EMPOWERING WOMEN IN BUSINESS: BRIDGING THE LEADERSHIP GAP

Inan engaging and insightful panel discussion, Susan Ferguson, Country Representative for UN Women in India, led a conversation on the crucial role of women in economic growth and leadership.

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The panel featured two distinguished speakers: Dr. Senthamarai Gokulakrishnan, Founder of Betamonks & Yuukke Global Ventures, and Shobha Dixit, Director at ALPLA. The discussion revolved around the systemic barriers women face in business and manufacturing, as well as strategies to foster inclusive economic growth.

Recognising Women's Contributions

Opening the session, Ferguson highlighted the importance of acknowledging and celebrating women's contributions across all domains, from family to business. “As global policies and politics shift rapidly, recognising the role of women in all aspects of life is critical,” she said.

She also highlighted the stark investment gap that women-owned businesses face, referencing data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). “There is a 60% investment gap in women's micro and small businesses. Without proper investment, these businesses cannot grow to their full potential,” she pointed out.

Moreover, she stressed the need for increasing women's leadership in business. “People often say we need a critical mass of 30% to bring change, but why should we stop there? Women make up half the population, and 50% representation in leadership should be our goal,” Ferguson asserted.

Breaking Barriers in Manufacturing

Shobha Dixit shared her perspective on the challenges women face in this traditionally male-dominated sector. “Manufacturing is the backbone of any economy, and India is at a pivotal moment as it aims to become the world's third-largest economy,” she stated.

Despite the increasing participation of women in the workforce, leadership roles remain elusive. “Fifty percent of our population is women. Yet, leadership remains a challenge. We need to address the 'leaky pipeline'—the drop-off points where women exit the workforce, whether due to marriage, motherhood, or financial security from their spouse's income,” she explained.