Women dignitaries from around the world came together on Friday for the fifth International Women’s Conference held at the Art of Living International Centre in the City. The three-day conference focuses on the impact of technology on women and society and the connection (if any) between spirituality and technology. The inaugural programme was presided over by Sri Sri Ravishankar. “It is wise to keep quiet when women are in power,” he joked as he began. “Technology is meant to connect people. But it causes more problems than anything else. There are many health hazards, people spend their lives before a computer without proper sleep, exercise, nutrition or meditation. There's no getting away from it either, we need to find a balance,” the Art of Living founder said.

The list of speakers included Lulama Xingwana, Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, South Africa; Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Minister for Women and Children Affairs; and Daggubatti Purandeshwari, Member of Parliament. “I want to bring women from Africa to learn here, because India as a country is rich in history, culture and indigenous technology," said Lulama Xingwana. "We are still a young democracy, but the empowerment of women is high on our list.” Dr Purandeshwari talked about how technology can help women deal with the many impediments they face. “Indian women have always been given a place of dignity in our country,” she said.