Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will open a two-day Global Women’s Summit in Chennai on Tuesday, marking a major initiative by the Tamil Nadu government to advance discussions on women’s employment, workplace safety, and inclusive professional environments. The event is expected to draw policymakers, global institutions, business leaders, and civil society groups to examine practical ways to strengthen women’s participation in the workforce.

State-Led Platform for Gender-Focused Dialogue

According to an official statement from the state administration, the summit is being organised under the Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Safety Scheme. The programme is implemented by the Special Programme Implementation Department and is designed to create a structured platform for dialogue and collaboration on issues affecting women across economic sectors.

Venue and Schedule Details

The summit will be held over two days, on January 27 and 28, at the Nandambakkam Trade Centre in Chennai. The venue has been selected to accommodate large-scale participation and multiple parallel sessions planned across the two days.

Strengthening Support Systems for Working Women

The Global Women’s Summit forms part of Tamil Nadu’s broader strategy to reinforce institutional mechanisms that support women at different stages of their careers. The initiative focuses on easing entry into the workforce, improving job retention, and enabling women to return to employment after career breaks. Officials have emphasised the importance of building supportive ecosystems within both public and private organisations to achieve these goals.

Broad Participation Across Sectors

More than 500 delegates are expected to attend the summit, representing a wide range of stakeholders. Participants will include officials from various government departments, international organisations, private industry, academic institutions, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and non-governmental organisations. The diverse representation is intended to encourage cross-sector learning and cooperation.

Presence of National and International Leaders

The summit will feature several high-profile participants. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is scheduled to attend, alongside senior officials from the World Bank and representatives from UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme’s India leadership. International participation will include senior political representatives from Mauritius, reflecting the summit’s global outlook.

Thematic Sessions on Workforce Inclusion

Over the course of two days, the summit will host 11 thematic sessions covering a broad range of issues related to women’s employment. Planned discussions will focus on skill development, workplace safety standards, leadership development, policy innovation, and gender-responsive governance. Sessions will also explore how public-private partnerships can play a greater role in expanding formal employment opportunities for women.

Knowledge Sharing and Practical Strategies

More than 70 speakers from India and overseas are expected to address the sessions. They will share research findings, policy experiences, and examples of best practices aimed at improving access to secure and dignified employment for women. Interactive panels and discussions are expected to highlight solutions that can be adapted and scaled across industries and regions.

Valedictory Session and Expected Announcements

The concluding session of the summit will be chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. During the valedictory programme, the state government is expected to announce the launch of a statewide campaign focused on women’s skill development and improved access to formal employment opportunities. Officials indicated that further details would be shared at the close of the event.

Reinforcing a Broader Policy Commitment

Government representatives said the Global Women’s Summit underscores Tamil Nadu’s ongoing commitment to gender equity, economic inclusion, and inclusive growth. By convening a wide range of stakeholders, the state aims to reinforce its position as a leader in women-focused policy initiatives while encouraging long-term collaboration on employment and safety outcomes.