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Women entrepreneurs are now leaving a mark across diverse sectors in India with their remarkable contributions and are emerging as a dominant force across industries.
International Women’s Day 2025: Women have now broken many old myths and are entering domains previously out of bounds to them. (Image: Shutterstock)
Authored By Anjana Sastri:
India’s business landscape is undergoing a powerful transformation as more and more women are stepping into leadership roles, transforming industries with innovation, resilience, and strategic vision. Shattering centuries of systemic barriers, women are no longer participants — they are leading forces behind economic development and sustainable growth. Their ascension is not only an indication of change but also a principal force driving economic growth and sustainable development.
International Women’s Day is a strong international platform that acknowledges and celebrates the success, contributions, and strengths of women in all areas. The trajectory of India’s economic growth hinges significantly on the active participation of women in the workforce. By highlighting their achievements, the day gives a voice to women, motivates future generations, and reinforces the collective push towards gender equality. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” is a call to break these barriers with urgency, seeking systemic change that empowers women to lead, innovate, and redefine the future of business.
Women Leading the Way: Rising to the Top in Leadership
Women entrepreneurs are now leaving a mark across diverse sectors in India with their remarkable contributions and are emerging as a dominant force across industries, transforming the global business landscape with their leadership. As entrepreneurs, executives, and key decision-makers, they are driving progress, championing diversity, and creating new avenues for growth, with the number of women-led companies having significantly increased.
This shift is not just symbolic, as companies with diverse leadership are increasingly performing better, bringing fresh perspectives and improved decision-making to the boardroom. Increasingly, more women professionals are now holding leadership roles in a variety of professions such as sales and marketing, finance, engineering, administration, and human resource management. Yet, despite these advancements, women continue to face biases, however, their resilience and determination have paved the way for significant opportunities and lasting change.
Driving Change: Women at the Helm of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
From navigating gender biases to challenging cultural norms, women entrepreneurs face distinct challenges across industries – whether in accessing capital, defying societal expectations, or balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Yet, it is through these very challenges that they cultivate strength and pave the way for change, securing opportunities and inspiring an inclusive future. Women-owned businesses are thriving, particularly in sectors like real estate, technology, finance, health care, and sustainability. Women are making remarkable strides in the business, not only as professionals but also as critical decision-makers shaping the foundation of the firms.
Redefining the Workplace of Tomorrow
Exhibiting great adaptability, women have now broken many old myths and are entering domains previously out of bounds to them. In a dual role, women are proving each day that their multi-tasking potential is par excellence in both professional and personal domains. Women are also at the forefront of changing workplace culture, which is made possible through supportive flexible work, parental leave policies, and diversity programs. There needs to be a fundamental shift in how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Employers must actively cultivate an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, is valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Achieving true inclusion and equality requires collective action—organisations must take deliberate steps to foster workplaces where women can thrive. This means implementing unbiased hiring practices, equitable performance evaluations, leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, global collaborations, and flexible work arrangements. By making diversity a cornerstone of business strategy, companies can unlock untapped potential, drive innovation, and build a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.
As we celebrate Women’s Day, it is important to acknowledge the journey that women go through, address challenges, and envision a future where inclusivity is more than a buzzword. Beyond just a day of recognition, let this women’s day serve as an agent of change for sustained action, driving a world where every woman is empowered to break barriers, thrive, and achieve her full potential.
(The author is director-marketing, Sterling Developers)
