International Women’s Day: Women leaders unveil the roadmap to gender equality at workplaces – Brand Wagon News

Despite notable societal transformations and an evolving business landscape, women’s representation in leadership roles in India remains disproportionately low. The 2024 KPMG report, Women in Leadership in Corporate India, reveals a stark reality—56%  of organisations in the country have only 10 to 30% of women in leadership positions. Even more striking, 9% of organisations have no women leaders at all.

This glaring gap is fueled by deep-rooted biases, gender-based prejudices, and a lack of equitable opportunities. However, women leaders are increasingly pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and demanding the change necessary to create a more inclusive professional landscape.

Kamini Singh, Chief Business Officer, Solitario Lab Grown Diamonds, underscores the importance of recognising women’s contributions and potential. “Women are the driving force of change, shaping industries, breaking barriers, and redefining success on their own terms. This Women’s Day, we celebrate their brilliance, resilience, and unstoppable spirit. At Solitario, we believe every woman deserves to shine, not just beautifully, but powerfully, just like a diamond: strong, radiant, and timeless. Let’s Bling it!” she said.

The celebration of International Women’s Day is not just about acknowledging achievements but also about envisioning a future where women can contribute freely and meaningfully. Snehal Malani Tapadia, Founder of X&Y, Eco-Friendly School Furniture, emphasises the broader impact of empowering women.

“International Women’s Day is a reminder of the strength, resilience, and vision that women bring to every space they touch. As a woman entrepreneur, my journey with X&Y has been about creating more than just sustainable furniture—it’s about building a future where children learn in safe, eco-friendly environments. Let’s continue to break barriers, uplift voices, and inspire the next generation of changemakers, because when women grow, communities thrive,” she stated.

Fostering gender-inclusive workplaces isn’t merely a matter of fairness; it offers organisations a competitive advantage. A diverse leadership team brings in varied perspectives, fuels innovation, and enhances decision-making. Companies that invest in gender equality see improved employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and a stronger brand reputation.

Vandana Tandan, Head of Market, India & Bangladesh, SIG Group, highlights the importance of making equal opportunities a reality rather than just a policy statement.

“Real progress in any industry depends on recognising and valuing the unique talents of every individual. International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building workplaces where equal opportunities are more than just a policy, they are a reality. By breaking down barriers and fostering inclusive environments, we can unlock the full potential of every professional, driving greater innovation and success for all,” she explained.

While there is no single solution to closing the leadership gender gap, a comprehensive strategy is required. Structured mentorship, sponsorship, and workplace policies that actively support women are critical in ensuring long-term progress. Priya Rustogi, Leader, India & Subcon, LWT IMEA, stresses the role of well-designed initiatives in enabling career growth.

“Creating meaningful opportunities for women to start and advance in their careers requires more than just intent. It calls for structured mentorship and sponsorship, providing them with inspiring role models who can nurture ambition and offer much-needed guidance and support. Organisations must implement policies that ensure equal opportunities, support flexible work arrangements, and enforce a zero-tolerance approach to gender bias,” she asserted.

Beyond corporate boardrooms, entrepreneurship presents an alternate avenue for women to break barriers and take charge of their professional destinies. However, women entrepreneurs often face more challenges than their male counterparts, from societal skepticism to systemic hurdles in securing funding. Anushika Jain, CEO and Founder of Globally Recruit and GlobalShala, stresses the importance of collective action to facilitate opportunities for women in leadership.

“International Women’s Day is more than a celebration, it’s a tribute to the resilience, sacrifices, and groundbreaking contributions of women who have shaped our world. Across industries and communities, women leaders are not just breaking barriers; they are redefining possibilities, inspiring others to rise alongside them. Despite notable progress, challenges continue to persist for women, especially in leadership roles. It is time for governments, corporations, and society to unite to ensure that future generations of women have the opportunities and support they need to emerge as change agents,” said Jain.

The entrepreneurial landscape for women requires both external support and a shift in perception. As Surbhi Puri, Director at Green Power International Pvt. Ltd., points out, women inherently possess the skills required for entrepreneurship, yet their contributions are often overlooked.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building companies, it’s about vision, resourcefulness, and the ability to anticipate and plan for the future. Running a household, ensuring the well-being of loved ones, and thinking ahead to meet the needs of a family requires the same strategic mindset that drives successful businesses. Yet, this form of entrepreneurship is often overlooked, not just by society, but by women themselves. On this Women’s Day, I urge every woman to acknowledge the entrepreneur within her,” said Puri.

Technology is also playing a crucial role in reshaping workplace dynamics and facilitating greater inclusion. Digital platforms, remote work, and AI-driven recruitment processes are helping dismantle traditional barriers, offering more flexible opportunities for women. Yeshasvini Ramaswamy, Founder & CEO of Culturelytics, highlights the significance of mentorship networks and technological advancements in fostering leadership opportunities for women.

“Over the past decade, women in leadership have broken barriers and redefined industries, yet challenges persist—from systemic biases to work-life integration struggles. Bridging the gender gap requires bold policies, inclusive cultures, and mentorship networks that empower women at every stage. Technology plays a crucial role in amplifying opportunities, fostering flexibility, and dismantling traditional barriers. Ultimately, the key lies in resilience, strategic support systems, and a collective commitment to equity—because when women lead, societies thrive,” she explained.

As women navigate leadership roles in various industries, they continue to balance multiple responsibilities with determination. Their contributions shape not just the professional world but also societal progress. Radhika Goenka, Executive Director of GD Goenka Group, reflects on the lasting impact of women in leadership.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I reflect on the endless potential of women in shaping societies and fostering positive change. Women across the world, especially in leadership roles, have consistently demonstrated exceptional resilience in overcoming barriers that have restricted their opportunities. They have courageously challenged stereotypes and fought for their rights, inspiring generations. A significant emphasis on enhancing the participation of women leaders by organisations will lead to better outcomes in our communities, underlining the substantial impact of diverse voices in decision-making processes,” said Goenka.

The journey toward gender equality in leadership remains a work in progress. But with persistent efforts, systemic support, and a collective commitment to inclusion, the barriers restricting women’s growth can be dismantled. On this International Women’s Day, let us move beyond symbolic gestures and work toward creating tangible opportunities for women to lead, thrive, and shape the future.