Retailers Association of India (RAI) and TRRAIN (Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India) are jointly organising what is billed as the retail industry’s first inclusion summit to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion within the retail sector.
The first edition of EKAM – All Inclusion Summit will be hosted on December 5, 2023 in Mumbai.
The event is to raise awareness, felicitate learning, foster collaboration and drive change through open dialogues between thought leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from various sectors to collaboratively work towards a more inclusive society, informed an organisers statement.
The theme is ‘Fostering Inclusion: Celebrating Differences, Driving Social Change’.
“The theme underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the rich tapestry of human differences, including backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities,” informed organisers.
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI, said, “We, at Retailers Association of India, are proud to witness the industry’s growing commitment to inclusivity, especially as we co-organise the EKAM Summit with TRRAIN. This summit symbolises focus towards embracing diversity and inclusion. The retail sector has always been an industry with high diversity in the kind of people that are employed. We acknowledge that while progress has been made, much remains to be done. Our goal is not just to discuss the necessity of inclusion but to actively drive actionable strategies that integrate people with disabilities and marginalised communities into the workforce. The EKAM Summit is a testament to our dedication to not only recognise the potential in every individual but also to provide them with the opportunities to excel. We are excited about the collective knowledge that gets gained in an event meant for inclusion. We are committed to turning these discussions into real-world impacts, ensuring the retailers as well as all the ecosystem industry players become a beacon of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Ameesha Prabhu, Co-Founder and CEO, TRRAIN, said, “Since inception, TRRAIN has remained steadfast in its commitment of empowering persons with disabilities. Our core objective has consistently revolved around equipping persons with disabilities with retail-specific skills and opportunities, enabling them to thrive in customer service jobs across industries. Till date, TRRAIN has skilled over 25,000 persons with disabilities and over 9,000 young women from marginalised backgrounds and provided them with sustainable livelihoods. With placements of our beneficiaries through our channel of 1500-plus recruiters, TRRAIN aims to continue building an inclusive and equitable community.”
“We maintain a strong conviction that diversity and inclusion are fundamental pillars of a flourishing and equitable society. EKAM – All Inclusive Summit, is an event that aims to foster unity among all stakeholders within the ecosystem, inviting them to engage in a profound conversation that extends beyond mere accessibility – delving into skilling and creating sustainable livelihoods for persons with disabilities and young women in retail & allied industries. Together, we have the potential to create a truly enduring impact, making sure that our achievements stand as a resounding testament to the undeniable power of inclusivity,” she added.
Rekha Sharma, Chairperson for the National Commission for Women, said, “As the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, I am honoured to be a part of the EKAM Summit, a pivotal initiative by the Retailers Association of India and TRRAIN. This summit is not just an event; it’s a beacon of hope and a catalyst for profound change. It represents our collective endeavour to build a retail industry and a society that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we discuss ‘Fostering Inclusion: Celebrating Differences, Driving Social Change,’ I am reminded of the incredible resilience and potential of Indian women. Through my talk on ‘Indian Women Breaking Glass Ceilings,’ I aim to illuminate the path of countless women who have surmounted obstacles and emerged as trailblazers in their respective fields. This summit is a testament to our unwavering commitment to create a world where every individual, irrespective of their background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our vibrant nation.”
BS Nagesh, Founder TRRAIN, noted that the Ekam – All Inclusive Summit embodies a shared commitment between RAI and TRRAIN, fostering a collective movement across diverse industries, aiming to transform mindsets, company policies, and cultivate safe, inclusive ecosystems.
The summit will touch upon:
- Inclusive leadership: Strategies for creating a diverse and equitable workplace
- Paradigm Shift: Building inclusivity from the ground up
- Building Inclusive Communities: Challenges and opportunities
According to the joint statement, Census 2011 revealed that 2.21 pc of the Indian population were persons with disabilities. The Indian retail sector that ranks second in terms of employment after agriculture, continues to employ less than 1 pc of its workforce from the pool of people with disabilities, despite a doubling of this number in the past year, it added.
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