While International Women’s Day celebrates achievements, it also highlights the gaps that still exist. Pay disparity, leadership underrepresentation, and workplace biases persist. This year, women leaders across industries share their vision for a future where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Championing Workplace Equity
“Creating a truly equitable work environment requires continuous effort and commitment. Real acceleration happens when women have equal and accessible opportunities to grow in their careers, supported by workplaces that empower rather than restrict.
At axio, we are committed to creating real opportunities and fostering an inclusive culture where women can thrive and lead. By cultivating an environment of collaboration and continuous learning, we are shaping a workplace where gender equality is more than a goal—it is a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and long-term success,” says Chhaya Sharma, Head of HR, axio.
According to Shefali Rai, SVP & Global Head, People & Culture, InMobi & Glance, “At InMobi, our culture is built on thinking big and taking ownership. Our women leaders drive some of our most critical business units, shaping strategy, innovation, and growth. They lead from the front, redefining leadership on their own terms and driving real change across the organization. Their impact is visible, measurable, and transformational. You will see how all these translate into practice at InMobi. Each of our women leaders brings a distinct perspective, a unique leadership style, and an undeniable impact on our business. Their individuality is what fuels decision-making and propels us forward.”
Bridging the Gender Gap in Cybersecurity
Sharing her views, Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager for India & SAARC, Trend Microsays, “Cybersecurity has long been viewed as a male-dominated field, a perception that still lingers today. However, numerous examples demonstrate that women are not only capable but are excelling in leadership positions within the industry such as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and other roles. In addition, women are succeeding in demanding jobs such as threat analysis, security architecture, and compliance, demonstrating exceptional technical expertise. They also bring valuable problem-solving approaches, collaborative methods, and strategic planning capabilities, all necessary for addressing cybersecurity’s multifaceted challenges.
Despite this growth, a significant gender imbalance persists. The ongoing talent shortage—projected to exceed 85 million positions by 2030—emphasizes the urgent need for more women in cybersecurity. Bridging this gap requires accelerating progress through initiatives that enhance diversity, such as educational and sponsorship programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear career advancement pathways. Also, promoting a more inclusive workplace culture and flexible work arrangements create a supportive environment for women. By taking proactive measures to increase workforce participation, we can empower women to thrive and contribute to a more resilient digital future.”
Fostering Inclusion in Technology and Healthcare
“Accelerating action in technology sector requires more than intent—it takes decisive leadership, inclusive innovation, and measurable progress towards bridging gender parity. As we engineer the future, we must break traditional barriers that hinder women from advancing in their careers.
At Honeywell, we embed this ethos in our DNA through initiatives like RESTARTHER and the Student Empowerment Program, which have empowered over 24,000 young minds—primarily women—with cutting-edge technology skills. To create a more inclusive tech landscape, successful women must mentor emerging talent, sponsor women for advancement, and foster networks that celebrate women’s leadership,” according to Anita Vijaykrishnan, VP, Engineering and India Leader, Honeywell Technology Solutions.
Serine Loh, Head of Culture & Talent, APAC, Qlik, says, “At Qlik, equity isn’t just a goal—it’s a commitment we uphold every day. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where women from all backgrounds have the support, opportunities, and resources to thrive. Through initiatives like Women in Technology, equitable pay policies, mentorship programs, and our Diversity Scorecard, we hold ourselves accountable for building a more balanced and fairer workplace.”
In the words of Dr Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy, “The healthcare industry faces a striking paradox when it comes to gender representation. Women constitute 70% of the global health and social care workforce, yet hold only 25% of senior leadership positions. In India, this gap is even wider, with women occupying just 18% of leadership roles and earning 34% less than their male counterparts. This disparity between representation and leadership demands urgent and decisive action. Achieving true gender equity in healthcare leadership requires a fundamental shift—rethinking who leads, redefining valued leadership qualities, ensuring fair compensation, and reshaping how knowledge is created and applied.
Women leaders bring a unique blend of empathy, resilience and collaboration—qualities essential for driving patient-centered innovation in healthcare. Their ability to balance data-driven decision-making with human-centric care makes them invaluable in shaping the future of digital health.”
Women Driving Economic Growth and Financial Independence
According to Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited, “Women’s Day is more than a celebration — it is a powerful reminder of the untapped potential that lies within every woman. In India, women entrepreneurs are not just shaping businesses; they are shaping futures — with the power to create up to 170 million jobs by 2030. At the same time, nearly one in four new investors in the stock market today is a woman, signaling a bold shift towards financial independence and agency. These are not just statistics — they are proof that women are no longer waiting for doors to open; they are building their own.
But progress cannot be a solitary pursuit. It demands a collective effort — from industries, communities, and policymakers — to break systemic barriers, champion financial and professional inclusion, and create spaces where a woman’s potential is not just acknowledged but actively amplified.
At Granules, we recognize that true empowerment goes beyond the workplace. It means fostering ecosystems where women thrive as leaders, innovators, and changemakers — whether they are driving scientific breakthroughs, running successful enterprises, or shaping financial futures.”
Actionable Steps Toward Change
According to Deepthi Muthuraman, Senior Manager, Marketing, Ascendion, “Businesses must ensure that their diversity quota is met across all departments and not just for certain roles – this expands opportunities for women across the spectrum. Stricter law enforcement is required to ensure this mandate is followed.”
Romita Mukherjee, Head of People and Culture, Whatfix says, “STEM education plays a vital role in breaking barriers, yet gender imbalances persist. While initiatives like Udaan, the Pragati Scholarship, and the National Education Policy 2020 have widened access, true transformation happens when organizations take purposeful action—fostering mentorship, leadership development, and equitable workplaces.
Through dedicated employee resource groups, career development programs, and inclusive workplace policies, we empower women to advance, thrive, and make an impact. By championing equal opportunities and dismantling biases, we are shaping a future where ability—not gender—defines success.”
Meghna Agarwal, Executive Director & COO, IndiQube says, “Pay parity remains a persistent challenge, with women often earning less than their male counterparts for the same work. This disparity is not just a moral issue; it is an economic one. Closing the gender pay gap and ensuring equal opportunities for women will unlock immense potential for India’s growth.”
The voices of these leaders all echo same sentiment – gender equality is not just a vision, but a necessity for progress across industries. Businesses must go beyond policies and quotas to actively create workplaces where women can lead, innovate, and thrive. True empowerment means fostering mentorship, closing the pay gap, and ensuring equal access to opportunities at every level.