Empowering Women Worldwide: Inspiring Inclusion on International Women's Day 2024

Anita Kukreja, Head of Strategic Alliances and Brand, IceWarp India-

"As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let's embrace the power of unity and inclusion in shaping a world where every woman's voice is heard, every dream is nurtured, and every opportunity is within reach. Together, let's forge pathways of empowerment and resilience, breaking barriers and redefining norms. Let this day serve as a reminder of the remarkable strength and potential inherent in every woman. As Head of Strategic Alliances & Brand at IceWarp India, I am proud to stand alongside incredible women everywhere, driving progress and shaping a future where equality and opportunity flourish".

Aditi Balbir, Co-Founder, EcoRatings-

“The first challenge to address is the issue of gender inclusion, particularly in the corporate sector, where the current landscape remains disheartening. In India, women account for only 22 percent of the workforce, lagging behind China at 40 percent and the United States at 47 percent. Furthermore, women hold a mere 11 percent of leadership positions in India, in stark contrast to 21 percent in China and 30 percent in the United States. The disparity is even more pronounced in the IT sector, where women face severe underrepresentation. In technology and finance, their presence in the workforce is limited to 15 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Another critical concern is the glaring gender pay gap, especially in leadership roles and CXO positions, where women receive 50 percent less compensation than their male counterparts. To address these challenges, a concerted effort is required to increase the representation of women in the corporate sector and ensure gender inclusivity. Companies should prioritize implementing strategies that not only increase the overall representation of women in the workforce but also actively promote their advancement to leadership positions".

Supriya Goswami, Vice President of Product Marketing, Whatfix-

“This International Women's Day, the theme of "Inspire Inclusivity" resonates deeply within the tech industry, particularly in the context of women returning to STEM fields after career breaks. It is required for companies to focus and recast the process that promotes women's return to work. Companies fostering an environment that values diverse experiences and perspectives not only champion gender equality but also drive innovation and growth. As the pace of technological advancement increases, it's imperative for women on career breaks to proactively stay abreast of industry trends and enhancements. Upskilling and continuous learning become pivotal in ensuring they return as competitive, valuable members of the tech community.  As the whole world celebrates International Women's Day, let's commit to creating more inclusive workplaces where every woman has the opportunity to pursue her career ambitions, irrespective of the pauses life may require".

Advocate Susieben Shah, Chairperson, Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights - Former Chairperson, Maharashtra Women's Commission-

"Women are leading from the front on all ends. In order to bring about a tangible change in society, women need to be involved in public service and politics. You cannot bring a revolution sitting on the periphery. One more important factor is that women should empower fellow women to bring a major change. If half the population is women, half the contribution should come from women. Women can be changemakers of the country and set a new narrative of progressive India".

Rocio Herraiz, Global Head of Communications, Noventiq-

“Tech companies are making strides in investing in their women workforce by enhancing female leadership, implementing D&I strategies, and offering programs tailored to the needs of women working in technology. But I think that the industry needs to go beyond that. At Noventiq, we see investing in our female workforce as essential to driving innovation and growth. Our approach extends from creating equal opportunities to embracing diverse perspectives and experiences. We aim to attract the best talent by emphasizing the importance of a diverse team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, cultures, nationalities, ages, and genders. Our approach involves looking at the whole person, not just their CV, focusing on their unique personality and how they fit into our organizational culture”.

Radhika Kalia, Managing Director, RLG Systems India Private Limited-

“The campaign theme of International Women’s Day 2024 – Inspire Inclusion – is particularly touching. It reflects the urgent need for extensive changes across business and societal domains, and emphasizes dimensions that need to be addressed to take us closer to our aim of realizing a truly inclusive and empowered society. However, through a comprehensive and multi-faceted strategy and strong commitment to healthcare, economic upliftment, education, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy for women, we could forge a resilient, sustainable and innovative economy. I believe that utilizing the unique skills, creativity, and perspectives that women offer when included in the workforce could drive our endeavour towards a more inclusive and prosperous world".