Women's Day: Women Achievers' Wisdom Nuggets on Women's Growth & Empowerment

In a rapidly evolving corporate and socio-economic landscape, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as pivotal platform for influential women to asset their voices to redefine leadership paradigms.

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’ is a call for high-impact female representatives to shift from advocacy to execution, ensuring that gender equity moves beyond disclosure into measurable progress. This day not merely serves as a celebration, but underscores the urgency for women in power to use their platforms strategically, so that leadership models can create lasting and equitable transformation.

From woman’s perspective, the incessant need to voice oneself in male-dominated sectors remains a formidable challenge. Gendered perception of authority stifles the professional ascent of women, making it imperative to amplify perspective and challenge entrenched norms to benefit the female workforce.

To commemorate International Women’s Day, GWL has curated thought-provoking insights from some of the most impactful female leaders who champion gender equity. Their words serve as beacons of progress, fueling the momentum of inclusivity and representation for all, in all domains.

Its important for women of the world to believe in their abilities. For long, society has put limitations to women’s abilities and dreams. But American Attorney, Author & Former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, says, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

From boardrooms to policy-making, women are reshaping the global landscape, transforming businesses, communities and economies. Self-assurance helps in transcending limitations and proving that ambition, talent and perseverance pave the way forward for boundless achievements.

The same sentiment is echoed by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, philanthropist and the chairperson of HCL Technologies who advices women to have lofty aspirations. She says, “To make a difference, you have to have large aspirations.”

Visionary leaders often see beyond the present as they never settle for the ordinary. Large aspirations fuel innovation, set audacious goals which shapes industries, societies and push beyond limitations. Challenging the status quo helps to drive meaningful change.

Women who have faith in their limitless abilities also find their voice. Its key for women today to be vocal and advocate for themselves.

Melinda Gates, American philanthropist says, "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman".

Voices spark revolutions, as empowerment begins with expression. Women who have the courage to speak, lead and influence, inevitably shape the world around them. The vision to break barriers, rewrite narratives, and redefine leadership often stems from unwavering faith in self.

One has also experienced that smart women are threatening to some. In order to maintain the status quo, few women dim their shine. But high achieving women strongly suggest against that. For instance, Emma Watson, Actress, Activist & Model says, “Girls should never be afraid to be smart.”

Being smart is not just an asset, but a right! Breaking stereotypes begins with confidence in one’s intellect. When young girls embrace knowledge, curiosity and the power to think critically, they pave a way that brings independence, success and limitless opportunities.

Women must not wait for opportunities to come to them. Its important to be a trailblazer. Mindy Kaling, Actress, Screenwriter & Producer, says, "If you don’t see a clear path for what you want, sometimes you have to make it yourself."

Every trailblazer starts with uncertainty and the strength to take bold actions. Those who venture into creating their own paths, are often imbued with resilience and ambition. Progress belongs to those who create their own opportunities.

Women who create their own paths also prepare the ground for other women to come forth and shine. This has been true in all industries. Technology Executive, Philanthropist & Writer Sheryl Sandberg, who has herself been a huge influence on women in tech and business advocates for having more women in all levels of the business world. She says, “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”

Representation is not only about visibility, is it about influence. A seat at the table is not enough. When women lead, they challenge biases, set new benchmarks, and ensure equity among business and societal setups.

Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo. Author of 'My Life in Full'

“Good business demands tough decisions based on rigorous analysis and unwavering follow-through. Emotion can’t really play a part. The challenge we all face as leaders is to let the feelings churn inside you but then to present a calm exterior, and I learned to do that.”

Effective leadership requires balancing logic and resilience. Strong leaders master emotional discipline while projecting decisions which are grounded in data, strategy and firm execution. Decisive front is key to earning respect and driving impact.

Another astute businesswoman, Oprah Winfrey, makes the case for women creating something of their own. The Talk Show Host, Television Producer, Actress & Author talks about herself and say, “If I lost control of the business, I’d lose myself–or at least the ability to be myself. Owning myself is a way to be myself.”

True autonomy comes from ownership of self, as entrepreneurship is not merely profit. Controlling your vision and decisions mindfully, lets you own your authenticity and amplifies the power to shape your destiny.

Women who have autonomy exude confidence, which is a key element of women’s empowerment. Talking about the importance of women having confidence in their abilities, Malina NGAI, CEO, AS Watson group says, "The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence. It is powerful and transformative, and it is essential if you aspire to be a leader."

Confidence has a transformative power, as leaders who embrace it are better equipped to navigate challenges. It serves as a foundation of effective leadership by enhancing leader’s presence, motivating employees to make decisive choices to drive organizational success.

Although difficulties are a part of life, great women rarely fret. Like Singer, Songwriter & Businesswoman, Beyoncé, says,"If everything was perfect, you would never learn, and you would never grow."

The idea of perfection is an illusion, and leaves no room for progress. Growth thrives in challenges and failures, where every setback shapes character. True success is built on resilience, wisdom and courage to evolve out of one’s comfort zone.

its important for women to draw inspiration from each other and support each other’s growth. Heed to Tennis Champion Serena Williams’ advice,"Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on."

Competition fades when collaboration takes center stage, as empowered women, empower other around. Championing every woman’s success transform individual victory into a movement of empowerment for generations to come.

Creation of opportunities is the need of the hour as they often do not come knocking. Reese Witherspoon, Actress & Producer says, “I encourage women to step up. Don't wait for somebody to ask you."           

Seizing opportunities with confidence and taking charge is the only way forward. Initiating the first step is possible only when women take charge, challenge norms and claim their space to reshape industries.

Lastly, it’s important for women to believe that they are not alone. The power of solidarity transcends borders, where unity among women fosters resilience, strength and collective progress. Malala Yousafzai, Activist says, “I think realizing that you’re not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world is vital.”

No challenge is insurmountable when women stand together. Shared struggle becomes half, and transforms into victories, paving way and uplifting countless in the journey to success.

To the women of the world, we wish you a Happy Women’s Day. May you light shine bright always.