International Women's Day 2024 Live Updates: Women Leaders on "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress."

Meena

"On this International Women's Day, let's celebrate the remarkable achievements of women around the world. May we continue to strive for gender equality and empower each other to reach our fullest potential. Here's to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."

Neha Juneja, CEO & Co-founder, IndiaP2P

For India to become a wealthy, prosperous nation more women must join the formal workforce. Indian women's participation in the labour force is one of the lowest amongst our peers. To fix this there is great hope in enabling our thriving women-owned businesses. India is primarily a country of small, high-potential businesses many of which are run by women; 80 million by some estimates.

The primary deterrent for the growth of these businesses is capital or credit. In this regard, women are strangely disadvantaged. Despite better credit scores and proven prudent financial behaviour women's access to credit is just about a quarter of their male counterparts. We must consciously accelerate funding more women-owned businesses of all sizes not just for social progress but for better returns and economic growth as well.

Nitika Devpura, Head of Operations at WeCredit - a start-up that provides quick and hassle free loans

In the dynamic landscape of India's Fintech sector, women entrepreneurs are making significant strides, bringing innovation and diversity to the forefront. The emergence of women-led financial startups is pivotal as it addresses gender imbalances and harnesses untapped potential. By fostering inclusivity, these ventures introduce unique perspectives and cater to a broader demographic, ultimately enriching the sector.

The importance of women-led financial startups extends beyond diversity, contributing to a more robust and resilient industry. Studies indicate that gender-diverse teams enhance decision-making and foster creativity, crucial elements in the rapidly evolving Fintech space. Notably, these startups are experiencing steady growth in India, driven by a supportive ecosystem and a rising wave of female entrepreneurs. As they navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities, women-led Fintech startups are poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of finance in the country.

Dr Jessie Jamieson, Staff Research Engineer, Tenable

Cybersecurity thrives on diversity in thought and perspective.

True progress in this field necessitates more than simply meeting diversity quotas; it demands the cultivation of a culture rooted in inclusivity, where every voice, including those of neurodiverse individuals, is not only heard but valued and respected.

By creating environments that champion neurodiversity, organisations not only broaden their talent pool but also bolster their cybersecurity capabilities and resilience in the face of an increasingly hostile digital landscape. It's not just about embracing differences; it's about harnessing them to innovate, adapt, and thrive in the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity. 

Smiti Bhatt Deorah, COO & Co-founder, Advantage Club

Women taking on leadership roles is paramount to any business. Not only does it drive better diversity and innovation, it also brings in unique perspectives, which women bring in a business. More women leaders encourage and empower a larger women workforce in their companies and help increase participation and retention for working women in India. We must continue to empower and support each other as we redefine what it means to be successful and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

Garima Mitra, Co-Founder of Treelife

As leaders in the business world, women often motivate and inspire each other to break stereotypes. Through sharing my journey, I strive to encourage women entrepreneurs to fearlessly pursue their dreams. Women bring resilience, creativity, and empathy to business, fostering inclusive cultures that drive innovation. Let's celebrate women challenging stereotypes and empowering other women to lead, shaping a future where diversity and inclusivity is the norm and not an option.

Zahara Kanchwalla, co-founder & CEO, Rite Knowledge Labs

Women entrepreneurship is not merely a trend but a compelling force for driving economic growth. As more women step into entrepreneurial roles across diverse industries, they contribute not only to their own success but also to the broader prosperity of the economy and society. Currently, women entrepreneurs are an underutilized economic asset. Only 14% of entrepreneurs in India are women and 20% of the MSME sector comprises women-led businesses. Slowly but steadily this is undergoing a shift. Today, women are diversifying from conventional domains such as cottage industries and teaching and venturing into unconventional sectors like sports, construction, and technology.

Bhavna V, Co-founder, Nysh.in

They say “Empowered women Empower the world. As an entrepreneur, I stand in awe of the incredible strength, creativity, and determination that women bring to every endeavour. On this International Women's Day, let us celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, from breaking barriers to shattering glass ceilings. Let us continue to support, uplift, and champion each other in our pursuit of success and equality. Together, we can create a future where every woman's voice is heard, every dream is achievable, and every opportunity is within reach. Here's to the unstoppable force of women in business and beyond. Happy Women's Day!"

Smita Hashim, Chief Product Officer, Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

In the modern work landscape, where technologies like AI are redefining possibilities, Indian women globally are not just participants; they are trailblazers, dismantling long-standing barriers in industries historically dominated by men. Social expectations, limited access to mentorship, and systemic biases while improving are still pervasive. Women leaders are essential to business success broadening employee talent pools and bringing diverse viewpoints to effectively serve a wider range of customers. My accomplishments and those of countless other women, in fields like AI and across tech show how women leaders are driving groundbreaking evolutions and giving confidence to the younger generation

In the field of generative AI, I am proud of launching Zoom AI Companion, our generative AI assistant, included at no additional cost. I love hearing how Zoom AI Companion capabilities such as meeting summaries and smart recordings are saving time and providing flexibility enabling a mother to pick up their child from school while still being able to catch up.

Throughout my career, from being a top student at IIT Kanpur, to securing a PhD to leading product innovation at Zoom, my journey has been about demonstrating that women can do both — lead and innovate in their corporate roles while managing the complexities of household responsibilities. This balancing act requires a supportive network, an unwavering belief in one's abilities, and to stay in the game. I am inspired by remarkable women leaders like Jayshree Ullal, who stands as a beacon of innovation and success. Her exceptional leadership and strategic vision have left an undeniable impact on the world of networking and cloud computing.

Aligning with this year’s International Women's Day theme — ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ India's potential to be a global tech leader can be achieved by harnessing the full spectrum of its talent pool, including the active involvement of women. Steering the nation from women's development to women-led development, the Government of India continues to emphasise the need to empower women in all spheres of life. I am proud that Zoom is a partner to several initiatives in this mission, such as the Gender Samwaad and most recently the World Economic Forum’s Alliance for Global Good - a global alliance focused on enabling gender equality.

Despite the increasing visibility of women leaders in tech, the disparity remains. It's important to challenge and change the narratives around women's roles in technology from the ground up including redefining educational curricula, promoting gender-neutral opportunities, and recognizing the achievements of women in tech at par with their male counterparts. By overcoming these systemic barriers we hope to achieve true gender inclusivity in the industry.

Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Ltd

As we commemorate International Women's Day, it's important to recognize the strides we have made towards gender equality yet acknowledge that we have miles to go. In the pharmaceutical industry, we are at a pivotal moment where the underrepresentation of women, especially in leadership roles, highlights a deeper systemic challenge. It necessitates a collective shift in our approach, encompassing strategies, mentorship programs, and policies designed to empower women. At Granules, we are committed to driving workforce diversity, not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic investment in the future of our industry and the global economy. By fostering an inclusive environment, promoting work-life balance, and advocating for transparent promotion processes, we aim to dismantle barriers and create an inclusive landscape where every talented individual, irrespective of their gender, has the opportunity to thrive. Supporting women across their life stages and career paths is not just important—it's essential for innovation, growth, and societal progress. We encourage others in the industry to develop more robust policies that will promote equality. Addressing these issues collectively will be fundamental for creating a thriving industry that values competence over gender.

Prof. S Shantha Kumari, Honorary Treasurer FIGO 2023-2025

As we commemorate the International Women’s Day, my advice to women is, your work should inspire other women to lead as we need women in leadership, only then will we find a change. Sexual and Reproductive Rights are every Woman’s Right and Right to Health is a Fundamental Right.

Karen Appathurai Wiggins, VP and Head of Content at Audible, APAC

I am continually inspired by the fresh perspectives and narratives that women bring to the fore through their stories. By championing female-led projects, we have the privilege of showcasing the multifaceted perspectives and voices of women from across the globe. These stories we bring to life on Audible embody the inspirations, struggles, and journeys unique to the female lens, making a profound impact on our listeners' lives.

Kavita Desai - Head of Corporate Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility and DE&I India Leader at Covestro (India) Private Limited

"At Covestro India, fostering an ethos of inclusivity is ingrained in our DNA. We cultivate a dynamic environment where every individual's perspective is cherished, fostering their active participation in our collective journey. Our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion permeates all facets of our operations. Through CSR initiatives like 'Katalyst' and 'Manobal', we actively champion this cause. For instance, our partnership with the Katalyst program, in collaboration with Human Capital for Third Sector, empowers undergraduate women, equipping them with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers and assume leadership roles. Similarly, our 'Manobal' initiative operates as a national-level residential training centre, pioneering an inclusive education model for the differently abled, and underprivileged. By embedding these values in our culture and initiatives, we steadfastly uphold our pledge to integrate Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion into every aspect of Covestro India's journey, and we eagerly welcome more collaborators to join us on this transformative path."