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

Tarab Khan, Artist & Author

In life's grand canvas, women are like skilled artists, blending creativity with strength. With each resilient effort, they reveal a lasting power that shapes a world full of endless possibilities.

Divya Venkateswaran, Trainer, Author, Reviewer & Podcaster

A symphony of strength, a chorus of resilience, and a revolution of unity, lighting the way for all to rise!

The quote is attributed to Mrs. Bareena Irwin Tamang, L&D Lead, Ascent HR

I am an advocate for a learner-centric approach and a proven leader in the L&D space, leveraging data analytics for personalized learning experiences. My work underscores the importance I have for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and employee engagement, where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered, which is critical for organizational agility and success in the digital age.

A significant achievement in my career was the development of a bespoke Learning Management System (LMS) for my organization and the deployment of an automated LMS platform tailored to meet specific training needs. This initiative facilitated seamless knowledge transfer and retention, revolutionizing internal training processes and improving the employee retention rate for the organization. Customized onboarding schemas of the programs ensured quick deployment - reducing the time to be productive in the designated role, thereby improving the bottom line.

Despite my successes, I have faced significant challenges, not only in establishing new processes for the digital learning ecosystem and tailoring it to the specific needs of organizations but also in reintegrating into the workforce after a career break. Onboarding participants to the overall learning strategy and goals also presented a unique set of challenges as I had to overcome stereotypes and biases that often undervalued my contributions some times. Navigating through these obstacles required not just constant self-education and adaptation but also a steadfast determination to prove my worth and efficacy in a landscape that sometimes resisted acknowledging my expertise and leadership overcoming gender apprehension.

My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative potential of effective learning and development strategies.

Sonali Sharma (Author)

Never apologize for standing up for yourself. Stop self pitying and speak up. Life is too short to be worrying over the judgements and opinions of others. It's your life, lead it the way you desire. Every time you stand up for yourself, you show the courage to other women to take control of their own life.

Dr Amruta Kandurwar, Author: Little Miss Misfit

A successful woman is raised by a strong & independent mother, a supportive & caring mother-in-law, a positive & inspiring set of cousins & friends & above all by an unbiased society. So let’s all join hands to make our world a happy place for our daughters.

Shruti Sachdeva, Energy Therapist and CEO, Ekashrushti

Women’s Day is not a mere ritualistic occasion to celebrate the various glittering achievements of women folk in different fields. It is rather a day that defines and hence commemorates the complete persona of a woman who is the true embodiment of remarkable strength, steely resolve, and indefatigable zeal.That is why, God has rightly given a Woman the title of Shakti. She demonstrates great strength in every role she plays. She is tender like a flower and can be the incarnate of goddess Kali also when she has to defend her family. A woman is as vast as an ocean. She can not be confined in one role. It is in fact a mere blooper to cast her in one mould as such futile attempts are made by a few custodians of this so- called patriarchal society.She is no doubt the Lakshmi of the house but it is not the only role she is supposed to play. She is the Brahma of her family too who creates and Lord Vishnu also dwells in her essence as she is the one who looks after the family with utmost devotion. Shiva the destroyer is also the chief part of her persona as a woman always stands like a soldier protecting her family and warding off the evil eyes that attempt to harm her loved one. Hence it will not be impertinent to remark that a woman is the true representative of this whole kaaynaat (Universe) who has the absolute powers granted to her by Lord Trimurati.

Neeja Shah Goswami, CEO, Whiskers India

“My message to all the women out there is that you are more than the world needs. Whether it’s your home, family, children, parents, siblings, friends, work, or the world; remember that you being a little more kind, a little more hardworking, a little more patient, and a little more attentive is all helping to move the wheels of our world. You are beautiful by just being you and if you decide to be more, don’t let them stop you. Be more.” 

Geetha Ramanna, Director, Software Development and Network Security, Sophos

Within the cybersecurity industry, there is a strong need to invest in and embrace the potential of women to transform the sector. In my experience, working in an environment where mentorship is encouraged and robust support systems thrive can be a game-changer and opens up several doors for our growth. Cybersecurity is a highly dynamic space, with its fair share of complexities. Being able to efficiently work in such an environment requires innovative thinking, adaptability and empathy- the qualities that women excel in. An increase in representation in the sector is not only about diversity, it's about ensuring a more resilient and inclusive digital world. As we move ahead, we look forward to a world with increased inclusivity and seeing more women techies thrive in the cybersecurity space.    

Poonam Puthran, Executive Vice President - Banking at Aurionpro

We are honoured to be part of a movement where women are at the forefront of technology, breaking barriers, and leading with vision. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women in tech who inspire and pave the way for others. Within Aurionpro Solutions, 'Inspiring Inclusion' isn't just a theme, it's the cornerstone of our approach.

Empowering women in technology is our commitment and we are dedicated to championing inclusivity, embracing diversity, and fostering a workplace where every voice is valued. Together, we ignite inclusion and cultivate an environment of innovation that propels us toward collective success.

In the dynamic world of technology, women play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape. With their leadership and resilience, we chart a course towards excellence, driving our organization forward with purpose and determination. Today, we stand together, proud of our achievements and inspired by the limitless possibilities ahead.

Anjali Sharma, Director, Global Head of L&D, Fulcrum Digital

The ascent of women in tech in India is both a triumph and a call to action. Despite the challenges within the traditionally male-dominated realm, we have witnessed a remarkable shift as women rise through the ranks, particularly in cutting-edge fields like deep tech. In recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives in technology development, women have proven to bring unique value for equity in tech, ethical innovation, and inclusivity

However, a significant gender gap still exists: in India today, 43% of STEM course enrolees are female, which is one of the highest in the world; however, only 14% of tech leadership roles in the country are held by women. This inconsistency exists due to barriers such as societal norms and biases that keep women from progressing in the tech industry.

When advocating for an increased representation of women in tech, learning and development (L&D) becomes essential. Investing in education, mentorship, and leadership initiatives empowers women to break barriers.

The journey towards gender equality in tech is a shared responsibility, with collaboration needed from individuals, organizations, and policymakers. Let's move forward inspired by progress, committed to transformative education and mentorship, to shape a more inclusive and innovative future in technology.