Bangalore, 24th November: Godrej Industries successfully brought the curtain down on ‘Rainbow Reflections’, an event that brings LGBTQ+ leaders from around the world together to share invaluable insights, best practices, and strategies aimed at cultivating greater inclusion at workplaces across sectors.
The event was a collaborative effort between the Godrej DEi Lab – which aims to create an ecosystem for diversity, equity, and inclusion within Godrej and beyond – and Pride Circle – India’s premier LGBT+ focused diversity and inclusion organisation. The event featured such luminaries as Fabrice Houdart, Founder and Executive Director of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors; Dr. M.V. Lee Badgett, Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst; Srini Ramaswamy, Co-Founder of Pride Circle and Rainbow Bazaar; and Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of Godrej Industries, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion, that resulted in insights and ideas that will hopefully play a major role in shaping the future of inclusion in the corporate sector.
Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEi Lab, underscored the significance of tangible steps by Indian companies toward LGBTQI inclusion, saying “It is vital that Indian companies walk the talk when it comes to LGBTQI inclusion. We are so fortunate to be learning from 2 global authorities in this space – Dr Lee Badgett, who has defined the field for economic inclusion of LGBT people, and Fabrice Houdart who, through his revolutionary work with the World Bank and the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors, is spearheading the way for inclusion at every level of management. We, at Godrej, are on a mission to make not only Godrej but also India, and the world at large, more inclusive. We hope the ideas and connections that emerge from Rainbow Reflections will help turn the levers of change in corporate India. We’re especially grateful to Pride Circle, our partners with whom we have journeyed over many years, for making the visit of Fabrice and Lee possible.”
Srini Ramaswamy, Co-Founder of Pride Circle, shared his vision of inclusion ahead of the event, “In a world that often strives for uniformity, it is our differences that make us unique and our stories worth sharing. As Pride Circle, we stand as allies, committed to embracing the vibrant spectrum of love and identity. Let us be the driving force behind a more colorful future, a world where every individual’s voice is heard and celebrated, where differences are not met with judgment but with understanding, and where every person feels valued and embraced for who they truly are. At Pride Circle, we are committed to making the world a more equal place, free from discrimination and prejudice.”
“Rainbow Reflections” is testament to Godrej Industries’ commitment to building a workplace that embraces diversity in all its forms. The event not only showcased the company’s commitment to DEI but also highlighted its role in driving positive change within the corporate landscape.
Being really inclusive and diverse are two different things. Godrej Industries has changed its policies over time to include options for gender reassignment for transgender team members, same-sex partner benefits, gender neutral adoption leave, and an equal opportunity policy. Godrej DEI Lab hopes to spark discussion and ideas around diversity and inclusion. The aim is to create an ecosystem where inclusivity is ingrained, enabling everyone to thrive.
