there only to help and assist them. Women who are at the helm of their affairs are either considered officious or too aggressive in their approach. This mindset needs to change and a woman should be respected and recognized for her ability.

In her welcome remarks, FLO President Ms Neeta Boochra stated it is imperative to pursue our dreams with grit and determination, in order to achieve the full potential of women. She added that this is the need of the hour as also imperative to unleash the leadership of both women and men.

The session was attended by over 300 people comprising up of FLO members and dignitaries like Lise Grande, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative; H.E. Ms. Ebyan Mahamed Salah, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia ;H.E Mrs. Marie Leontine Razanadrasoa, Republic of Madagascar; H. E. Ms. Gennet Zewide, Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ; H.E. Mrs. Darja Bavdez Kuret, Ambassador of the Embassy of Republic of Slovenia; Idris Diaz, Acting Deputy Mission Director, USAID; Kiran Mehra Kerpelman Director, UNIC and Erin Wroblewski USAID Project Development Officer, amongst other business women, entrepreneurs and professionals.