I am back in the Netherlands, and I am completely filled with a sense of pride. I am so proud of the impact of Women on Wings on the lives of women in rural India. Proud of the successful two-day Textile CEO summit on December 16 and 17, and proud that I was able to contribute to this.
Participants of the summit were about eight CEOs of business partners of Women on Wings working in the textile industry. CEO’s who bring a broad range of handloom products into a marketplace. These entrepreneurs aim to bring about a social change with their technological knowledge and background and thus they make a big difference. It was so inspiring.
Together we held constructive discussions on trends, sales and exports, finance investments etc. How does one manage the growth of the business and what is your role as CEO? The result was an extraordinary, energetic, transparent and interesting two days where besides sharing knowledge as Women on Wings, we also contributed our role as a network organization. The participants gave us a good overall rating.
Prior to the CEO Summit, I immersed myself in the life of Delhi. Besides inhaling the culture, smells, colors, sounds and enjoying the delicious Indian cuisine, I’ve got a lot of pictures of Delhi. My two highlights of this Delhi life: a yoga class in Lodi garden early morning (highly recommended) and I switched places with a cycle rickshaw-wala. The rider was a little surprised, first by my request to take over the peddles. Then I surprised him some more with my abilities to manoeuvre the rickshaw through the narrow streets in old Delhi: “You have strong legs ma’am”.
In addition I walked many kilometers with José, finance professional at Women on Wings who was in India to work with the Indian team on the budget for the next financial year. And I enjoyed the company and hospitality of Ronald and Ineke. It was also very nice to have met other experts Casper and Marie-Gon.
Overall an inspiring, energetic and unique experience in India. Physically, I landed in the Netherlands today, mentally I follow later… I crave anyway for more.
Thanks again Ineke, Ronald and José for the valuable and great days.
Warm regards,
Gwen Windhorst
December 18, 2016
