Speaker

Dr. Daphne Pillai was one of the speakers on the panel discussion on the subject ‘Women driving Trade’ at the 8th ‘Global Women’s Trade Summit’ in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 29th, 2024.

She spoke on the topic ‘Challenges faced by women in international trade in India’.

Summary of her talk
If you look at the statistics in India, only 13.76% of establishments are run by women entrepreneurs.
The majority of these women-owned companies in international trade are MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises).
The first hurdle that women face is that of getting finance. Women face difficulties in accessing finance from banks due to lack of guarantors or collateral.

Then there is the Inheritance issue. Women often lack control over inherited property and assets.

Women also face challenges in sourcing raw materials, including identifying suppliers who are in remote places accessible by harsh transportation modes. There are safety concerns along the route due to lack of proper toilet facilities and they can be subject to thefts, attacks on their way.

The social dynamics in a patriarchal society also pose a barrier to women in international trade. They face gender-biased socio-cultural norms, restrictions on ownership and inheritance, and lack of decision-making powers.

Paperwork and regulatory compliances can be a significant burden for women in international trade. The complexity and volume of paperwork required for licenses, compliances, and custom clearances can be overwhelming, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Some of the specific challenges related to paperwork and compliance include:

• ⁠Navigating complex regulatory requirements
• Obtaining and maintaining various licenses and permits
• Ensuring compliance with customs regulations and procedures
• Managing the time and cost associated with paperwork and compliance

These challenges can be particularly daunting for women who may already face other barriers in accessing resources, networks, and information.

Women are also underrepresented in trade policy-making globally, including in WTO negotiations, trade ministries, trade agreements, international trade committees, and trade policy research.

We see therefore, that women in international trade face a multitude of challenges that can obstruct their success and participation in the global economy.

Date: 4th October, 2023

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Insights into Building a Business in a Changing World

Dr. Daphne Pillai, Founder President of Soroptimist International of Bombay Chembur speaks at ‘SoroFesta’, the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Club on 15th October, 2022.

Dr. Daphne PIllai was invited to be one of the panel speaker’s at the ‘Global Women’s Trade Summit’ held on 12th – 14th September, 2022 at the Park Royal Hotel, Beach Road, Singapore.

The GWTS opening address was made by IWFCI Founder and International Chair, Ms. Diana Abruzzi. Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and Environment and Ministry of Transport in her keynote address spoke on the subject ‘Championing the role of Women for a Sustainable Economy’.

The panel discussions included the subjects of ‘Global Branding’, ‘Technology Sells’, ‘Country Business Culture’, ‘Keys to Business Sustainability’ and other important business sustainability topics.

Among the dignitaries were the Honourable William Hodgman, Australia High Commission to Singapore, Her Excellency Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, South African High Commissioner to Singapore, the Hon Dato Sidek, High Commissioner of Brunei to Singapore, Meruyert Japarova, Consul from the Republic of Kazakhstan among others.

Dr. Daphne Pillai in her talk on Business Culture in India: Pointers for foreign entities, spoke on India’s independence history of many princely kingdoms joining together to become one unified India. Due to this, each Indian state and region has its own culture, language and economic structure which are important for a foreign entity to consider when starting a business in India.

Secondly, for manufacturing or import-export style businesses, one should identify the right location, preferably near the gateway port towns for easy access to other countries.

Next, one has to be familiar with all the tax regulations and labor laws and industrial policies of both union as well as the state governments. Both central and state laws differ, and a study has to be made of which state is favourable towards a particular kind of business. eg Gujarat is the hub of the organic industry (fertilisers and chemicals) silver ornaments, processed diamonds, etc, while Goa is a hub for fisheries. mineral ore and iron exports.

A foreign entity wishing to do business in India should also learn about the cost components involved in logistics, supply chain and the wholesale and retail margins.

Besides, the market place and workforce today is different from that of a decade ago and this is an important thing that foreign entities need to consider when thinking about how to approach the marketplace.

And even when setting up the business, in order to attract talent to run the show, the foreign entity should take care of their staff, specially when it comes to remuneration and benefits.

Starting a new company is never without growing pains. Employing the right people who are motivated, highly productive and adaptable to the company policy can make the difference between success and failure.

Dr. Daphne Pillai’s address to students of Don Bosco High School Nerul, Navi Mumbai on the occasion of India’s 73rd Republic Day.

Dr. Daphne Pillai was a speaker at a webinar organised by Soroptimist International, Bangalore on the occasion of World Education Day which was observed on 24th January, 2022. The other speakers were
1. Margaret Clark of UK, President of NAWO (National Association of Women’s Organisations)
2. Farzana Dohadwalla, Author, Thought leader and Curriculum Developer.

IWFCI Presidents Collective Insights as Global Leaders.

We will have: Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Mongolia, Japan and Malaysia representing their country’s IWFCI branch as speakers.

Date: 26th November, 2021
Time: 10:30 a.m. IST
Link: facebook.com/iwfci-global

Dr. Daphne Pillai was a speaker at the ‘Singaporeimagine Round Table Conference’ organised by IWFCI Singapore and supported by the Singapore Tourism National Board.

Date: Tuesday, 30th March, 2021
Time: 12:30 IST

Her talk is on BREAKING IMAGE STEREOTYPES IN BUSINESS.

Facebook Link:
IWFCI Singapore
https://www.facebook.com/262685623940019/posts/1697125480496019/

Date: 1st October, 2019

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Policies and Programs which enhance the advancement of women in business and leadership

Government Policies & Schemes in India

• Right to Education Act, 2009
• Beti Bachao Beti Padao Social Campaign 2015
  (Save a Girl, Teach a Girl)
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana 2017
  (Prime Minister’s Welfare Scheme for Mothers)
• Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme 2017
  (Prime Minister’s Women’s Strength Center)
• National Policy for Women Empowerment 2001

Recommendations for Improving the Status of Women in Rural Communities in India

• Adult Literacy Drives
• Skill Development Programmes
• Self-help Groups
• Micro-financing