The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Bangalore, commemorated International Women’s Day 2026 with a compelling panel discussion titled ‘The Invisible Load: Navigating Women’s Mental, Emotional & Hormonal Health in a High-Performance World.’ The event brought together a diverse group of thought leaders to explore the intersection of well-being and professional excellence.
Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management, addressed the gathering virtually, said, “At IHM, we take immense pride in fostering an environment where women are not just participants, but leaders. Today, we celebrate the incredible professional and personal milestones of the achievers on our campus. By providing a gourmet hospitality experience curated by our students, we are not just hosting an event; we are honouring the spirit of leadership that defines the modern woman in the hospitality industry and beyond.”
Hon’ble Shabinaa Sultana, Honorary Consul, Republic of Tunisia, who attended the event, said, “Emotional well-being is not a gender-specific issue; it is a human requirement that must be regulated and prioritized across every aspect of our lives. We must move past the social stigma surrounding mental health and understand that seeking help is not an act of escape, but a necessary step toward healing, no different than any other medical prescription. By learning to tackle our emotions rather than suppressing them and by supporting one another across the physical and emotional realms, we create a stronger, more balanced society where every professional can truly thrive.”
The panel discussion addressed the often-overlooked challenges women encounter while balancing personal well-being with professional demands in today’s high-performance environments. It aimed to foster awareness, encourage open dialogue and highlight actionable approaches to achieving holistic health.
Speaking about the importance empathy at workplace, Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, said, “To create a healthy and productive workplace, we must foster a culture rooted in empathy and flexibility. True flexibility should never be penalized; rather, it should be built on a foundation of faith in our people, our organizational structure and our collective ability to deliver results. When we move away from rigid monitoring and instead trust in the outcome, we bridge the gap between simple presence and genuine performance, creating an environment where every professional can thrive.”
Esteemed panelists from Industry shared valuable perspectives on managing stress, maintaining hormonal balance, improving nutrition and building emotional resilience. The discussion also underscored the importance of supportive institutional and workplace ecosystems in enabling women to succeed in demanding roles.
Reaffirming its commitment to women’s empowerment, IIHM emphasized the role of education, dialogue and community engagement in driving meaningful change. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty and industry professionals, making it a significant and impactful observance of International Women’s Day.
The celebrations concluded on a high note with a thoughtfully curated eight-course menu on Indian Progressive cuisine, meticulously prepared by third-year IIHM students. The menu reflected both creativity and culinary excellence, leaving attendees with a memorable and delightful experience.
