From being banned access to their own earnings in 13 colonies under the British rule in 1769, to officially joining the workforce during World War I, and, today, heading some of the biggest companies globally—working women have, indubitably, come a long way. Unfortunately, the fight for equal rights is far from over. You’d think almost 200 years after the first all-women union was formed in 1825—demanding more parity and fairer wages—the world would have warmed up to the idea of women equalling men. Not yet. Just last year, LinkedIn’s Opportunity Index reiterated that women continue to face gender-based discrimination at the workplace, despite proven skillsets and equal qualifications as their male counterparts. In the survey, 85 percent of the female Indian respondents claimed to have missed out on a raise, promotion, or work-offer solely due to their gender. And 37 percent admitted they got fewer opportunities or were paid less than men. Most disconcertingly, 22 percent confessed their companies exhibited “a favourable bias towards men”. Don’t mistake this for a one-off study, because it is not. Research, time and again, has shown that the professional world is, indeed, kinder to men. And the gap only widens at higher management levels, weeding out women in the climb to the top of the pyramid. Think about it: only 6.4 percent of S&P 500 companies have female CEOs, currently. While there are concrete ways to bridge this gaping chasm—like gender-sensitisation programmes, merit-based hiring, promotion policies, and transparent salary structures—the least talked about, but most potent of them all, is mentorship and allyship. According to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Co, women were 24 percent less likely than men to get advice from seniors, and “this lack of support contributed to holding them back from advancement”. Bazaar India spoke to some of India’s most enterprising female leaders, about their journeys to the top, the role that female bonds can play in our careers, and why a big part of breaking the glass ceiling is to rally together...

Avani Singh, CEO, SpiceHealth

“Empowered women empower women. And it is absolutely critical for us to root for our female colleagues. To be successful at this, the most encouraging way is to share our own journey, address challenges together, and support those who are hesitant to break out of their shells or speak up. While it is true that women are at a disadvantage and have to work harder to be taken seriously, it is also important to focus on the progress we have made as a community. Millions of women have broken gender stereotypes and fought societal biases. Focusing on their inspiring stories can motivate others and, perhaps, lead to shattering even more barriers... Women have the power to ensure that more female leaders are created. The first step is to insist on creating an environment where they feel safe. Further, it is important for organisations to prioritise gender diversity, and establish systems to achieve this. Mentorship, networking, sensitisation, equal opportunities, and equal pay will create a positive impact on the growth of female leaders. Even as friends and colleagues, we must encourage each other to pursue opportunities at all levels, appreciate and recognise each other’s accomplishments, give credit where due, and support each other’s professional development. Women are the future. We must realise that we add value and make a difference. In challenges lie the greatest opportunities. So my advice would be: stand up for yourself and don’t be afraid to fail. Never be afraid to voice your thoughts and opinions. And let new challenges excite you. Realise that, as a woman, you are special. Don’t let anyone take you for granted. I’d also recommend Sheryl Sandberg’s TED Talk ‘Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders’, and Condoleezza Rice’s autobiography Extraordinary, Ordinary People.”

Rintu Thomas, Oscar-Nominated Documentary, Filmmaker and Co-Founder, Black Ticket Films

“I read this somewhere, and it has stayed with me: ‘Surround yourself with women who will mention your name in a room full of opportunities’. As a woman, and being in a leadership position, I see my role as one who opens doors and creates opportunities. Pivotal to my vision are creating a level playing field where my female colleagues are heard, credited for their originality, understood as strong leaders, and aware that they are working in a safe space. It is true that we are trained to believe there is place for only one woman at the top. And so, we are perennially in competition with every other woman. Nothing can be more crushing than female superiors or colleagues who push other women down. Plus, by internalising this competitive streak, we miss the reality that alone, we have power, but collectively, we have impact. The truth is, there is enough room for everyone. As women, we need people in our corner, who we can turn to for advice— both for our careers and our mental well-being. In doing so, we not only support each other, but also create connections and fresh opportunities. For me, the opposite of competition is sisterhood. Raising each other and channeling the power of collaboration is how we will create an alternative system of power. That’s the power of the pack. When I was starting out, I didn’t know anything about running a business. I’ve learnt a great deal by asking, negotiating, disagreeing, failing, and unlearning. So don’t be afraid to be seen, heard, or ask questions. And always, confidently, wear your femininity. Ambitious women are very often described as ‘aggressive’ and dismissed by male peers. There is a lot of self-induced pressure to ‘look’ a certain part, to be taken seriously, and to be accepted. But know that being both firm and compassionate is entirely possible. The definition of femininity is different for everyone, so find yours and wear it in all its colours. And remember to help other women around you embrace theirs with pride, too.”

Neha Suri, Managing Partner, 1010 Creative and Artfoto Studio

“Women play such an important role in shaping us and our beliefs. It is the women around me—my family, friends, colleagues, and even my 9-year-old daughter—who help me keep the faith. Being in a room full of women means understanding and accepting their different points of view, and amplifying them. This builds a culture of support—it’s the encouragement everyone needs, especially when starting out in their professional lives. We also need more women in leadership roles, to pave the way ahead. I am mindful of this at my workplace, and believe it is imperative to commit time to mentoring other women so that they can reach their true potential. I look out for projects and opportunities where the women in our team can truly shine. Giving honest, and encouraging, feedback is just as crucial for a person’s growth. It ensures that their contribution is respected. Also, show your fellow women that you believe in them and are proud of their accomplishments. It will help them overcome any doubts or insecurities they may have regarding their merit. Sharing our wins and failures with other women can be highly empowering for all of us, too. It’s something we must do regularly—to set an example for friends, peers, and co-workers, that being a woman does not, in any way, undermine all that we can achieve.

I also advise all women to build a ‘circle of trust’... find female colleagues you feel safe confiding in— peers, seniors, even juniors. Create a space where you can talk to them about the various issues you all may have faced, and how you overcame those issues. It helps knowing that you’re not alone. If you enjoy reading, books that have left an impact on me include Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg; In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from Over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney; and More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth.”

Sakshi Saigal, Co-Founder, Stranger & Sons Gin

“In most industries, one wishes for more representation. The liquor industry, too, is largely male dominated [women held just 4 percent of C-suite positions until 2018]. But there has been a steady rise in female participation, with many women emerging as trailblazers... And you don’t have to look too far. Look at Feruzan Bilimoria, for instance, who heads Advocacy Education at Third Eye Distillery. What these women prove is that gender is irrelevant when it comes to leading from the front. To keep that momentum going, it is important to have women stand up for each other, and for themselves. I’ve been constantly motivated and uplifted by the women around me, and I strive to have a similar impact on other women, especially those within my team. A good way to extend support is by encouraging fellow women to take risks and be audacious. It is this go-getter attitude that will take us ahead, and motivate us to come to the forefront and disrupt businesses. To see the positive impact we wish for in representation, we must also focus on becoming the best versions of ourselves. I always encourage my team to have dialogues and discussions, and to create pitches that are different yet impactful. To be successful, you also need to find the balance between believing in your ideas and being receptive to alternate perspectives. Keep an open mind, observe critically, and execute with creativity. While I am all for women showing up for each other, I also firmly believe that, rather than exalting the virtues of any gender, we must aim to cultivate a respectful, encouraging work environment and implement the right values. It is important to create a work culture that is free of bias, where individuals feel valued based on their potential. That would be real progress.”

Gunjan Jindal Poddar, Founder, Amala Earth

“To me, hard work, discipline, patience, and perseverance are keys to success in any field, for any gender. If you have the talent, and are willing to learn and improve, nothing can keep you from reaching the top. As women, the best we can do is lift and inspire each other to aim higher. Often, women are conditioned to think small. So they end up thinking it’s okay to do a little bit—just enough to stay busy and keep going. We need to change that mindset. Trust that you can do more, and encourage others to have that faith in themselves, too. I’m also a firm believer of empowering yourself. The world is full of opportunities, for everyone. So don’t let any age-old diktats of gender-roles hold you back. It is all in the mind—once you convince yourself you’re capable of it all, there will be no stopping you. Get a coach or a mentor, join workshops, enrol in courses, listen to motivational speakers... Learn to believe in yourself, and keep honing your skills. Strong role models are just as essential. Have one; and if you can, be one for someone. There are so many female-achievers, across fields, who are creating newer landmarks every day. I’m in awe of every working woman who is passionate about her job. I understand the hard work she puts in to multitask—handling family, kids, and career, while creating time for herself. An insight into the lives and challenges of these real-life heroes can be perspective-expanding. Listen to Sudha Murty’s interviews—her journey has been remarkable; watch the Oprah Winfrey Show, she features some amazing women; read self-help books by Robin Sharma or Gaur Gopal Das. I also found The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle very insightful.”