International Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru, commemorated International Women's Day 2026 with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘The Invisible Load: Navigating Women's Mental, Emotional & Hormonal Health in a High-Performance World.’ The session brought together industry leaders and experts to explore the evolving conversation around women’s well-being in demanding professional environments.

Addressing the gathering virtually, Dr. Suborno Bose highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering leadership among women. He noted that the event was not only a celebration of achievements but also a reflection of IIHM’s focus on creating meaningful, experience-led platforms driven by its students.

Among the distinguished speakers, Shabinaa Sultana emphasised the importance of normalising conversations around emotional well-being. She stressed that mental health must be viewed as a fundamental human need, encouraging individuals to seek support without stigma.

The discussion further explored workplace dynamics, with Sanchari Chowdhury underlining the role of empathy and flexibility in building healthier work environments. She advocated for trust-based systems that prioritise outcomes over rigid structures, enabling professionals to perform at their best.

Panelists shared insights on managing stress, maintaining hormonal balance, improving nutrition, and building emotional resilience. The conversation also highlighted the importance of supportive institutional frameworks in helping women navigate the pressures of high-performance roles.

Reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment, IIHM positioned the event as a step towards fostering awareness, dialogue, and actionable change within the hospitality ecosystem and beyond. The session saw active participation from students, faculty, and industry professionals.

The event concluded with a curated eight-course progressive Indian menu, crafted by third-year students, showcasing both culinary creativity and technical excellence, and adding a distinctive experiential touch to the celebration.