August 6, 2019
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates announced today that major corporations with large workforces in India have joined together with the organization to bring together business leaders to strategize on creating cultures of inclusion in India.
Demand for this conference exceeded the organizers’ expectations. The event is sold out. More than 100 companies will be represented at the conference. This conference comes approximately one year after Section 377 was read down by the Indian Supreme Court and as Parliament debates legislation surrounding the rights of transgender persons.
Among the companies sponsoring the program are JPMorgan Chase & Co., IBM, Dell, Bank of America, Intel, Northern Trust, and Uber. Knowledge partners include Pride Circle, Interweave, and GiftAbled.
The learnings that come out of the Forum will help companies create workplaces where all people are equal, belong, and thrive. Participants will walk away with concrete actions to implement in their workplaces.
“Businesses in India are keenly aware of the need for them to step up and create workplaces where LGBTQI+ people are welcome. They are eager to figure out how to be more inclusive, especially in the shifting legal context. Out & Equal exists to foster workplaces where all people are equal, belong, and thrive. Our work in India is about convening businesses to create the tailored resources that reflect the needs of Indian society,” said Deena Fidas, Out & Equal Managing Director of Global Stakeholder Engagement.
“At Bank of America, our commitment to diversity and inclusion helps our firm to be a great place to work. The diversity of our employees —in thought, style, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture and experience—makes us a vibrant organisation. This diversity is vital to our ability to serve clients and drive responsible growth,” said Kaku Nakhate, President and Country Head India, Bank of America.
“This is a great opportunity for us to be a part of the change that we want to see: an opportunity in making the world a more inclusive place. Take time to reach out to someone and continue to be part of the conversation,” said Madhuri Deshpande, Global Delivery Leader and Executive Sponsor for D&I Council, Global Business Services, Bank of America.
The conference will take place on Thursday, August 8 at the LaLiT Ashok hotel in Bangalore. Out & Equal is the worlds’ premier nonprofit dedicated to achieving global LGBTQI+ workplace equality.
Reporters interested in attending the conference should email nshelef@outandequal.org.