EAM Jaishankar’s UK trip highlights trade, technology and people links
I
Jaishankar is on an official visit to the
March 9 During his visit, he will engage
diplomatic and strategic ties with both nations The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India and the UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has grown across key sectors,
education, and cultural ties Continued on page 18
As the world unites to amplify gender equality and advocate for accelerated action toward women s representation in all aspects of life with International Women s Day, the anniversary of Sarah Everard’s death on March 3rd should weigh heavily on our collective conscience
Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive, was raped and murdered by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens as she walked home in South London on March 3, 2021 Her tragic death brought global attention to violence against women and girls, embodying the fears of women worldwide
Subhasini Naicker
inaugurates and visits Vantara
Indian External Affairs Minister
S Jaishankar and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds
King Charles III with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky
Anusha Singh
I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ’ s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8th, is a global celebration of the social, e c o n o m i c , c u
women
It also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongo-
Empower. Act. Accelerate
ing fight for gender equality and the need to address p e r s i s t e n t c h a l l e n g e s A t t h e c u r r e n t p a c e o f p r o g r e s s , a c h i e v i n g f u
until 2158-nearly five generations from now, according to the World Economic
Redefining ethical tourism through community-led experiences
Subhasini Naicker
J a y n i Gu d ka i s a s o ci a l e nt repre ne ur d edi cated to ma ki ng t ourism mo re inclusi ve fo r ma rgi na lised communiti es In 20 23, she fo und ed Sama Sama Internati onal a fte r de velo ping a t oolki t f or e thicall y co-cr eati ng walki ng tours wit h th ese communi tie s She al so lea ds Unse en T ou r s , a mu l t i - a wa r d - wi n ni ng socia l e nte rpri se tha t e mpowers p eople af fecte d by ho melessne ss t o curate a nd lea d London tour s
S p e a k i n g t o A s i a n V o i c e , Jayni discusses about her journey as a social entrepreneur, action to accelerate inclusivity in the tourism industry and more Can you tell us about your journey as a social entrepreneur? What inspired you to create Sama Sama International?
M y j o u r n e y a s a s o c i a l entrepreneur happened by accident Working with international NGOs and UK charities, I saw communities being spoken about but rarely given a voice The joy
o f h e a r i n g t h e i r s t o r i e s , c o mbined with my commitment to social justice, became a turning p o i n t f o r m e S a m a S a m a International was born from this vision "Sama Sama," meaning "together" in Bahasa Indonesia,
r e f l e c t s o u r m i s s i o n t o c r e a t e inclusive spaces where underrepresented communities can share
t h e i r o w n s t o r i e s t h r o u g h tourism experiences we co-create Using tourism and story-
t e l l i n g a s t o o l s f o r e m p o w e rm e n t , w e e n s u r e o v e r l o o k e d voices shape their own narratives At the core is ‘maitri’ universal friendship I believe genuine connections foster stronger, more compassionate communities, and that’s what drives me every day
Women entrepreneurs often have to break barriers in male-dominated industries What has your experience been like as a female leader in the tourism sector?
Though women make up 54% of the global tourism workforce, tourism, like many other sectors, has gendered power dynamics, meaning that women only make 23% of leadership roles in the sector Having said this, I’ve been
r e a l l y f o r t u n a t e t o h a v e h a d i n c r e d i b l e m e n t o r s a n d m a l e allies who have opened up many doors and opportunities for me, and given me great advice along the way Being a woman in this s p a c e h a s b e e n a n a d v a n t a g e , enabling me to create inclusive tourism models and build genu i n e c o
F o r u m . W o m e n c o n t i n u
to face wage gaps, limited access to education, workplace discrimination, and gender-based violence.
International Women's Day provides a platform to confront these issues and drive meaningful change. T
empowerment While
bold action and collective
pose, and uplifting voices that need to be heard
If you could make one major change in the tourism industry today, what would it be and why? If I could make one major change in the tourism industry today, it would be to put local
c o m m u n i t i e s a t t h e c e n t r e o f decision-making Not only does it make for a much more interesting experience for visitors, but i t a l s o e n s u r e s
community Tourism should be m o r e t h a n j u s t s e e i n g t h e world it should help change it for the better That begins by shifting the narrative, decision-
m a k i n g p o w e r , a n d e c o n o m i c benefits to the communities at the heart of these experiences
What key actions need to be taken to accelerate inclusivity in the tourism industry? How can governments, businesses, and travellers contribute?
T o o o f t e n , t o u r i s m i s designed and controlled by large corporations, governments, and e x t e r n a l i n v e s t o r s w h i l e t h e people who actually live in these
d e s t i n a t i o n s h a v e l i t t l e s a y i n how tourism affects their lives, cultures, and environments This leads to exploitation, displacement, and a tourism model that prioritises profit over people We’d like to see governments supporting community-led initiatives like ours, so that diverse h i s t o r i e s a n d p e r s p e c t i v e s a r e brought into tourism offerings, which make for richer and more memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike We’d like to see businesses focus on working with community-based tourism organisations, fairly compensati n g t h e s e c o m m u n i t i e s , a n d including them in decision making and leadership opportunities And we’d like to see travellers
c h o o s e t o u r o p e r a t o r s a n d accommodation providers that a r e e m p l o y e d f r o m t h e l o c a l community and prioritised social impact Ultimately, inclusivity in tourism is about making sure
t h a t l o c a l s b e n e f i t f r o m t h e industry, and are not excluded from it
progress and create lasting impact
By prioritising swift and effective measures, we can break down barriers, chal-
future for all.
GENDER EQUALITY NEEDS ACTION NOW
This violence is a stark reminder that no matter how much progress is made in gender equality, it means little if women remain unsafe not only outside but also in places like their homes and workplaces, unable to trust even those meant to protect them, including the police
If there is one area in dire need of immediate, tangible change, it is in policing and the protection of women When gender becomes a vulnerability, no revolutionary stride in gender equality can truly matter
Sophie Francis-Cansfield, Head of Policy at Women’s Aid, emphasised the urgent need to reform policing She noted that while numerous investigations and reports have provided potential solutions, real, measurable change is overdue
“Since Sarah’s murder, we ’ ve seen countless other cases of police-perpetrated violence against women and girls (VAWG), leaving women ’ s trust in the police at an all-time low Urgent action needs to be taken to address the systemic failures within policing so that women can get the justice they deserve ”
Francis-Cansfield referenced several reports and investigations, including the Angiolini Inquiry and the Baroness Casey Review, which uncovered institutional misogyny, racism, and homophobia contributing to a failure to protect women and children, particularly those from Black, minoritised, and migrant communities She called on police forces to accept Lady Angiolini’s recommendation to adopt antisexist, anti-misogynist, and anti-racist practices through mandatory training and the involvement of expert organisations in recruitment and vetting processes
“Additionally, police forces need to hold officers and staff accused of misconduct accountable to safeguard women and families impacted by VAWG from further harm,” she added
New data from the domestic abuse charity Refuge also highlights the underestimation of domestic abuse s prevalence and just how dire the situation is when it comes to crime against women Only a quarter of UK adults (26%) are aware that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime While nearly 80% of people would report physical abuse, awareness of less apparent forms of abuse such as coercive and controlling
behavior, as well as technologyfacilitated, economic, and psychological abuse is far lower Just 39% of people say they would report these less understood forms of abusive behavior
Beyond safety concerns, women also face significant disparities in business leadership and financial representation Women hold only 28% of senior management roles globally, and female entrepreneurs receive just 2% of venture capital funding According to the Global Payroll Association (GPA), among the world's 100 richest billionaires, only 15 are women, whose combined wealth is $587 billion compared to the $4 4 trillion held by the 85 men
Notably, the UK is absent from the rankings altogether, as none of the world’s top 100 wealthiest billionaires hail from the UK meaning no British women are represented Melanie Pizzey, CEO and Founder of the Global Payroll Association, very rightly pointed out, "Look at how stark the gender gap is among the world’s richest people Fifteen women and eighty-five men; and of those few women, you ’ re hard pressed to find even one who hasn’t amassed their fortune through inheritance or marriage
Compare this with the number of ‘self-made’ billionaire men on the list, and it becomes clear that gender equality, while significantly improved over recent years, has not yet infiltrated the ranks of the ultrawealthy Why have no self-made women amassed fortunes large
Minister for Equalities, Seema Malhotra MP, said, "This International Women’s Day 2025, the Government is accelerating action to transform the lives of all women by breaking down barriers to opportunity
"From growing the economy, to keeping our streets safe, women are central to all our missions This Government will work tirelessly to put more money in the pockets of working women, which includes going further and faster to close the gender pay gap.
"We have also committed to the
enough to appear on the list? We know it’s not because they don’t have the skills, ideas, or work ethic to compare to men, so there must be some other forces at play ”
These inequalities are driven by gender pay gaps, career breaks for caregiving, and limited access to financial resources Women earn about 82 cents for every dollar men make, affecting savings, retirement, and financial stability Bridging this gap requires a focus on pay equity, improved access to funding, leadership support, and financial literacy initiatives
Empowering women in business is not only a matter of equality it is critical for economic growth and societal progress
While the urgency of ensuring women's safety and financial independence cannot be overstated, it is equally important to recognise and celebrate the strides being made in other areas From increased representation of women in politics and leadership roles to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, education, and social justice, positive change is happening Grassroots movements, advocacy groups, and everyday allies are driving momentum toward a more equitable world Every step forward, whether big or small, is a testament to the resilience, strength, and potential of women everywhere What truly matters is that progress continues and that each positive change brings us closer to a society where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality
ambition to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, and we will do everything in our power to achieve this. This will involve focusing on prevention, as well as providing better support for victims throughout the justice system "
Jayni Gudka
Seema Malhotra
Impact of makeup on confidence, identity, and self-love
Subhasini Naicker
A arti P h as spent a d ecade
m astering hair and m akeup artistry, earning acco lades a nd r ec o g ni ti o
m ajo r brand s Her p assion began as a teenager when m akeup bo osted her confid ence Now, she focuses on
s i m p l if yi n g b ea u ty, e m p o w er in g
the
I
Asian Voice, Aarti discusses the challenges of being a South Asian makeup artist, t h e c o n
p
more
What inspired you to become a makeup artist, and how did you start your journey?
I've always been drawn
t o t h e t r a n s f o r m a t i v e power of makeup how it enhances features, tells a
s t o r y , a n d b o o s t s c o n f idence Inspired by South
A s i a n b e a u t y t r
vibrant lips, I often struggled to find products that
t r u l y c o m p l e m e n t e d o u
skin tones That gap fuelled
m
e u p artistry After training at top beauty institutions, I realised the industry lacked education on diverse skin
t o n e s T h i s l e d m e t o l a u n c
Beauty Collective a platform advocating for better
g South Asian beauty Today, as a makeup artist, consultant, and educator, I work
t o e n s u r e o u r b e a u t y i s s e e n , v a l u e d , a n d u n d e rstood
What challenges have you faced as a South Asian makeup artist, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the industry's lack of understanding of South Asian skin tones and features Early in my
career, I noticed that many p
e undertones There’s still a misconception that South Asian beauty fits into one shade range when, in reality, it’s incredibly diverse
T o a d d r e s s t h i s , I m a d e education a core part of my m i s s
train artists on undertone
also created spaces for our
ences, ensuring future gen-
and face fewer barriers
brands still struggle with S o u t h A s i a n u n d e r t o n e s , creating shades that appear too ashy or too orange The lack of South Asian professionals in decision-making roles also means our needs a r e n ’ t a l w a y s p r i o r i t i s e d
Through the South Asian Beauty Collective, I work with brands to ensure rep-
trend but a lasting commit-
authenticity
How do you think makeup impacts confidence and selfexpression, especially for South Asian women?
For many South Asian women, makeup is more than just beauty it’s a cultural touchstone From sindoor and kajal worn in tradition to bold red lipstick passed down through generations, it has always been
South Asian women were made to feel their features
celebrating our brown skin,
"One of the biggest challenges has been the industry's lack of understanding of South Asian skin tones and features. "
Do you think the mainstream beauty industry has become more inclusive of South Asian features and skin tones?
l o n g w a y t o g o W h i l e South Asian representation
i n b e a u t y c a m p a i g n s i s growing and shade ranges are expanding, true inclusivity goes beyond foundat i o n s h a d e s i t r e q u i r e s real understanding Many
Simple tips for a flawless look
S peaking about skincare prep before app lying makeup , A arti said, “Prepp ing the skin properly is the key to flawless m akeu p I always start by hydrating with a lightweight yet nourishing moisturiser to create a smooth base Next, I apply a primer suited to the skin type-mattifying for oily skin or hydrating for dry skin If needed, I use a peach or o r a n g e c o
which is common among South Asian women, particularly around the mouth and under the eyes Finally, SPF is a must, even under makeup, ensuring protection without leaving a white cast ”
Aarti also emphasised that the key to foundation shade matching is understanding undertones She said, “South Asian skin can have warm, neutral, or olive undertones, and choosing the right shade means looking at how it blends into your jawline in natural light I always recommend swatching multiple shades rather than settling for the first one that seems close A simple trick that instantly enhances any look? A well-placed highlighter and blush duo A golden-toned highlighter on the high points of the face and a warm peach or coral blush on the apples of the cheeks can bring a beautiful, natural radiance to South Asian skin ”
Power of women representation in the fashion industry
British Indian d esig ner Nikita K arizm a is known
f o r h er i nno v ati v e
d e si g n s a nd c u tt in gedge style Wh ile studying fashion, she receiv ed h e r fi rs t o r d er fr o m
L i tt le M i x, u s i ng th e earnings to launch her ow n brand Since then, h e r la be l h a s g ro w n rapid ly, dressing num ero us celebrities, i nc luding Paris Hilton fo r her m us ic v id eo wi th Ki m Kard ashian
I n a n i n t e r v i e w w i t h Asian Voice, Nikita discusses how her British-Indian identity influenced her creative process, representation of South Asian women and more Your desig ns are know n for their innovative, blend -cut aesthetics Ho w d oes your B ri ti s h -I nd ia n id ent it y influence your creative p rocess and help your p ieces stand out?
My signature style aesthetic is glamour mixed in w i t h e d g y r e b e l l i o n M y British-Indian identity is at the heart of my creative proc e s s , s h a p i n g t h e w a y I approach design, craftsmans h i p , a n d s t o r y t e l l i n g
Growing up in London with S o u t h A s i a n r o o t s , I w a s immersed in a fusion of cultures This duality inspires my work, from the structured cuts and contemporary silhouettes to the rich t e x t u r e s , e m b e l l i s h m e n t s , a n d p r i n t s i n f l u e n c e d b y
kohl-rimmed eyes is both empowering and transformative Makeup not only
but also reclaims styles that
winged liner or a subtle, radiant glow, true confidence comes from embracing your look on your own terms
What actions do you think organisations need to take to “accelerate action” and break barriers for women in leadership, especially in the beauty industries?
T h e b e a u t y
n d u s t r y has long been shaped by a narrow definition of beauty, often side-lining diverse voices To break barriers, true inclusivity is needed at
other diverse voices in leadership roles, ensuring decis i o n - m a k
s g e n u i n e l y understand different communities rather than offering token representation Investing in education and training is crucial, equipping artists to work with diverse skin tones and hair textures Meaningful collaborations with community experts, rather than performative inclusivity, can drive real change
m a k e w o m
Empowerment is about the freedom to express without limits fashion isn’t about fitting a mould but owning w h o y o u a r e , c e l e b r
your identity, and making a
every piece to embody
What are yo ur thoug hts o n th e rep resentation of South Asian women in the g lobal fa sh i o n i nd u s try ? D o yo u th ink th ere ’ s still a g ap in visibility?
T h e r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f South Asian women in the global fashion industry has grown in recent years We are seeing more South Asian models, designers, and crea t i v e s s t e p p i n g i n t o t h e spotlight Fashion should be a space where all voices are seen, heard, and valued as an integral part of the industry’s fabric We can inspire the next generation to take u p s p a c e , r e d e f i n e b e a u t y s t a n d a r d s , a n d c e l e b r a t e
"My British-Indian identity is at the heart of my creative process, shaping the way I approach design, craftsmanship, and storytelling."
South Asian craftsmanship Fashion is a form of selfexpression, and my designs reflect a balance of heritage and innovation with pieces that celebrate culture while feeling new and globally relevant
M a ny o f yo u r c o ll ec ti o ns em p o we r w om en th rou g h bold silhouettes and statement pieces How d o you u se fa sh i on as a to o l fo r fem ale emp owerment?
F a s h i o n i s a p o w e r f u l language, and I use it to celebrate strength, confidence, a n d i n d i v i d u a l i t y M y designs are created with the i n t e n t i o n o f e m p o w e r i n g women through chic silhouettes, statement details, and pieces that make the wearer feel fearless, unapologetic, and in control of their narr a t i v e I b e l i e v e f a s h i o n shapes how we carry ours e l v e s a n d s t e p i n t o t h e world Whether it’s power tailoring, sculpting corsetry, or bold chainmail co-ords, e v e r y d e s i g n i s m e a n t t o
team that shares my passion and values has been invaluable
M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y , I’ve realised that success in fashion is about creati n g y o u r o w n p a t h , embracing your uniquen e s s , a n d u s i n g y o u r voice to inspire others T h a t ’ s w h a t k e e p s m e motivated every day We often talk about suppo rti ng w om en in th e ind u stry, bu t acti on is ke y Wh at s te p s sh o u l d brand s, d esigners and industry le ad ers tak e to
their cultural identity with pride I’m excited to be part o f t h i s m o v e m e n t , a n d I hope my work encourages more people of diverse backgrounds to step into fashion with confidence and visibility As a wom an in the fashio n i nd u s tr y, w h at a re t h e bigg est lesso ns or wisd om yo u ’ v e g ai n ed t h ro u g h o u t your career?
The fashion industry is f a s t - p a c e d , e v e r - c h a n g i n g , and filled with challenges, b u t o n e o f t h e b i g g e s t lessons I’ve learned is the p o w e r o f r e s i l i e n c e A s a w o m a n n a v i g a t i n g t h i s space, I’ve had to trust my instincts, stay true to my v i s i o n , a n d k e e p p u s h i n g f o r w a r d e s p e c i a l l y i n m o m e n t s o f u n c e r t a i n t y I’ve also learned the importance of building a strong, s u p p o r t i v e c o m m u n i t y F a s h i o n i s n ’ t j u s t a b o u t clothes, it’s about the people w h o b r i n g i d e a s t o l i f e Surrounding myself with a
where women feel valued is essential True change hap-
another women in
open doors for diverse
n
v e r competition is key when one rises, we all do Fashion shapes culture, and by committing to this, we ensure women don’t just participate but lead the industry Wh at adv ice would you giv e to emerging fem ale d esig ners, especially So uth Asian creatives, striv ing to break i nto th
mark? T o e m e r
l e designers and South Asian creatives, my biggest advice is: own your narrative and s
o n Your cultural background is a strength, it gives you a unique perspective that the world needs to
global stage This industry is competitive, and rejection is part of the journey Learn from setbacks, keep refining your craft, and stay persistent Success doesn’t happen
forward counts Find your community Surround yourself
Nikita Karizma
Aarti P
FROM WORDS TO ACTION
Driving change for women in 2025
The annual Women In Conversation panel discussion, hosted by Asian Voice in partnership with the Royal Air Force, will be held on 10 March 2024 at Edwardian I, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, London
Aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, "Accelerate Action," the discussion will focus on the systemic barriers and biases that women encounter in both their personal and professional lives It will emphasise the urgent need for swift, decisive action to advance gender equality.
Mamta
Saha believes that human potential thrives when people feel seen, valued, and empowered Her journey into leadership, DEI, and personal empowerment was shaped by lived experiences navigating spaces where she felt different, learning to turn that difference into a strength, and witnessing firsthand the systemic barriers that hold people back.
As a facilitator, executive coach, and DEI learning and development expert, she sees DEI not as a side initiative
b u t a s t h e f o u n d a t i o n o f strong leadership For her, true inclusion means creating cultures where people
succeed but can belong and thrive
gender equality
What urgent actions must organisations take to “accelerate action” and break barriers for women in leadership?
A
s
n s t a l k about gender diversity, but progress stalls because the r e a l w o r k , s h i f t i n g p o w e r structures and challenging biases feels uncomfortable
T h e m o s t u r g e n t a c t i o n ?
A c c o u n t a b i l i t y a t t h e t o p Leaders need to ask themselves: Are we creating real opportunities for women, or just celebrating the few who managed to break through?
S p o n s o r s h i p o v e r m e n t o r -
ship Women don’t just need advice; they need decision-
makers advocating for them in the rooms they’re not in
Measure what matters Track not just how many women are hired but how m a n y a r e p r o m o t e d , retained, and given decisionm a k i n g p o w e r R e i m a g i n e leadership norms Challenge t h e i d e a t h a t l e a d e r s h i p l o o k s a c e r t a i n w a y (assertive, relentless, alwayson) Women shouldn’t have to adopt traditionally masculine traits to be seen as capable If companies truly w a n t t o a c c e l e r a t e a c t i o n
they must stop treating gender equity as a project and embed it into how business is done
“Women shouldn’t have to adopt traditionally masculine traits to be seen as capable.”
What challenges do companies face in retaining and promoting women in leadership, and how can they move beyond “checking the box” on gender diversity?
Companies often struggle with retention because they focus on increasing the number of women in leadership rather than improving t
p
i e n c
M
n y women in leadership roles face the "Only" Effect, where they are the sole woman in the room, leading to isolation and increased scrutiny Additionally, Broken Rung
As a local councillor, charity founder, and community leader, Meenal Sachdev has dedicated her career to driving meaningful change. Whether advocating for fairness in policing, fighting human trafficking through the Shiva Foundation, or supporting grassroots initiatives in India, her work is rooted in action not just conversation
Syndrome prevents women from advancing beyond midcareer positions, as compan
level gender diversity while neglecting the barriers that exist earlier Workplace policies, such as flexible working
place, but women still feel p
and despite DEI initiatives, microaggressions persist To
organisations need to fix the system, not women Instead of offering more resilience training, workplaces should
be based on clear, transparent criteria rather than subjective leadership potential,
nies must embed account-
metrics to real progress in diversity
What’s your advice for women striving to break barriers?
O
often, women wait until they feel 100% ready or qualified before stepping forward, but confidence isn’t a requirement for action; it’s a result of it Speak up before you ’ re comfortable Take the seat
b
pared Advocate for yourself as fiercely as you do for others And most importantly, don’t walk the journey alone Find people who champion you, and be that champion for others True empower-
l shares her insights on accelerating progress for women, ensuring that policies translate into real impact With a firm belief that equality is b u i l t t h r o u g h s y s t e m i c change, community engagement, and personal responsib i l i t y , s h e d i s c u s s e s t h e urgent steps needed to create s a f e r , f a i r e r s p a c e s f o r women everywhere
Accelerate Action is about tangible steps toward gender equity. From your experience, what are the most critical actions that governments, businesses, and communities must take? A c c e l e r a
g g e n d e r e q u i t y r e q u i r e s c o n c r e t e actions from governments, businesses, and communities w o r k i n g t o g e t h e r W h i l e International Women's Day often brings powerful conversations and goals, persist e n t i s s u e s l i k e d o m e s t i c abuse, modern slavery, and early marriage remain preval e n t R e a l p r o g r e s s b e g i n s with listening to the voices of women and those affected by these challenges It's crucial for all sectors to collaborate, channel resources and funding toward gender equity initiatives, and effectively evaluate their success
Governments must crea t e a n d e
Businesses should promote gender equality in the workplace by offering fair opport
respected and valued
Ultimately, the key is to develop strategies that are not just effective in the short term but also sustainable in the long term True change involves building systems of support that address the root causes of inequality, ensuring that progress does not stall but continues to grow, creating a fairer and more inclusive world for all
Access to quality education and training is key to advancing women and girls
How can we accelerate efforts to close the gender gap in STEM, business, and other male-dominated fields?
To advance women and girls in fields like STEM and b u s i n
, w e m u s t f i r s t ensure that all governments prioritise girls' education and take concrete steps to supp o r t
a l step is crucial to closing the gender gap Once we secure that commitment, the next focus should be on addressing specific gaps in areas like
incentives for girls to enter these fields
“Advocacy by women for women can break barriers and open more opportunities.”
Governments can offer scholarships and create programs that encourage girls to pursue careers in male-dom-
and universities should also provide mentorship and supp
r inspiring young women to explore these opportunities
In addition, women supporting each other in these fields plays a significant role Experienced women profess
girls, share their experiences, and create networks that foster growth and confidence A d v o c a c y b
and open more opportunities I believe, by combining government support, educat i o
work-building, we can make substantial progress toward c l o s i n g
STEM, business, and other traditionally male-dominate
next generation of women leaders
What challenges have you faced as a woman in leadership, and how did you overcome them? What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles but facing systemic barriers?
Leadership aside, just as a woman, I've at times faced various challenges, particularly in politics Navigating these spaces hasn't always been easy, but I've overcome certain barriers by building strong self-belief and understanding the value of mentorship I quickly learned to i
invaluable in helping me overcome obstacles
For young women aspiring to enter leadership roles despite systemic barriers, my advice is to remember that
where
and women are
Systemic barriers
Whatcan be done to “accelerate action” when it comes to gender equality?
According Dr Shriti Pattani OBE, the National Clinical Expert in Occupational Health and Wellbeing for NHS England, it’s the women who need to take the lead
She highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women, particularly in fields where credibility and authority are often assumed to belong to men and underscored how these biases can create additional hurdles, making women more hesitant to assert themselves, whether in professional settings or in advocating for fair financial compensation
“I believe that sometimes it’s women themselves who lack the confidence to take action
While we have policies in place and recognise that men often have an advantage, there are still persistent challenges”, she said
Of the many aspects that can help “accelerate action”, Dr Pattani believes that firstly, it is important for women to feel empowered to ask for what they are worth Secondly, those with tenure need to act as role models for the next generation of women
“We need to show them that success is possible and guide them on how to negotiate and advocate for themselves ” At the same time, she believes that self-care needs to be taken seriously because too often, women take on more responsibilities at work while continuing to manage everything at home, without allowing themselves to offload tasks
“Taking care of our own well-being is not selfish; it’s essential”, she highlighted
With self-care in mind, she noted that mental health, particularly stress, is a major concern for women Juggling childcare, elder care, household duties, and careers while
also facing disproportionate societal pressures only adds to the strain Often, women take on too much, finding it difficult to say "no " Dr Pattani’s advice?
Delegation is key, and it’s important to remember that it’s okay to have an off day “Women often feel the need to push through, but acknowledging when you need a break is essential”, she said
Further advocating for a change, she said, “Women face challenges throughout their working lives due to different stages of the fertility cycle However, these experiences also make us incredibly versatile A little support from employers can go a long way in easing these challenges Given that women make up 50% of the workforce, providing support isn’t just beneficial
“Women often feel the need to push through, but acknowledging when you need a break is essential.”
When it comes to physical health challenges particular to women, she feels that there is more awareness with conversations being more open and generalised but she also acknowledges that discussion alone doesn’t always lead to action, and that remains a significant challenge
Discussing her work in the NHS, she highlighted how different industries address these challenges
“In the NHS, we openly discuss issues like heavy periods, pregnancy, and menopause While policies exist, the focus is on actively supporting employees ” Her trust offers a comprehensive occupational health and well-being service, including weekly menopause support clinics and education for managers on handling sensitive discussions This ensures a more inclusive and understanding workplace However, she noted that such support is rare outside the NHS
Many small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), which employ most of the UK workforce, lack occupational health services, leaving women without necessary resources
for employees it helps businesses optimise performance by ensuring their female employees can focus on their work without added stress ”
According to Dr Pattani, women make exceptional leaders They are nurturing, supportive, and invested in the success of those around them all natural leadership qualities “While leadership training is always beneficial, many women possess the soft skills that are crucial to effective leadership These skills, such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution, can be further refined through experience and development programs ”
However, as a woman in leadership herself, she is not aloof from the challenges “At times, I feel that I am not heard as clearly as my male counterparts I often have to work harder to achieve the same level of recognition”, she admits “At times, I feel that I am not heard as clearly as my male counterparts I often have to work harder to achieve the same level of recognition and often wonder whether a man in my position would face the same scepticism”, she further added
It’scrucial that girls see themselves represented in the past, as history has often overlooked the contributions of women, believes Shalina Patel, a historian, teacher and writer.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, the Head of Teaching and Learning at Claremont High School Academy has witnessed the impact of underrepresentation on her students This is why she prioritises bringing women ’ s stories into her lessons “Representation matters As the saying goes, ‘ you can’t be what you can’t see ’ and that inspiration can make all the difference,” she said Shalina also reinforces the importance of mentorship and positive role models “In my work, I make it a point to share a positive news story with the whole school every week, usually celebrating a remarkable woman who has achieved something significant ” According to Shalina, women ’ s stories are often missing from history for two reasons First, some women were deliberately erased and the second issue is a lack of access to education Many women throughout history couldn’t write diaries, letters, or firsthand accounts, meaning their voices are absent from archives She said, “This silencing and exclusion have shaped the history we learn today We often talk about the history of men simply because women weren’t given the opportunity to document their own experiences
“It’s all connectedwomen were denied education, political power, and even the right to vote until relatively recently Their experiences were not seen as valuable or important, and that’s why it’s so crucial to reclaim these stories now ” With the example of Noor Jahan, she explainsthe empress wielded immense power during her time, yet after her death,
male scholars and historians in the Mughal court actively suppressed her legacy They didn’t want future generations to know the extent of her influence
How can we “accelerate action” towards gender equality? For Shalina, it’s through shifting the mainstream understanding of women ’ s contributions
This means greater representation in major spaces TV, film, theatre, and beyond Seeing these stories celebrated on large platforms can make a huge difference
Similarly, in education, many assume schools are already teaching diverse histories, but that’s not the case She explains this further stating, “I always encourage people to ask the young people in their families: ‘What are you learning?’ If the only time women appear in history lessons is during the suffragette movement, that’s a serious issue Women existed before they got the vote, and their contributions deserve recognition
misogynistic influences online, and schools need structured support to combat this issue,” she explained “This requires action at the policy level ”
The biggest challenge, she noted, is regulating the content young boys consume “If they continue to be exposed to toxic ideologies that portray women as inferior, meaningful change for girls will be impossible Addressing this issue systemically is the only way forward
“Ultimately, ensuring safety for girls requires tackling harmful beliefs at their root If boys grow up believing that women are objects or second-class citizens, progress will be severely limited Addressing this issue at a systemic level is the only way forward ” She believes that we need to give girls grace to make mistakes, to explore, and to dream Especially in South Asian families, there is still a clear difference in how girls are treated compared to their brothers “I see this firsthand in schools
“If the only time women appear in history lessons is during the suffragette movement, that’s a serious issue Women existed before they got the vote, and their contributions deserve recognition.”
“To accelerate action, we must demand it Our voices need to be loud ”
As an educator, she believes one of the most crucial policy changes needed to achieve gender equity in education is providing schools with the necessary support to address incel culture While much of the conversation has focused on empowering girls, the risks facing young boys have not been fully addressed
“Many boys are being exposed to deeply
Having taught entire families over the years, I often notice the added pressure placed on daughters ”
To help girls reach their potential, parents and teachers must encourage their interests, whether it’s a new hobby, class, or unconventional path “Many still feel immense pressure from family expectations or cultural norms South Asian girls, in particular, need the space to grow and be themselves ” she said
