Mumbai, December 06, 2023: Retailers Association of India (RAI) and Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) jointly organized the first EKAM – All Inclusion Summit 2023 on December 5, 2023, at Hotel Taj Santacruz in Mumbai. The theme for the inaugural edition of the EKAM Summit was 'Fostering Inclusion: Celebrating Differences, Driving Social Change,' emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing human differences, including backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities.
With the aim to collectively strive for a more inclusive society, the Summit endeavors to enhance awareness, facilitate learning, promote collaboration, and drive change by fostering open dialogues among thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the retail industry.
The Summit covered various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion, addressing topics such as:
- Culture Building Strategies for a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
- Paradigm Shift: Building Inclusivity from the Ground Up
- Unleashing the Potential of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in the Industry
- Women in Retail: Attracting, Retaining, and Inspiring Leadership
- Building Inclusive Culture: Challenges and Opportunities
- Accessible Retail: Designing Inclusive Spaces
Speaking at the Summit, Ameesha Prabhu, Co-Founder and CEO, Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India said, “This summit acts as a catalyst, igniting thoughts and conversations that will resonate in future one-on-one engagements with retailers, recruiters, and potential employers, focusing on sensitizing, rewarding, and institutionalizing inclusion for young women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQI members.”
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India (RAI) said, "We gather here today to embrace the power of inclusion, understanding that true success stems from diversity and collaboration. Just like the inspirational tale of 'Lagaan,' it exemplifies how unity among individuals with varied abilities and backgrounds can create a winning team."
Delivering the keynote address, Rekha Sharma, the Chairperson for the National Commission for Women, expressed, “We must integrate women into every sphere of life, ensuring economic empowerment to foster independent decision-making. The industry, government, and families must unite to alter mindsets, paving the way for a more inclusive future. I applaud the retail sector's efforts and extend my support to further this noble cause."
BS Nagesh, Founder TRRAIN said, “It's not just about doubling family incomes; it's about creating significant economic opportunities. Retail, uniquely positioned to uplift diverse communities, necessitates industry-wide participation in fostering inclusivity. It's a catalyst for enhanced productivity and reshaping societal norms.”
According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the last Census in 2011 noted 2.21% of the Indian population with disabilities. Despite this, the Indian retail sector, ranking second in terms of employment after agriculture, employs less than 1% of its workforce from the pool of people with disabilities, as per the ministry's statistics.
The EKAM Summit was supported by Titan Company as Presenting Partners, among others.
