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

Dr Sravani Reddy, Founder & CEO, Soprav Healthcare Consulting

"The United Nations has aptly chosen 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' as the theme for 2024. I firmly believe that investing in women begins at the grassroots level, within every household. It entails instilling trust and empowering women within their personal spheres. Throughout history, women have demonstrated remarkable accountability and responsibility in managing households. In our country, we've witnessed a remarkable journey—from women managing family finances within tight budgets to individuals like the Honourable Minister, Madam Nirmala Sitharaman, who leads as India's first full-time female Finance Minister. Entrepreneurship is an extension of women's capabilities, and it's crucial for organizations to recognize this. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, organizations must embrace a comprehensive perspective, appreciating the diversity of each individual and their resonance with the organizational ethos. I urge the government to invest in women-driven start-ups, fostering intellectual growth, skill enhancement, and a shared passion for a brighter future. Investing in and supporting women-driven entrepreneurship must be prioritized as a critical aspect of fostering national prosperity. Such initiatives not only empower women but also propel our industries to new heights, driving our country forward towards unparalleled success."

Archana Jahagirdhar, Managing Partner, Rukam Capital

“It's heartening to see more and more women taking up entrepreneurship and have seen many women achievers creating successful businesses and delivering excellent value to all stakeholders. The challenges in the startup ecosystem are immense for everyone irrespective of gender but have seen the contribution of women are unique and their capabilities are essential and provide an extra edge to the entire team across different functions. As India's growth story continues to march forward, we do see a much greater contribution from women in Indian businesses and entrepreneurial spirit.”

  Dhanlaxmi Shetty, Staff Software Engineer, CDK Global India

First I’d like wish all the amazing women, a Happy International Women’s Day for the amazing work they do every day. As a devoted software developer at CDK Global, I believe that when we invest in women, it yields enormous benefits.

This is rather a proud moment that India’s IT sector has the highest representation of women in the workforce, with 30% female participation.

Some women face the challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities, dealing with long hours, deadlines, and meetings while ensuring their children's care, feeding, and education. They may also experience feelings of guilt, feeling they are not giving enough attention to their children. Yet, it’s crucial to honor their strength and appreciate the unique capacity with which they face adversity with grace and sensitivity.

By offering opportunities and resources to women, we not only accelerate growth in all areas, but also create a ripple effect that improves communities, economies, and the globe as a whole.

Achieving gender equality is crucial for innovation and sustainable growth. Our commitment is to advance women's careers through mentorship, leadership development, and training, fostering a workplace that values and respects all employees, regardless of gender or background.

By creating an atmosphere in which everyone feels empowered to participate, we are not just influencing the future of technology, but also paving the road for a more inclusive and fair society.

Together, we can harness the potential of diversity to enable women to lead, create, and make good changes in the IT sector and beyond.

Manisha Dubey, Head of IDEMIA India Foundation & VP Marketing Communications & Brand, IDEMIA “In today's digital world, skilling and development initiatives are essential for unlocking the vast potential of women. By providing access to opportunities and empowering women with relevant skills and knowledge, these programs enable them to close the gender gap in STEM fields and tech-related industries. Moreover, skilled women bring diverse perspectives and drive innovation, fostering creativity and pushing boundaries in technology and business. Economic empowerment follows suit as women secure higher-paying jobs and better economic opportunities, contributing to the prosperity of communities. Additionally, skilling programs cultivate adaptability and resilience, equipping women to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Ultimately, investing in the skilling and development of women not only benefits individuals but also drives societal and economic growth, creating a more inclusive and innovative future for all.”  

Neha Bagaria, Founder & CEO, Herkey

“To aspiring women professionals, my advice is simple yet powerful: Trust in your own abilities and never stop learning. The path in a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but your unique perspective is invaluable. Speak up with confidence, champion your own growth, and face biases with determination. Building a supportive network is key. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who encourage you to reach your full potential. Remember, work-life balance is crucial for long-term success; strive to lead by example in every aspect of your life. When faced with setbacks, embrace resilience. Reject thoughts of giving up or self-doubt and keep your eyes on your goals. Believe in the extraordinary capabilities you have. As women, we possess the strength to achieve whatever we set our minds to.”

Kavitha Ramachandragowda, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Routematic

“The technology landscape in our country is witnessing a powerful transformation as women carve their path, proving that brilliance, determination, and ambition knows no gender. Women are shattering stereotypes and emerging as powerful, influential leaders, contributing significantly to the success of enterprises, job creation, and India’s economy. According to Women's in India's Startup Ecosystem Report, the women’s entrepreneurial landscape is on an upward trajectory in India. My advice to aspiring female leaders is to believe in your capabilities and grab the boundless opportunities ahead. Establish clear limits, assign tasks strategically, give importance to both personal and professional well-being, and make sure you have a robust support network around you. The perseverance, fearless spirit, and drive, coupled with empathy, leadership, and communication skills that women naturally possess, will surely enable young women leaders to continue breaking barriers and thrive in their endeavours, leaving a lasting mark in the field of technology and innovation.”

Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager- India, Intrepid Travel- World’s largest adventure tourism provider company

"As we celebrate International Women's Day,' it is critical to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the tourism industry. Their leadership, creativity, and dedication have transformed the sector while also fostering an inclusive and diverse culture. Today, we celebrate their resilience and vision, recognising that true progress is achieved by embracing each individual's unique perspectives and talents. Let us continue to advocate for gender equality, encourage women to excel in their roles, and foster an environment in which everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and respected. Intrepid Travel not only advocates for women's inclusion but also implements it to the fullest. This is evident from Intrepid Travel's step towards enhancing gender diversity in tour leadership. We are working assiduously towards achieving balanced female tour leaders. Together, we can inspire inclusion and create a more equitable and prosperous future for the tourism industry and beyond. Our focus is on inclusion, thereby making Intrepid Travel the first to take this step of hiring female tour guides."

Priya Subodh, Director for Women Skilling and Social Entrepreneurship- 1M1B Foundation (One Million for One Billion)

“In India, where women contribute approximately 18% to the GDP (significantly lower than the global average), enhancing their participation in the workforce could boost the economy by over $700 billion by 2025. This is why skilling initiatives need to transcend traditional, gender-defined roles; and embrace technology as the great equalizer. By empowering women with technology skills, we open up a broad spectrum of opportunities, enabling them to participate fully in the new digital economy. This transition from mere empowerment to tangible enablement is crucial. It's not just about equipping women to take care of themselves and their families; it's about integrating them into the formal job market on a mass scale, and leveraging technology to bridge the gaps. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's commit to investing in women and inspiring inclusion, while recognizing that when women thrive, economies prosper.” -

Pritika Singh, CEO at Prayag Hospitals Group, says,

“On International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the remarkable achievements of women everywhere. As the CEO of Prayag Hospitals, I am continuously inspired by the strength, resilience, and leadership of women in our organization and beyond. Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering women, fostering diversity and inclusion, and creating opportunities for women to thrive in every aspect of life. Let us also encourage more women to pursue careers in the STEM field, where their unique perspectives and talents are greatly needed. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the opportunity to fulfill her potential and make a positive impact on the world. Happy International Women’s Day.”

Dr Sabine Kapasi, Co-Founder and MD at Enira Consulting Pvt Ltd., Well-known Gynecologist and an IVF specialist, says, “The intersection of mental health struggles and gender-based violence among women is not just a statistic on a chart; it's the heartbeat of daily reality. The findings of the National Family Health Survey from 2019 to 2021 paint a stark picture: 30% of women in India bear the scars of gender-based violence, a burden that amplifies their risk of anxiety and depression. This International Women's Day, let us recognize the profound impact of these experiences on women's mental well-being. Let us commit to providing holistic care, breaking down barriers to access, and advocating for policies that address the root causes of this crisis. Together, let us heal not just bodies, but spirits, and empower women to reclaim their mental health and their lives.”