Ivanka at GES: Women's presence in tech, science, other sectors need a push

'McKinsey study says that India can add $700 billion to our GDP if we bridge the gender gap', Chanda Kochhar said

Policy changes are needed to encourage more women to enter high-growth fields, including science and technology, said speakers led by Ivanka Trump, advisor and daughter to the United States (US) President Donald Trump, at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit on Wednesday.

Participating in a discussion on the topic — We Can Do It! Innovations in Workforce Development and Skills Training — Ivanka Trump said the policies aimed at closing the gender wage gap in the industry have stagnated in the US and successive Presidents have been trying to change the situation.

ALSO READ: GES summit 2017: 10 key takeaways from Narendra Modi, Ivanka Trump speeches

“All the women are working women, whether they are working to raise their families or working in a professional field. Out of every dollar earned by women, 90 cents are invested back into their families and community. Unfortunately, women participated in sectors that are undervalued and underpaid financially," Ivanka said.

In the US, only 24 per cent women represent computer professionals and 13 per cent of entrepreneurs are women. The US Government is currently working to bring more women into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in order to bridge the gap, added Ivanka.

ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar said — education, encouragement and empowerment — are the three most important aspects to make women succeed in business and career. She said India has made great strides in women empowerment and that has been reflected in the presence and achievements of women in many fields, including sports, defence and politics.

ALSO READ: GES 2017: Invest in India-for India, says Modi; Ivanka bats for women power

"India has come a long way and has realised that there is a lot more to do. Not even 25 per cent of the graduating women participate in the workforce. McKinsey study says that India can add $700 billion to our GDP if we bridge the gender gap," Kochhar said.

Cherie Blair, the wife of former United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister and founder of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, said there was no need for women to feel inferior to men as they will be far superior to men in many aspects if they get access to technology.

"We have to find solutions to enable women to perform better at what they do without giving up on their enterprises. Capacity, confidence, capital are the three things women entrepreneurs need to flourish. Its all about choice and diversity, as well as, about respecting each other's choices," Blair said. (more)

Women first, prosperity for all: What we know of Ivanka's GES 2017 agenda

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is being held for the first time in South Asia in Hyderabad

US President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump arrived in India amid tight security early on Tuesday to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), beginning here later in the day. Speaking a day ahead of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), Ivanka Trump said, "as the world's largest democracies... there is much we can and should do together. We share common priorities, including promoting economic growth and reform, fighting terrorism, and expanding security cooperation."

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is being held for the first time in South Asia in Hyderabad, India, from November 28-30. The event will comprise a line- up showcasing abundant talent, stories of perseverance with a dash of glamour.

Here's all you need to know:

Inaugural session

The inaugural session will be addressed by Prime Minister Modi, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Ivanka Trump. Following this, a session will be moderated by John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus, Cisco.

This will see the participation of Ivanka Trump, Sibongile Sambo, Managing Director of SRS Aviation and SRS Petroleum and Marcus Wallenberg, the Chairman of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB).

Indian bigwigs to attend dinner at Hyderabad's Falaknuma Palace

Hyderabad's Falaknuma Palace has the world's largest dining hall. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the White House advisor Ivanka Trump at this luxurious palace today. The who’s who of India Inc, including Reliance Group Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani would attend the dinner, according to officials. PM Modi and Ms Trump will dine at the Hyderabad Nizam's famous '101 Dining Hall' that can seat can seat 101 guests at a time.

GES 2017 - Day 2

On the second day of GES 2017, Ivanka Trump will be part of a discussion on increasing women in the workforce through skills training, education, and mentorship. Innovators in workforce development and training will discuss what works and what more can be done to open doors for women at the workplace. (more)