Women are the chief architects of a society. As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day on 8 March, we bring to the reader leading female voices from different sectors to know what defines a powerful woman.

Shahnaz Husain, CEO, Shahnaz Herbals Inc

The theme for International Women’s Day in 2018 is “Press for Progress”. So this year, let us consider the roles played by women, all over the world, in economic development and social causes.

Today is the day to appreciate women for their achievements, so that it inspires all women towards further progress. I feel that each and every one of us can take steps forward in different areas, like education, vocational training, skill development, gender bias, as well as women’s safety and security.

We need to come together to help women move forward and realise their limitless potential and strength as an equal member of the family and society.

So, this International Women’s Day, let us all contribute at an individual level or collectively to Press for Progress!

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Neelam Makhijani, CEO and Country Director, ChildFund India

Women should be able to participate fully across all segments and this is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families and communities.

This can only be possible if society creates an enabling environment for girls to be educated, stay secure and healthy and, above all, have a voice. Women are resilient, confident and can take on the world, given the space and chance!

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Purba Kalita, Co-founder and CEO, Salebhai.com

Answering this question without setting unrealistic standards for womenkind or reiterating gender stereotypes is difficult. Cis or trans-gender identity today is no longer beholden to the notions of yore.

Even then, for me, the true essence of womanhood lies in the scientifically proven ability to multi-task. From the breakfast table to boardrooms, and everywhere in between, this absolutely essential skill is breaking glass ceilings and shattering myths across the world.

It is so imperceptible, sometimes even within oneself, that it begs reconsideration. However, I truly believe this essence is a journey in itself, to arrive at the best version of oneself.

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Neha Bagaria, Founder & CEO, JobsForHer

Changing biases and mindsets was the biggest challenge I faced when I founded JobsForHer in March 2015. I was told by a lot of women that they were being advised to hide the “gap” in their resumes as most companies perceived the “gap” negatively.

The same was corroborated when we started speaking to companies to recruit women on a break as many brashly proclaimed that they didn’t want to hire women, women on a break or mothers! Over the last three years, we have made huge progress in changing the mindsets of both women and companies.

Women, so that they are now confident about the “gap” in their resumes and portray it in the right light.

Ratan Kaul, Social entrepreneur

This celebration recognises and praises the indomitable spirit and courage shown by women across fields, who have excelled and achieved their aim by fighting all the odds.

Our platform is enthused to recognise achievers by making an effort to keep that spirit up by rewarding them.
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Anuja Bansal, Secretary General, SOS Children’s Villages of India

I always believed that I could become a leader. But becoming one, in the social development sector is very special. And there is no other place that I would rather be.

We believe that by empowering women, we can empower communities as a whole. My message for budding women leaders is to “believe”. Your challenges in fulfilling your dreams will be different from your male counterparts, and maybe more, but none of it will be impossible.

Don’t let fear of failure, get in your way; how you resurrect yourself from the same is what will matter. If you are determined to succeed there is no doubt that you will.

A woman has the power to shape communities; let us empower them, to empower the nation. The enablers need to be created.

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Mira Kaushik, OBE, Director, Akademi

I am unconvinced about marking something that we should be thinking about all the time with just one day. Women must be celebrated every day rather than on one day alone.

There is a long way to go before gender equality prevails globally. This can only be achieved when marginalised and oppressed women get a platform to speak out, initiating change from grass-root level.

I was fortunate to have a family that empowered and encouraged me to learn, be curious and have pride in my successes. Not every woman in India has such opportunities and this needs to change.

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Hemalatha Annamalai, CEO and Founder, Ampere Electric Vehicle Pvt Ltd

Every woman is capable of taking decisions on her own. For India to reap the advantage of the demographic dividend advantage, a woman’s role is equally critical.

My message to all the budding women entrepreneurs is that the time is right to realise your entrepreneurial dream. There is also much encouragement from the government and financial institutions, to help you start and set up.

There are also many networking opportunities, which are now available for women, through which you can get the right guidance to lead you on the right path. You just have to keep that faith and believe in yourself despite the odds and find a right mentor as early as you can.

If the ladies can also give some 20 minutes to themselves into looking inward, it will significantly benefit in the long run for internal calm-ness and centred-ness. I hope that all young enterprising ladies be industrious and relentless in their workspace and remain undaunted by headwinds.

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Nalini Jindal, Chief Investment Advisor, Intellistocks

Today’s women are very versatile. They are getting their space and a lot of opportunities to explore their capabilities. There is a change in the mindset of the people also.

Even the people in villages are taking initiatives to educate their daughters. If we talk about corporate world, women are doing pretty well. They are multi-tasking, they handle business and family at the same time and they know how to create work-family balance.

We can see a number of examples of the women in our society, who are mothers and successful business entrepreneurs too. All I can say is that times have changed, so are women.

(Compiled by Kunal Roy)