Dare to Dream
As per the recent India Tech - Women-led Startups report by Tracxn, a leading market intelligence platform, women-led startups have outperformed the Indian startup ecosystem generally in 2022, showing that women entrepreneurs’ share of startups in the Indian tech industry exceeds 8 per cent, and among funded companies share is more than 18 per cent. However, the big question remains, is India and especially Corporate India, taking steps toward gender diversity, equality, inclusivity in the workplace, and are they committed enough to increase its women workforce. As we celebrated the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2023, Corporate Citizen talked to women corporate trailblazers from various industries and fields, on what they believe, the new challenges and what it takes to break the glass ceiling
Marching towards an equal world
I feel proud when I say that we are living in a world where there is Women’s IPL, equal pay for men and women athletes, same-sized trophies for men and women in sports, maternity leaves and paternity leaves, house husbands/dads, single moms, and single dads. I think we have come a long way in terms of equality. It took time, but surely this feels great. In today’s corporate world talent and spirit at work are given more priority by organisations for their advancements and progress. We are marching towards an equal world full of strong men and women who have the capabilities of working side by side as each one gets a different asset and skillset to the table. When I look back at my journey from being a cricketer to corporate professional to entrepreneur, and Asian Gold Medallist in powerlifting, I feel the men and women of my home have equally contributed towards my success. And all those who have motivated me are strong, independent, passionate, wild and bold.
-MANJU PURANIK,
former Cricketer, Entrepreneur and International Powerlifter
Future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams
Women leaders in business are setting examples by demonstrating their skills, capabilities, and resilience in the face of adversity. Their success is a testament to their hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to their goals. By leading with empathy, authenticity, and inclusivity, they are driving positive change and creating a more equitable future for all. Women’s networking is a critical tool for achieving empowerment, providing a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and resources to help us achieve our goals. By supporting and uplifting each other, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women to thrive. On this Women’s Day, let us remember that true empowerment comes not from breaking the glass ceiling, but from shattering the limitations we place upon ourselves. As women, we possess strength and resilience that can move mountains. Let us harness that power to not only achieve our own success, but to uplift and inspire the women around us to do the same. Let us lead with grace, courage, and unwavering determination, for the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams.
-JAYA MEHROTRA,
Leadership Coach and Founder of Women Leadership Circle
Make each day your day
Women today can transform the nation socially, emotionally, economically and spiritually. They are the epicentres that connect humanity. They nurture, and are the primary care providers for their family’s health and wellbeing. Sometimes, we as “ women” do not realise our true potential. We are sensitised to believe that we need to forgo our true happiness and dreams to keep our families and society at large happy. We must not let go of our aspirations, we must believe in the impossible, break u n c o n v e n t i o n a l n o r m s , p u s h boundaries and set out to do something e x t r a o r d i n a r y . Because, only those who do, succeed in life. Only a happy and fulfilled woman can spread more happiness and find deep satisfaction in her own existence. While on this pursuit of fulfillment, one must make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who believe in you and can become your ecosystem of support. Just make sure, you make each day your day and make every moment in your life count.
-PREETI RAO,
Founder & CEO, Weljii
Striking a perfect balance between Work and Life
About five years ago I made a decision to become a work-from-home mom temporarily, and this at a time when I was on the high-growth curve in my career. I was aware that this decision could hamper my career growth and even push me towards a lower salary spectrum. But, I knew my priorities at that moment and took the plunge, joining Engaged Strategy, which has literally been a game changer. Not only does the organisation preach employee engagement, but practices it to the T. For beginners, the organisation modified my employment contract and even adjusted working hours to my preference such that it gave me the leverage to work efficiently. Since then, I not only grew to become a functional head, but have also been provided with the flexibility to grow as an individual. Even as I fulfil my leadership dreams, I have been seamlessly able to pursue my passion for writing as an author and a freelance journalist; I’ve been able to travel and document my experiences in my blog; and I’ve also been able to champion awareness about adoption, striking that perfect balance between managing my personal growth and professional growth.
-KEERTHANA VENKATESH,
Founder and Managing Director at AMO Mobility Solutions
Stand up and voice your opinions
Istrongly believe in the saying, "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman". In today’s times women need to stand up for themselves and voice out their opinions and feelings. Every woman should be able to use her voice and pursue her potential, and women and men should all work together to take down the barriers and end the biases that still hold women back. Over the years definitely the role of women in the corporate world has changed. Professional women have jumped huge hurdles in the corporate world, advancing into top leadership positions even with the odds stacked against them. We have more women leaders. And to add to that, there are so many women empowerment training programmes and webinars that motivate them to chase their dream. By leveraging women’s strengths and tapping into the right resources, professional women can tenaciously push ahead and build equitable work environments where they thrive. I don’t experience resistance leading men, but it again depends on each organisation. To attain equality status we need to keep pushing women, motivate them, and give them equal pay and opportunities. I feel that inspiration is everywhere and I look up to Mother Teresa. Her greatest lesson, her greatest inspiration, was her unwavering dedication to those in need despite her doubts. She was an icon of compassion and spirituality.
-PALLAVI RANGAVAJHALA,
Senior IT Professional
Women have come a long way
Celebrating women achievers, and advocates of women’s rights, inspires the future generation through their success stories across various fields. Women have come a long way in combating multiple challenges at all stages of life and, for some, it has been hard work throughout their lifetime. It’s a celebration of the changes happening each day, every hour, and minute. Each of us is making a change all the time. The flip side is that women could always do with more support at work and the home front. While corporates have made a conscious effort towards Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), the irony is that a woman at the top echelons is often looked upon as someone who has made it to the top because of the D&I compliance rather than her capability. An attitudinal change is desirable, and the need is to respect, understand and appreciate women, who despite multiple challenges do make it to the top. Celebrating Women’s Day is relevant even today as it raises awareness of the gender inequality that still exists in various spheres of life
-SRIMOYEE KAR,
Head of Treasury and Partnerships, IREP Credit Capital Pvt Ltd
Digital inclusion for women
International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a call to action and accelerate gender equality. The 2023 IWD theme "EmbraceEquity" emphasises on the importance of gender equity in all aspects of society. It is a reminder of the immense potential that digital transformation holds for escalating gender equality and women’s empowerment. The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up digital transformation and technologies by several years, and promoting digital inclusion for women can enhance their access to education, healthcare, financial services, and job opportunities, help advance their careers and improve their lives. Women’s participation in the digital sphere is therefore not just a matter of gender equality, it is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Women have been leading significant roles across spheres, from the home to the office, laboratory, and boardroom, and setting unprecedented examples. Yet, their achievements and contributions are often overlooked, unacknowledged, or even minimised. The day is a marker of her achievements over the year. The world has made outstanding advances, but we have a long way to go. IWD is a time to reflect on the progress made, call for change, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played extraordinary roles by overcoming their national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political diversities.
-ARUSHI JAIN,
Director, Akums Drugs & pharmaceuticals
Be the change you wish to see
Istarted my career as a receptionist at a gym 25 years ago and today, I am the vice president of an international gymnasium brand in India. When I look back at my journey in a male dominated field, I realise that though it hasn’t been easy, it has been totally worth it. I chose an industry which really needed me to be tough: handling sweaty muscular men with big notions of power was daunting, especially at the reception, but the choice was mine. Many a time they didn’t much like taking instructions or guidance on training from a lady. But, my own background in sports, the fact that I have been a state level hockey player gave me the conviction and courage to face any situation. I am glad to say that over time, things have changed, and the notion of fitness has matured and evolved too. While more and more women are getting into fitness, sports and even body-building, it is an exciting time to be sure. In the days to come, I would love to see more and more women enter the fitness, health, and nutrition industry—that’s the dream on a professional level. On a personal level, I would urge women to work out and pay attention to their health, as we have to carry out multiple responsibilities. A healthy career and a healthy family begin with a healthy woman— my sincere advice to each one is it’s never too late to get into shape; also, please get over the wrong notion that lifting weights will make you look like men in anyway. We, as women, are the movers of the wellness movement which starts with ourselves. Fitness is as much for women as it is for men. Let’s be the change we wish to see.
-SANYOGITA RAMANAN,
Vice President, UFC GYM India
Understand your inner strengths
To be honest, I don’t believe in labelling entrepreneurship by gender. Whether you are a man or a woman, all that matters is what you bring to your vision. It is important to be gender neutral whilst talking of enteprise because only then we can achieve a stigma-free ecosystem for the both women and men to work, grow and contribute in equal measure. It takes a gamut of skills to make it as an entrepreneur, all the while taking failure in your stride and never giving up. In this journey there is never a morning which doesn’t bring a new challenge. If only by the end of the day you figure out the solutions and continue hanging in there ‘mostly’ prepared for the same next day with different challenges, you will have a chance to become an industry leader. My advice to every entrepreneur out there is this: understand your skills and inner strengths first in order to team them up well with the kind of business venture you are choosing as each business has its own specific requirements.
-SHWETA SAXENA,
Founder, Pune TV and Shweta Saxena Media House
Going from strength to strength
To be an entrepreneur is to take on the world in multiple ways with singular focus and passion—the passion to prove that the seed of your idea has value and will bear fruit for different stakeholders. To that end, you pick up different skill sets, bear the cost of the risk, whether financial or in terms of the time, faith and effort you invest in the enterprise and the painstaking process of convincing others. In my case, proving to my mother herself—a most progressive lady, mind you—that there is indeed room and place for a translation service in assorted languages both domestic and foreign—was a task. I am happy to say that when she passed on from this world, she was a 50 per cent partner in the company, satisfied and confident of its prospects. An entrepreneur’s constant challenge is to get the world around them to believe in their ideas, all the while silencing their own self- doubt and inner critic. A tight rope walk to be sure, especially in the initial days, but if you do succeed, it is ever so wonderful. At the same time, one must be mindful of the fact that the journey is still ongoing, there are more challenges to be faced given the changing face of the market and time, you can never be complacent. After all, once you get used to seeing yourself as a successful person, you want to retain that forever. For that one must constantly innovate, upgrade, and grow. To all the aspiring woman entrepreneurs out there I say: there is nothing quite as fantabulous as owning your own business, working for yourself, realising your dreams plus giving employment to others. Do try!