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When women are given the opportunities and resources to excel, they accelerate progress for everyone.
Four women entrepreneurs share how they embody this theme, proving that when women thrive, societies flourish.
Investing in women is not just a slogan—it’s a necessity for global progress. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” underscores the transformative power of supporting women in business, leadership, and well-being. Across industries, women are challenging norms, leading with innovation, and creating environments that champion inclusivity. Four women entrepreneurs share how they embody this theme, proving that when women thrive, societies flourish.
Self-Care as a Catalyst for Change
True progress begins where well-being meets empowerment, believes Ishvani Patel, Founder and CEO of ILEM JAPAN, a Japanese skincare brand. “At ILEM JAPAN, we don’t just support women—we celebrate their resilience and strength. Self-care isn’t just about routines; it’s a quiet power that fuels confidence and balance, helping women thrive,” she says.
Patel has witnessed firsthand how women bring intuition, dedication, and heart into everything they do—whether at home or in the workplace. ILEM JAPAN was built on these values, blending tradition with modern wellness to ensure that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. “True change happens when women are empowered—not just to succeed, but to uplift others. When women prioritize their well-being, they create ripples of change that touch families, industries, and future generations.”
This Women’s Day, Patel believes that investing in women starts with something simple yet profound: self-care. Because when women thrive, the world flourishes—and that’s a future worth investing in.
Beyond Inclusion: Creating an Ecosystem for Women to Thrive
For Saloni Anand, Co-Founder of Traya, a customized hair solutions firm, investing in women is not just about representation—it’s about creating an environment where they are valued, heard, and supported. “At Traya, we’re proud to maintain an almost 50:50 ratio between men and women in our workforce. This ‘women army’ has been instrumental in driving our innovation and success,” she shares.
However, Anand emphasizes that gender equity is about more than just numbers. “It means equal pay, leadership opportunities, and a culture that acknowledges the unique challenges women face.”
Women, she believes, are natural problem-solvers. When given the right resources and environment, they drive meaningful change. “If you look around, women have been doing exceptionally well in the startup ecosystem—breaking stereotypes, changing narratives, and celebrating not just successes, but also failures, as stepping stones to growth. True progress happens when we challenge biases and actively uplift others.”
Redefining Leadership: Investing in Women from Day One
At The Blue Kite, a holiday home rental management company, CEO Caroline Mulliez believes that investing in women starts from the moment they enter the workforce. “We evaluate potential employees based on how they can leverage their talents in new scenarios—not just past achievements. Studies show that women often showcase their accomplishments with less self-promotion than men, so we strive to recognize and account for this disparity.”
Today, women make up 80% of The Blue Kite’s workforce, and its management team is evenly split, a testament to the company’s commitment to balanced leadership. “We ensure that career growth and compensation decisions are made with complete impartiality, based on merit and contribution.”
Mulliez also acknowledges the importance of workplace flexibility, particularly during major life moments like maternity. “By offering support and adaptability during these times, we strengthen our culture of belonging and trust. In the long run, these values are fundamental to both individual and organizational success.”
Changing the Rules in a ‘Boys’ Club’ Industry
As a former gender and rights expert, Roshni Kapoor, Co-Founder of Anar, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Goa, has long worked to address systemic barriers to women’s advancement. “While ad-hoc measures like gender balance in workforces and supportive policies are important, what truly shifts the needle is changing the power equation,” she explains.
Kapoor’s decision to co-own Anar stems from a desire to challenge the status quo in an industry that still operates as a ‘boys’ club.’ “I want to invest in this venture to be a model for women and gender-diverse individuals—to show that sometimes, you have to invent your own guidebook when the rules are biased.”
Investing in Women: A Collective Responsibility
From fostering self-care to creating equitable workplaces, and from reshaping hiring practices to rewriting industry norms, these women are leading by example. Their stories reaffirm that investing in women is not just a moral imperative—it’s an economic and social necessity.
When women are given the opportunities and resources to excel, they accelerate progress for everyone. This International Women’s Day, the message is clear: the future isn’t just female—it’s fair, inclusive, and full of potential.
