Honoring International Women’s Day: Prominent Corporate Heroes Discuss Their Hopes And Challenges

The struggle for women’s rights has played a significant role in the history of March 8, which is observed worldwide as International Women’s Day (IWD). The roots of the day may be traced back to the early 1900s, even though the United Nations first observed it in 1975. The Socialist Party of America declared February 28, 1909, as the inaugural National Woman’s Day, to commemorate the New York garment workers’ strike of 1908. 15,000 women participated in this walkout to demand higher salaries, shorter workweeks, and the ability to vote.

An important reminder of the continuous fight for women’s empowerment in all areas of society, including the business sector, is provided by International Women’s Day. Globally, the discussion over women’s underrepresentation in high positions is becoming more and more prevalent. According to a McKinsey & Company report, businesses that have more women in senior executive positions often see a 25% increase in profitability, highlighting the commercial rationale for gender diversity.

In addition to highlighting the financial advantages of gender equality, this research estimates that by 2025, it might add $12 trillion to the world economy. Even with these encouraging figures, the stark fact remains that women hold just 29% of senior management positions globally. This glaring underrepresentation emphasizes the need of coordinated efforts to remove obstacles and open doors for more women to assume leadership positions.

Leaders across the industry have shared their experiences in an effort to highlight the transformational power of inclusive practices. These stories highlight the need for businesses to embrace diversity and create work cultures where women not just participate but lead, emphasizing our shared duty to bring about genuine change.

Devika Dharmaraj, Cauvery
Prominent entrepreneur Cauvery Devika Dharmaraj spoke candidly about her thoughts on Women’s Day, her career path, and her hopes for women’s empowerment initiatives after the Lok Sabha elections.

In light of Women’s Day, Dharmaraj said that people often overlook the fundamental contributions made by women. She said that Women’s Day had its start in the labor movement in the early 1900s, when women marched for voting rights and fair pay. Dharmaraj emphasized the enduring nature of patriarchy and the need of a strong communication channel to confront injustices.

When asked what she wanted to see from post-election plans, Dharmaraj gave a wish list that prioritized the wellbeing and health of women. She highlighted the significant health issues encountered by Indian women, especially around menopause, citing a Deloitte report. In order to solve these problems and create an atmosphere that would encourage more women to enter the workforce, Dharmaraj hoped for government assistance.

Dharmaraj gave insightful counsel to young women preparing to join the workforce, emphasizing the value of compassion and setting priorities. She stressed the need of form partnerships and highlighted her life experience of never being afraid to seek or provide assistance. In order to preserve a good work-life balance, Dharmaraj advised awareness and responsible usage of social media, acknowledging the problems it presents to this generation.

Co-founder and managing partner of GLOW Nirupama Subramanian spoke candidly about the importance of Women’s Day, her struggles in business, and her hopes for women’s empowerment initiatives after the Lok Sabha elections.

After expressing mixed emotions at first, Subramanian came to understand the significance of Women’s Day and traced its history back to demonstrations against unfavorable working conditions for women. Although she acknowledged that disadvantaged jobs have made progress, she stressed that genuine gender equality is still a ways off. Referencing an estimate from the United Nations that gender equality would take more than 280 years, Subramanian emphasized the low rate of female labor force participation in India, the dearth of leadership roles, and the surge in crimes committed against women. She believes that Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the need of having discussions about equity, inclusivity, and gender-neutral cooperation.

Subramanian shared her story, including the difficulties she had as a team manager and the significant change that occurred when she became a mother. She felt guilty about juggling work and childcare since she had no family support and had to rely on hired assistance. Her goals were reevaluated as a result of this shift, and she became an advocate for other women’s assistance. Assuming that leadership is a personal power, Subramanian counseled prospective leaders to make sure they are the CEOs of their own lives.

Subramanian supported programs like “Bete Ko Sikhao, Bete Ko Samjhao” to teach kids about respect and applauded the government’s current measures for women. She called on males to be educated to deal with empowered women, stressing the need of gender sensitization and prejudice awareness. Subramanian emphasized the need of striking a balance between obligations and empowering men to defy social conventions.

Subramanian advocated for self-improvement and overcoming obstacles in order to support young ladies who want to pursue careers in business. Claying one’s power, believing in one’s potential, and living up to that power both personally and professionally were themes in her guidance.

Issar Bhavana
The inspiring Caregiver Saathi Foundation’s Founder and CEO, Bhavana Issar, discussed the difficulties faced by businesswomen in the business world, Women’s Day, and her hopes for women’s empowerment initiatives after the Lok Sabha elections.

Issar, who emphasized her belief in equal opportunity, first saw Women’s Day as token celebration since she grew up in a gender-neutral atmosphere. But after studying history thoroughly, she came to value the event as a memorial to the courageous women’s efforts. Issar now emphasizes how crucial it is to remember those who helped to establish gender equality.

Issar emphasized the necessity for government help in the care sector and the huge obstacle that women face while doing unpaid caregiving. She demanded that this important component of political speech be acknowledged and represented. Issar thinks that in order to fully use women’s potential in the workforce, unpaid labor must be addressed.

Issar gave guidance on long-term career planning for young ladies stepping into the business sphere. She advised them to prioritize achieving financial independence, make plans for a long-term job, and enlist the help of friends and family for emotional support. Issar emphasized the need of striking a balance between work and life while being relevant in the profession.

The inspiring stories of these business titans serve as a potent call to action on International Women’s Day. Not only is it necessary to promote equality, but having more women in leadership positions is also strategically important for the expansion of the world economy.