Today as we look forward to celebrating our 76th Independence Day, I am reminded of our past when the life of an Indian was determined solely by one’s caste, birth, gender and not many dared to cross the lines.
She was born, and it caused disappointment in the family, she was expected to help her mother with chores, she could not possibly get an education like her brother, who went to school each day, then she had to get married off at a tender age, she could not decide whom she wanted to marry, she was expected to eat only once her husband had finished his meal, it was HER fault if the house had not been ‘blessed’ by the birth of a boy, and all she had to do was stay at home, all she had to do was remain quiet, not question society, and fulfill her household “duties”.
Then we heard the stories of Savitribaiphule, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi and others who dared to cross the line, dared to speak up, and thus paved the path for women’s education & rights and India’s independence as well.
As times changed more and more women broke the stereotypical shackles of the challenging society, and wanted to be heard, to establish the rights of women and give them an opportunity, an identity. It was not easy for any of them to get their footing but what was common to all is that they never gave up, and they finally ended up tasting the fruits of their labor, after years of hard work to change the societal norms.
Today, here are quotes from some of the leading women entrepreneurs of India:
Kiran Mazundar Shaw says that as a woman entrepreneur, she had to build her credibility. She no longer calls herself a ‘woman’ business leader. She has fought through many credibility hurdles and has got here after a lot of hard work and struggle. Kiran is the Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon Ltd, and has received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan in 1989 and 2005.
Falguni Nayar communicates to everyone across India who ever had a dream, especially women, that the Nykaa journey of an Indian-born, Indian-owned and Indian-managed can inspire each and everyone one to be the Nykaa of their lives.
Falguni Nayar is the proud Founder and CEO of the much famous cosmetic supplier brand, that is completely Indian by nature, Nykaa.
Indra Nooyi has empowered women by saying this powerful line-
Women are helping, coaching and mentoring each other. They provide tips to each other. This is a great way for them to be their own force.
Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsico (past) and currently a part of the Board of Directors at Amazon and Others
Today because of our families and our schooling we get opportunities in diverse fields and activities but many girls do not enjoy these rights and continue to be the disadvantaged ones compared to their brothers not only in villages but also in cities. It is the duty of us as the privileged ones to draw inspiration from these women who have been leaders and done their part, and do our bit too towards contributing to empower the upcoming generation of women.
So this Independence day, let’s celebrate the transformation in the status of women in the last 75 years and strive to bring about an exponential transformation in the coming years too.
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