The United Nations has selected ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ as the theme for the year 2024, emphasizing the need to tackle economic disempowerment. Concurrently, the campaign theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity.
Suvarna Nikam
Global HR Head
Visionet
On this International Women’s Day under the resonating theme of #InspireInclusion, it’s paramount to acknowledge the remarkable strides women have made worldwide and underscore the importance of “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. Women are not merely participants; they are catalysts for change and innovation, and inclusion is at the core of this. Inclusion strengthens voices and opportunities, fostering an environment where equality, belongingness and diversity thrives. At Visionet, we stand at the forefront of this transformative journey with our WOV -Women of Visionet – community which embodies our unwavering commitment to empower and uplift our female workforce. This platform is equipped with exciting learning programs, community engagement and a global mentorship network that enables them to navigate the unique complexities and thrive.
As the Global HR Head of Visionet, I am privileged be part of this revolution and witness firsthand how the entire organization and male allies have come together to foster a culture where women are groomed as leaders of tomorrow, learning continuously, effectively integrating their work and life, driving progress, and shaping the future of work.
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi
“We don’t need to celebrate a women’s day on a particular day, everyday is a women’s day. We don’t respect women irrespectively in terms of gender. We respect a woman just because of her own identity whether they are into engineering, politics, teaching and even the housewives, that is the toughest job I would say, they work 24×7. These days we talk about women empowerment, equal opportunity but what is the reality you know even today women are still suffering from sexual harassment in our country, this is all because of the society we need to change it. We don’t need to discuss on such platform. We are lacking somewhere so we need to do two things like we need to give equal opportunity and how we can help them making them independent. There was the time when women were confined to kitchen but now things have changed. I am so thankful to the CM for giving me such opportunity.
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.”
Gargee Patankar
V.P Sales and Strategic Partnerships,
PatSeer Technologies Pvt Ltd.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s reflect on the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’ As a woman in the IT sector, I believe achieving gender equality and promoting women in leadership roles requires a multi-faceted approach. It’s about striking a balance between professional excellence and mental peace, learning to let go of minor issues, and fostering transparency about mental health challenges. Women should embrace a positive and relaxed leadership style, akin to their male counterparts. Additionally, staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial for effective leadership. By investing in women, not just in terms of opportunities but also in mental well-being and technological skills, we can accelerate progress and create a more inclusive and innovative IT sector. Let’s empower women to lead with confidence, contribute significantly, and shape the future of our industry.
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.
Saakshi Arora Katyal
Landscape Designer
International Women’s Day holds profound significance for women entrepreneurs worldwide, serving as a celebration of their achievements, a platform for advocacy, and a reminder of the challenges yet to be overcome. As a woman entrepreneur, this day embodies both personal triumphs and collective aspirations. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize the hurdles faced and victories won. Breaking through gender stereotypes and societal expectations, I dared to dream and pursued entrepreneurship with unwavering determination.
International Women’s Day acknowledges the resilience and innovation inherent in women’s entrepreneurship, highlighting the vital contributions of women to the global economy.
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.
Best of luck on your inspiring journey toward becoming a doctor, and happy International Women’s Day!
Sandhya Raman
Founder, Co-Founder, Desmania Design
“Empowerment and education are the keys to progress for all genders. By empowering and educating women, we ignite the acceleration of progress for everyone in our country. Women bring invaluable empathy, talent, multitasking abilities, and creativity essential for design. It’s imperative to create environments that not only acknowledge their skills but also support their performance, especially considering the additional challenges they may face outside of work. We must strive for inclusivity, considering all genders and categories, to ensure our profession reflects the diverse world we live in”
Dr. Parul Purohit Vats
DEAN, School of Performing Arts, World University of Design, Sonipat
“On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of women worldwide. I strive to foster interdisciplinary connections among all creative domains such as arts, architecture, and design, offering young talents a compelling path in performing arts. The resurgence of classical dance among the youth reflects our dynamic cultural landscape, rooted in a quest to understand and preserve our heritage.
In the rhythmic journey of life, I draw power from each elegant stride. Let our motions on Women’s Day resonate with the strength and allure that shape us, gracefully navigating obstacles and composing our tales. Here’s to a Women’s Day filled with dance and devotion for all.”
Empowerment has led women to secure places where their decisions impact the larger world, serving as key drivers of social progress. A ripple effect begins with improved and progressive education, alongside employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, fostering personal and economic growth. This results in intergenerational benefits and fosters stronger, more resilient communities. – By Divisha Choudhary, Co-founder of Bevzilla Coffee.
Pragya Chopra
Founder of OnOffOnline Marketing Agency
“2024 is the year for women in marketing. It’s the beginning of an era where women’s highly optimised intuition works in their favour for business.
The perspective of a mother, wife, daughter, sister, female, she/her is the driving power behind purchase decisions – it’s always been – but now it’s evidently undeniable and it’s about time where the woman’s perspective is celebrated. It’s a powerful time to be a woman, and together – we can equalise.”
Manya Nayar
Co-founder of IBEAUTY
“Gone are the days when there was a rage about women empowerment! Get past it, women are very much empowered, literate, and taking over the world! Though I still believe we need to tap on less fortunate/economically backward areas that house women who lack resources and thus empowerment. As empowerment fuels the engine of societal growth and development, igniting the flames of progress and innovation. When individuals are empowered enough to realize their full potential, they become models of change, transforming opportunities and dreams into reality.
Empowerment isn’t just a phenomenon for personal success, it’s the golden stone of collective advancement, fostering resilience, equality, and prosperity for generations to come.”
Dyuti Waghray
Founder of Defi Beauty
“As a woman entrepreneur, I believe empowerment is a catalyst for societal growth and development. When women are empowered, they contribute their unique perspectives, skills, and talents to the economy, driving innovation and creating opportunities for themselves and others. Through education, access to resources, and support networks, women can break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. This empowerment not only benefits individual women but also uplifts families, communities, and economies at large.”
Dr. Sara Varughese
Managing Trustee, CBM India Trust
“We recognize the profound intersection of disability and gender, especially within marginalized communities. Women with disabilities often face compounded challenges, yet possess immense potential and resilience. We believe investing in their inclusion empowers not just them but unlocks progress for entire communities. Through our initiatives, we aim to address these multiple layers of discrimination, dismantle barriers, and equip women with and without disabilities with the resources they need to achieve their goals and lead independent lives.
In the last fiscal year, almost 45% of the persons with disabilities we reached were women. Through our recent efforts, we reached over 650 women—including over 100 women with disabilities and women who care for family members living with disabilities—in 85 villages of Karnataka’s Anekal Taluk through income-generating and climate resilience support. Thanks to this initiative, about 200 women received funds and training for farming and non-farming activities, and more than 100 women completed our tailoring courses and received sewing machines, with 60% successfully launching their own businesses. Additionally, in line with our commitment to gender equity, 58% of participants in our training courses on Community-Based Inclusive Development are women. These courses have the objective of making the process of development more inclusive and strengthening the knowledge and skills of professionals working with persons with disabilities at the grassroots level. At CBM India, our resolve is stronger than ever to support women—with and without