Empowering Women: The Key to India’s Economic Prosperity

Women's Day

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March 8, 2024

Economic freedom is very important for women’s empowerment. They must be partners in Economic Development. I have seen that women are very good at adopting new technology. We should link women and technology upgradation.”- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India.

This quote from our honourable Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, reflects the significance of women in the economic development of our country. Women have the potential to contribute enormously to economic growth and prosperity. As per the report of McKinsey Global Institute, it has been projected that by providing equal prospects to women, India could enhance its GDP by US$ 770 billion by 2025. Indian women working professionals have worked persistently, with their capacity, commitment and passion. Presently, there are 432 million working women population in India out of which 343 are working in the unorganised sector.

The current year’s theme of Women’s day is “Invest in women: Accelerate the growth.” Women are still facing various issues in society. As per a study, despite working professionals, they are indulging in household cores of an average of 2.5 hours, which men are not doing. Empowering Women with gender equity will take us to a more peaceful, advanced and sustainable world. However, women face numerous challenges, yet some are breaking old societal norms and stereotypes. The thriving start-up system has observed female founders turning their business journeys into successful companies. As a result, women-led start-ups have mounted to 18% in India in the last five years, Women in India’s Start-up Ecosystem Report (WISER).

Today’s women have already proved their efficiency in running businesses in a better way, So now we all should invest in women to accelerate our nation’s economic growth.”

Views expressed by Dr. Lokesh Arora, Professor and Research Head, IIMS, Pune

Diversity Drives Innovation: The Strategic Advantage of Women in the Workforce

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

A meeting room can only offer the ideas of those sat within it – if everyone in the room is of a similar background, each idea put forward is likely to be identical. By promoting diversity, institutions can escape the shackles of homogenous thinking. The diversity of those in the room and their different backgrounds and experiences lead to growth and innovation. Investing in women is the right decision and the wise business decision. A diverse workforce results in a more significant number of perspectives and insights. That is why the increased presence of women in the workforce often translates to increased innovation, problem-solving capabilities, resilience, and adaptability in the institutions in which they are part.

In essence, emphasising the importance of gender parity by implementing institutional policies that embrace inclusivity and provide environments within which women can grow and excel is a strategic move that propels institutions toward accelerated progress and provides them with a competitive edge in today’s dynamic markets. An investment in diversity is an investment in the future of your institution, the future of society, and the future of the world.

Views expressed by Dr. Hanadi Kadbey, Head of Institutional Research and Effectiveness Department, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Empowering Women: The Keystone for Global Prosperity and Progress

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

One of the most impactful strategies is to invest in women in pursuing global progress and prosperity. Empowering women across various sectors and spheres of society yields significant benefits that ripple through economies, communities, and families. From enhanced economic growth to improved social cohesion, the dividends of investing in women are manifold and undeniable. Studies consistently show that when women are economically empowered, societies thrive. We unlock women’s potential as entrepreneurs, employees, and leaders by providing them with access to education, skills training, and financial resources.

By investing in programs and policies that promote gender equality, we create a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone can fulfil their potential, regardless of gender. When women have access to healthcare services, reproductive rights, and maternal care, they are better able to take care of themselves and their families. This leads to healthier communities, reduces healthcare costs, and improves overall quality of life.

Hillary Clinton, American Diplomat said, “Investing in women is not only the right thing to do; it’s also the smart thing to do.” From economic growth and social progress to improved health and well-being, the benefits of empowering women are clear and compelling. As we strive to build a better future for all, let us recognise the transformative power of investing in women and commit to accelerating progress towards gender equality. By doing so, we unlock the full potential of half the world’s population and create a more just, prosperous, and sustainable world for future generations.

Views expressed by Dr. Shilpa Ajay, Professor & Head, Department of Management Studies (MBA), Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore

Invest in Women, Transform the World: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

International Women’s Day 2024 theme, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” is a call to eliminate worldwide difficulties women face. It is an initiative to create a world with equal rights for everyone while promoting inclusion and recognising women’s pivotal role in shaping diverse and prosperous communities. Women have never asked for special rights but rather equal rights. Empowerment of women by creating resources and opportunities is necessary to foster progress, innovation and sustainable development. Women have repeatedly proven themselves by breaking barriers and glass ceilings and setting new benchmarks. Hence, the need of the hour is to acknowledge the potential of women and the wisdom they bring to the table, which will undoubtedly lead to a transformative impact in various spheres. A nation’s progress is achieved with human capital development, and women are the core productive members of every society. It is high time that every nation concentrated on women’s development by investing time, money, and resources.

Views expressed by Dr. Ramandeep Saini, Director Principal & Dean International Affairs, Chandigarh Business School of Administration, Landran Mohali, Punjab

Investing in Women’s Education and Leadership

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

Investing in women is smart economics, says Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University.

Investing in women is not just a matter of equality; it’s a strategic imperative to accelerate progress across the globe. Empowering women economically, through education, and in leadership roles has proven to deliver remarkable outcomes, including higher economic growth, greater organizational effectiveness, and increased innovation. When women are given equal opportunities to contribute and lead, they bring diverse perspectives and solutions that address complex challenges in unique and sustainable ways.

Education plays a pivotal role in this empowerment. Access to quality education for girls results in improved health, economic, and social outcomes not only for individual women but for future generations and communities at large.

In the workplace, fostering gender diversity has been linked to greater creativity, higher innovation, and better problem-solving abilities. Companies with diverse leadership teams report higher profitability and value creation, underscoring the economic imperative of investing in women.

Moreover, supporting female entrepreneurship catalyzes economic growth and drives job creation. Women-led businesses are known for their resilience and sustainability, contributing significantly to global GDP. However, women entrepreneurs often face barriers to financing and resources. Addressing these challenges by providing access to capital, networks, and mentorship is crucial for unleashing the full potential of women-led businesses.

In sum, investing in women is not just the right thing to do; it’s smart economics. Accelerating gender equality can unlock immense global progress, fostering more resilient and inclusive economies and societies.

Views expressed by Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab & Himachal Pradesh

Leadership and Education: Paving the Way for Women’s Empowerment

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, and this year’s theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” couldn’t be timelier. The world is dealing with several crises, and the cry for gender equality and women’s empowerment has to get louder.

According to unwomen.org, there is an annual deficit of USD 360 billion when financing gender equality measures. This deficit hampers achieving crucial development goals by 2030. Despite progress made in recent years, there is no doubt that gender disparities exist even today in a world plagued by pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, climate disasters and economic volatility.

We must understand that women’s progress benefits everyone, and investing in women is not just a moral obligation but essential to building inclusive societies.

Women’s economic empowerment is a major factor if we have to address poverty, and gender-responsive financing systems prioritising safeguarding women’s rights and well-being are the need of the hour. After all, a woman empowered is a family and community empowered.

Promoting the education of the girl child and equipping them with skills to help them make informed decisions will go a long way in women’s long-term well-being. It will lead to better economic opportunities and ensure a better quality of life for them and the coming generations.

Lastly, I would like to say, let’s come together to support women leaders – be it in business, politics, entrepreneurship or academia. The number of women in top positions at the University level in India is rather dismal. At a 2-day National Women Vice Chancellors’ Conference organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in July 2023, it was revealed there were only 75 women vice-chancellors in India, less than 7 per cent. The time has come for more women to assume leadership positions in Indian Universities and bridge the gender gap.

Nothing can elevate women’s empowerment more than breaking the glass ceiling and allowing more women to take leadership positions across sectors. After all, women are agents of change, and their progress is proportionate to the positive changes they will usher into families, the community and the world.

Views expressed by Dr Meena Chintamaneni, Pro VC, NMIMS Deemed-to-be-University

Women’s Transformative Role in Modern Indian Society

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

Women are known to be the strong pillars of society. Still, India has witnessed gender inequality for many centuries. Things have changed drastically over some time. Society has embraced that change, but evidence shows that closing gender gaps could boost GDP per capita by 20 per cent. Investing in women accelerates economic growth and provides a better-educated society for the future generation. Spending on care services and providing job opportunities is believed to create almost 300 million jobs by 2035. They not only should be made financially independent but should also participate in economic decision-making. Women have contributed significantly to modern Indian society in various fields, including politics, education, business, social services, arts and culture, sports, aerospace, journalism and media, and science and technology. To build a stronger society, it’s essential to enable women to explore opportunities and promote equal rights and status through empowerment. Investing in girl child’s education, educating about women’s health, supporting women in leadership positions, protecting the legal rights of women, eliminating violence against women and encouraging them to break the glass ceiling would pave a path for not only economic but long-term sustainable growth for the future generation.

Views expressed by Sakina Qasim Zaidi, VP Academics, Orchids The International School

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Equal Opportunities

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

On this International Women’s Day, let’s acknowledge a promising truth – with the increasing enrollment of women in higher education, we are breaking barriers, particularly in technology and innovation.

Through early intervention and targeted efforts, we can foster an equal opportunity environment, envisioning a future where every woman can ascend to leadership positions and contribute significantly to innovation and progress.

As the CEO of Jaro Education, Ms. Ranjita Raman firmly believes in the phenomenon of “Every woman’s success inspires other women,” fostering women’s education as a catalyst for their personal growth and societal progress. This empowerment enables them to assume leadership roles in corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Educated women enter the workforce with confidence and make substantial contributions to the economy, experiencing noteworthy increases in earnings year after year.

This International Women’s Day, Ms. Raman encourages everyone to reaffirm our commitment to creating an ecosystem of democratised education, benefiting not only women but all.”

Views expressed by Ranjita Raman, CEO, Jaro Education

Empowered women accelerate sustainable growth and development

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

On the brink of the first quarter of the present century of the new millennium, gender equality and recognising women’s rights as an investment issue is critical for creating transformative solutions which is not just a moral imperative but a strategic investment that indeed directs towards the progress of society. Investing in women is a cornerstone for building inclusive societies.

A recent study states that more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women leaders. Experts claim that women have the acumen to control finances from their knack for doing the same over their households. They foster better economic stability and resilience by wisely sharing it with the larger community, such as in families and workplaces.

Women have a greater and deeper reach when they want to spread their thoughts, often ensuring greater gender equality and social cohesion. Perhaps by challenging the traditional gender norms and advocating for their rights, their social responsibilities are easily comprehended.

Governments headed by women have been found stable and long-standing throughout political history. Their strength of mind, adaptive approach, and finer emotions perhaps help them devise policies that prioritise better, resulting in better representation of all citizens, especially in healthcare, education, and social welfare.

However, it must also be noted that women need to understand their self-worth at home and in the world for their empowerment, educate and train generations of empathetic and supportive men and women and believe in an equable society where responsibilities and commitments are equally shared between man and woman.

Progress for women benefits us all.

Views expressed by Dr. Sheela Menon, Principal, Ambassador School, Dubai

Invest in Women for a Brighter Tomorrow

Women's Day

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 8, 2024

Woman, thy name is grit. As we usher in Women’s Day, it is time to reflect on how investing in women, financially and socially, is the right decision. Gone are the days when a woman was the shadow of a man. Woman of today is a corporate honcho, a trendsetter, a homemaker cum entrepreneur and many more roles squeezed into a single persona. She is ambitious, aspirational and excellent at her work. Support women’s rights and espouse the cause of gender equality-particularly equal pay for equal work. Bridge financial gaps by recognising that every woman worker deserves a salary and perks at par with her male counterpart.

Covid has pushed many women across the globe well below the poverty line. More than 342 million women will be living below the poverty line by 2030. Support women by empowering them financially. Implement gender-sensitive financial aid.

Amplify the voices of women. Give them platforms to address issues of their own and their creed. Support women change makers. The more you support the women, the better your economy will be.

Women are effective contributors to a nation’s income and an indispensable resource in building a bright future.

Views expressed by Dr Neeta Bali, Director-Schools, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Schools

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