International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective journey towards
a gender-equal world. This year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion” resonates deeply with my
experiences and aspirations. It’s a call to action to value diversity, strive for equity, and
inspire inclusion in every sphere of life. However, as we celebrate our achievements, it’s
evident that true equality is still a distant goal, particularly in the realms of corporate
leadership and decision-making. This is why I believe that professionals like me ought to
use varied platforms to voice up towards influencing positive change.
The Power of Inquiry in Career Advancement
When exploring new career opportunities, I’ve learned the importance of interrogating the organization’s gender dynamics. Asking about the women-to-men ratio and the presence of women in leadership roles isn’t just a matter of due diligence—it’s a statement of values. There have been times when I’ve stepped back from potential roles upon realizing a lack of commitment to enhancing female representation.
Championing Women at the Top
In senior roles, women have a unique opportunity and responsibility to advocate for
increased female representation in leadership positions. My own journey has involved direct
discussions with investors, consistently pushing for more women on the board. These
conversations are critical in shaping a more diverse and inclusive future for corporate
governance.
Men’s Role in Fostering Gender Equality
Gender equality transcends being solely a women’s issue—it requires active commitment
from everyone, including men, especially within male-dominated industries where, as of
2023, male CEOs ran 90% of Fortune 500 companies (Source- executive recruiting firm
Heidrick & Struggles). Yet, with women comprising only about 25% (one in four) of C-suite leaders, the cultural fabric and ethos of many organizations are primarily shaped by male leadership.
While encouraging women to embark on entrepreneurial ventures is vital, it’s equally
important for existing male-led firms to embrace diversity and equality from the outset. By
prioritizing inclusion of more females, organizations benefit from broader perspectives,
enhanced performance, a wider talent pool, and a more inclusive workplace culture. I feel it
is on us to have the courage to engage actively in conversations about this topic and try to
steer the agenda in favor of diversity and gender equality in your workplace.
Vocal Advocacy for Women’s Empowerment
Speaking up for and empowering women in the workplace is essential, even when faced
with skepticism or criticism. My advocacy for gender equality has sometimes been met with
questions about my stance, but I always choose to remain steadfast and calm. It's crucial to support women aspiring to leadership roles, overcoming any hesitation about potential repercussions.
Championing Each Other in the Workplace
It’s important to publicly acknowledge and praise the work of other women that we value or interact with. I recall a senior colleague's heartfelt speech about a departing female executive, highlighting her achievements and impact. This act of championing each other, especially in busy environments, is a powerful way to foster an atmosphere of support and respect among women professionals.
Embracing Integrity and Building a Trustworthy Network
Integrity is paramount in all our interactions. A word carries significant weight, and in
building networks, quality often trumps quantity. A tight-knit circle of even three women
whom you trust, rely on, and who push and empower you can be immensely more
impactful than a broader, less intimate network. This approach has not only helped me
navigate my career but also fostered a supportive and empowering environment for other
women.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Normalizing conversations about family life in professional contexts is a step towards
dismantling double standards. As a leader, I openly discuss balancing my career with family
responsibilities, providing a model for other women. Balancing my current corporate role
with motherhood has required open communication, acceptance of setbacks, and a strong,
trustworthy team. It’s not always easy to manage both a family and a career, particularly
when both parents are working. However, each step forward in the right direction not only
advances professional journey for women like me but also paves the way for a better work-
life balance for the future generations, including my daughter.
This International Women’s Day, the adtech and martech businesses in India should reaffirm their commitment to gender equality, not just in words but through actions. We must continue to challenge the status quo, advocate for change, and lead by example. Together, we can forge a path towards a more inclusive and equitable world, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
