“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress women have achieved.” - Dr B R Ambedkar
The year 2020 is all about women's rights and equality, taking the catbird's seat. This year's International Women's Day theme is, "I am generation equality – realizing women's rights." It took decades for a conversation to happen on getting the corsets off, coming out with campaigns like #metoo, normalising all kinds of body types and colours, embracing differences, speaking about gender equality, inclusion, and raising a voice against what was not okay.
We still have a long way to go!
. Although, as a silver lining, there is hope, and there is a conversation.
With equality taking centre stage this year, on this day, we want to mention every woman’s name right from Savitribai Phule to Malala Yousafzai for taking the first step that created history. They were the feminists at a time when the societies needed them the most. While measuring their achievements, inspiration seems a small word. These women’s contributions are a revolution and a symbol of resilience.
On this special day, let us look at some of India’s women entrepreneurs from who brought positive change into effect through extraordinary steps:
Chetna Gala Sinha: The Reformist
She founded Mann DeshiSahakari Bank, a one-of-a-kind bank run for and by rural women in the drought-stricken area of Mann village, Mhaswad district of Maharashtra. A crusader herself, she headed straight to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) demanding a co-operative license to run the bank. Today, the Mann Deshi Bank has over a lakh account holders and a working capital of INR 150 crore with branches spread across Maharashtra.
Aditi Gupta: The Initiator
What started as a thesis project while studying in the National Institute of Design (NID) went on to become a full-fledged organisation called ‘Menstrupedia’. It creates awareness and busts the myths around menstruation.
“After working for three years in the e-learning industry and having saved some money as an initial investment, we quit our jobs and started working full time on Menstrupedia from August 2013,” says Aditi. The magazine is available in seven languages and 30 schools across India.
Pabiben Rabari: The Entrepreneurial
Pabiben Rabari hails from Kutch, Gujarat. She founded Pabiben.com and employed 60 women who work over 25 designs inspiring several women of the village to earn for themselves and feel empowered. She created a decorative embroidery which was known as ‘Hari Jari’ and turned it on a sample shopping bag that went on to become a hit, popularly known as the ‘Pabi bag’.
Falguni Nayar: The Strategist
An IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, Falguni Nayar was happily enjoying the position of Managing Director at Kotak Mahindra Capital Company when she decided to take the plunge. She quit her lucrative job to form her very own e-commerce portal for beauty and fashion. Nykaa was founded in 2012 and today has generated employment for several women.
"A multi-brand retailer, selling the best beauty, plus a lot of education to help customers...I wanted to stand for those women who want to be beautiful for themselves, not for men or other women," says Falguni.
Hemalatha Annamalai: The Influencer
Known for her zest for life and fearless attitude, she is backed by two of the biggest business tycoons Ratan Tata and Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalkrishnan. She founded the Ampere Vehicles that manufactures electric vehicles, scooters and specially designed vehicles for the differently-abled. An entrepreneur with a sense of purpose, she is a mastermind and an inspiration to many.
Women are synonymous to strength! We hope to see women flourish and thrive on making the world a better place. Happy International Women’s Day!
