Women’s Day Special: A boundless potential waiting to be unleashed

March 8 marks the International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate women and their incredible strength, determination, contribution, achievements, and more. However, gender inequality is still existing in our world in the present times, requiring our immediate attention. According to the United Nations, there will be a staggering annual deficit of $360 billion in gender equality measures by 2030. The theme for Women’s Day this year is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress’, with the campaign theme being ‘Inspire Inclusion’, focussing on addressing the issue of economic disempowerment, putting great emphasis on the recognition of the importance of empowerment, diversity in several spheres of society,  and the vital role of inclusion in the advancement of gender equality.

Women are present in every walk of life, be it at homes where they play the role of mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, or domestic help and others, be it in educational institutions where they play the role of learners, educators, workers, be it in corporate offices where they deliver on their promises and take charge, or be it as decision makers and in other capacities, making significant contributions every day and being a source of inspiration for many. While some women get the required education, complete their schooling, and enter the workforce, many are deprived of even basic education but hold great potential requiring enough support. Women also sometimes lack self-belief and hesitate to be more than what they are because of societal pressure, trauma, and other reasons.

Female labour force participation is approximately half of the global average of 47.3%, according to the World Bank. India’s ranking in Gender Gap rankings in the World Economic Forum stood at 127 out of 146 in 2023, behind Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Bangladesh. As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), which came out on February 12, the male urban LFPR was 74.1% between October and December 2023, with the female urban LFPR standing at 25%. The participation of women in the organised sector witnessed an increase from 33% in the year 2023 to 36% in 2024.

This Women’s Day celebrating the economic, social, political, and cultural accomplishments of women worldwide, we should pledge to move towards a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse world where there is no discrimination against women in any form and inspire inclusion.

Adgully spoke to a cross-section of women leaders who shared their inspiring insights on this Women’s Day.

Shruti Choudhari, Director - Projects & Strategy, B L Kashyap:

“On this International Women’s Day, let’s honour diversity and inclusivity by acknowledging the valuable contributions of individuals irrespective of gender. At BL Kashyap, a significant milestone has been reached in our ongoing campus placements. For the first time, we've had an equal number of shortlisted junior civil engineers, both men and women, from across India. It's noteworthy that many of the aspiring women engineers come from marginalized backgrounds and defy conventional norms. This significant shift reflects a changing societal and cultural mindset in a traditionally male-dominated bastion of Civil Construction.

A milestone such as this fuels our continued commitment towards equal opportunity based on merit and demonstrates our confidence in the substantial potential of women in the construction sector. Over time, we've observed a steady increase in female participation in civil engineering roles, with women leading the charge in design, planning, billing, contracts, and today, even preferring to be part of execution on construction sites. Our goal for 2024 at BLK, is to continue cultivating an inclusive atmosphere, forging a path towards a brighter, more equitable future where everyone, regardless of gender, can flourish and succeed. Change is on the horizon, and it's unstoppable.”

Veronika Folkova, Senior Director, People Business Partners, Global Legal Organisation and APAC Region:

“Not only can women compete with men, they can excel too.  Many women I talk to speak of imposter syndrome. Changing that mindset can be a difficult task. But it can be done. Women need to realize that they do have the skills to do jobs traditionally done by men. They need to be confident that their skills are good enough – not just to develop their career, but to excel and reach the top flight. Not only do Women need to believe in themselves, but they also need to create the foundations for success. They need to surround themselves with a support network that will help them grow. Equal opportunity – having equal representation between men and women at all stages – is vital. Everyone brings something different to the table and everyone should be embraced as an individual. No matter who you are, believe in yourself. If nothing else, that's one superpower we all possess.”

Archana Shiroor, Chief Human Resource Officer, Yes Bank:

“Celebrating the brilliance of women on this day makes me realize the boundless potential waiting to be unleashed. And together we hold the incredible power within ourselves to mentor and empower one another on this collective journey. I am personally committed as a sponsor to the cause. Happy International Women’s Day to all the wonderful women making a difference in the world!”

Anita Kukreja, Head of Strategic Alliances & Brand, IceWarp India:

“As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let's embrace the power of unity and inclusion in shaping a world where every woman's voice is heard, every dream is nurtured, and every opportunity is within reach. Together, let's forge pathways of empowerment and resilience, breaking barriers and redefining norms. Let this day serve as a reminder of the remarkable strength and potential inherent in every woman. As Head of Strategic Alliances & Brand at IceWarp India, I am proud to stand alongside incredible women everywhere, driving progress and shaping a future where equality and opportunity flourish.”

Radhika Singh, Global Lead, Learning, and Development (US, Europe, Japan and India), Creative Synergies Group:

“Career progression of female employees is intrinsically linked with the level of investment companies make in their profession, highlighting the role of nuances in progress assessment. While it is crucial to assess whether organizations prioritize the advancement of their female workforce, it is equally important to take the methodologies into account. After all, organizing a few learning and development workshops does not directly translate to tangible growth. In 2023, only 30% of organizations globally measured the impact and outcomes of their D&I initiatives.

Measuring results is the cornerstone for enhancing programs and initiatives year-on-year. Embracing these progressive changes not only helps women hone their skill sets and develop their professional competencies, but it also fosters a culture where they feel acknowledged and valued. Strategically designed learning and development initiatives inspire inclusion, uplifting the organization’s values and outlook in the long run. At Creative Synergies Group, we ensure that all our employee-based initiatives are followed by extensive feedback and assessment, thereby elevating the success rates of our programs, creating a culture that embraces change.”

Shalini Nair, Co-founder and Board Director, Ennoventure, Inc:

“The theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, spotlights the importance of investing in women for the betterment of society and businesses alike. Research consistently shows that companies that prioritize gender diversity are more innovative, profitable, and socially responsible. A McKinsey report revealed that firms in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile. This underscores the significant impact that women bring to the table – driving innovation, fostering creativity, and leading sustainable practices.

The empowerment of women triggers a ripple effect that benefits everyone. When women are supported, they elevate communities, boost economies, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. Their contributions are transformative, setting the foundation for a future where everyone can prosper. The multiplier effect of investing in women is profound, with every dollar spent generating a significant return in terms of social and economic outcomes. We understand the transformative power of investing in women, which is why our initiatives are geared towards maximizing their potential. This International Women’s Day, Ennoventure, Inc. reiterates its dedication to advancing gender equality, inviting collaboration to further this crucial cause.”

Kanthi Aneesh, General Manager, Evolve Back, Evolve Back, Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini:

“Inspired by this year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, Evolve Back reaffirms its dedication to empowering women in the hospitality industry. Our commitment stems from the belief that by nurturing and uplifting the talents of women within our organisation, we not only expedite progress within our own sphere but also extend positive ripples to the communities we serve. At Evolve Back, we are privileged to have women who are intimately connected to the very locales where our resorts thrive.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us unite in our efforts to cultivate an inclusive and equitable future. We envision a landscape where every woman in hospitality is empowered to flourish and contribute significantly to our industry. Recognising that investing in women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic imperative for the advancement of our collective journey towards excellence and sustainability in hospitality. Together, let us champion the cause of women's empowerment and accelerate progress for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.”

Dr Sasha Lake, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Anatomy, St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada:

“International Women’s Day, observed on March 8th, commemorates the exceptional contributions of women and honours their remarkable achievements. The history of humanity shows that women have been traditionally relegated to subordinate roles in society, including within the medical profession. However, time has changed, and more women are entering medicine.

For women in healthcare, having access to supportive mentors and sponsors can be instrumental in overcoming barriers and achieving their professional goals. Both mentors and sponsors play critical roles in fostering the professional growth and success of individuals, especially in healthcare fields where it can be competitive. By providing both career and psychosocial support, mentors help you as their mentee develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to advance in their careers. Meanwhile, sponsors can significantly impact your career trajectory by actively advocating for you and opening doors to new opportunities.

Embarking on the journey to become a doctor is both challenging and gratifying, especially for women considering entering the field. Trust in your passion for medicine and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. It will be important for you to have a game plan with goals that you will need to achieve to allow you to get into medical school. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself to develop leadership skills. Take on leadership roles in school clubs, community organizations, or research projects. Developing leadership skills will serve you well as a future healthcare professional. Seek out opportunities to gain exposure to the medical field through volunteering, internships, or shadowing experiences. This will give you valuable insights into the day-to-day life of a doctor and help you confirm your passion for medicine.

While you are keeping yourself busy, remember to develop healthy habits and routines, and work-life balance. It is important to recognize the importance of maintaining a work-life balance throughout your academic journey and professional career, therefore take time to develop healthy habits, mindsets, and routines. Remember that a balanced lifestyle contributes not only to your well-being but also enhances your effectiveness as a future compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional.”

Chaitanya Bhamidipaty, Co-Founder, Roastea said: "It’s Women's Day, and here at Roastea, we're doing something special to honor the incredible women in our lives. We're swapping out our usual coasters for something extra meaningful – ones that celebrate the essence of womanhood. But that’s not all. Whether you walk into our store or place an order online, you'll find these special coasters with your favorite drink. Why? Because it's about more than just a coaster. It's about recognizing and appreciating the remarkable contributions that women make every single day. From the big moments to the small ones, women are the backbone of our communities, our families, our workplaces – you name it. So, as you reach for your cup and see one of these special coasters underneath, I want you to take a moment. Think about the women who have inspired you, supported you, and lifted you up. Think about the strides they've made, the barriers they've broken, and the dreams they've chased – all while juggling a million other things. This isn't just about one day of recognition. It's a reminder to celebrate, to uplift, to stand beside the women who make our world brighter, stronger, and beautiful. So, here's to the moms, sisters, daughters, friends. Here's to the trailblazers, innovators, leaders, and fighters. Here's to every woman who has ever dared to dream and to make a difference. Go ahead, grab your beverage, and raise a toast – to the women who inspire us, empower us, and to the women who make our world a better place. Cheers."