The Influence Of The Influential Women

I have arrived, right? I am on the top of my game. Some say I am influential. It is all good, but what is the scope of my influence? How many people am I inspiring? How am I affecting positive change? These are the questions successful women ask themselves regularly. They are very conscious that their sphere of influence extends to making a positive change.

When one speaks of positive change, it could be championing a cause and giving back to the community. It could also be a simple act of mentoring a junior employee and opening a door for her by making an introduction at the workplace. Some traits are common to the most successful women across sectors. They are hardworking, for example, even risk-takers in some instances, driven and intelligent. But all of them have one thing in common, that is, they have made giving or affecting positive change central to their way of life.

The List This Year

Positive change is definitely one aspect that BW Businessworld considered when it began its annual ritual of acknowledging inspiring women across sectors. The aim was to celebrate women leaders who are driving sustainable growth across India and beyond. The list comprises industry captains who continue to shine bright on the back of their consistent hard work. There are the champions who further fuel this growth. There are torchbearers who have taken on the mantle and have all eyes on them for sustained growth going ahead. There are also leaders without whom such a list wouldn’t be complete such as Nita Ambani, Zia Modi, Swati Piramal, and Neerja Birla, who are an inspiration to millions of women and continue to impact the business and social fabric of India.

Staying true to the focus on acknowledging young achievers every year, the BW Most Influential Women list has included upwards of 30 new names in the power list. These leaders have in the past year proved their mettle in their respective fields.

This year, there are, of course, the doyennes and the distinguished. As the first woman from a tribal community to hold the office of President of India, Droupadi Murmu serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions of marginalised individuals around the world. Her elevation to the highest echelons of power symbolises the triumph of merit over privilege and the recognition of talent irrespective of background or social status.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s journey radiates resilience and intellect. As finance minister, she has spearheaded transformative policies, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Her tenure has witnessed bold initiatives in infrastructure and investment, shaping a vibrant economic landscape. Advocating gender equality, she breaks stereotypes, inspiring empowerment. Her legacy resonates in fostering inclusive growth and fiscal prudence.

The list also celebrates the culturati for their contribution. Over the years, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor Rani Mukerji has captured the hearts of viewers across the globe. Looking at the list of films this powerful performer picks, one can see the focus on promoting the concept of strong women. 

India And Gender Equality

Corporate India is prioritising gender equity. Things are changing for the better as more women leaders enter the boardrooms. Women are mentors to other women. There is progress, but is this across all sectors?

What about rural India? Are all the girls getting educated? The Global Gender Gap report from last year saw Southern Asia get the second-lowest score of the eight regions, with 63.4 per cent gender parity. India was ranked 127th among 146 countries overall, 26th on the education metric, and 142nd on economic participation and opportunity as well as health and survival. These are worrying statistics, and if India is to be the largest economy and compete on the world stage, the country needs to pay attention to gender equality. The time for change has begun, but several steps are now needed to accelerate it.