Women Disruptors’ roadmap for ‘Accelerating Action’ for gender equality in India

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, the role of women as disruptors and change-makers is more significant than ever. While discussions on equality have gained momentum over the years, the focus must now shift toward meaningful action. Adgully is set to together leaders committed to accelerating gender equality and empowering women across industries through its premier event – Women Disruptors – which will be held in Mumbai on April 11, 2025.

Ahead of the event, Adgully spoke to industry trailblazers: Sanjali Giri, Chief Business Officer - International Brands, House of Beauty; Kanishka Jain, Founder, Dromen & Co, Apothecary; Mini Sood Banerjee, Head of Marketing & Assistant Director, Amorepacific India; and Leshna Shah, Founder & CEO, Irasva Fine Jewellery, who share their perspectives on what it truly means to “Accelerate Action” for gender equality. From challenging workplace biases to ensuring equal leadership opportunities and leveraging digital platforms for empowerment, these women leaders outline the crucial steps needed to drive lasting change.

Sanjali Giri, Chief Business Officer - International Brands, House of Beauty, emphasizes on the need to move beyond conversations to drive real, meaningful change. She asserts that beauty transcends appearance, encompassing confidence, empowerment, and self-expression. “At House of Beauty, “Accelerate Action” involves breaking barriers and championing inclusivity to ensure every woman feels unstoppable,” she says.

Kanishka Jain, Founder, Dromen & Co, Apothecary, interprets “Accelerate Action” as empowering women through self-care, confidence, and sustainability. As a woman founder, she champions clean beauty and inclusivity, aiming to accelerate positive change because when women thrive, the world shines brighter.

Mini Sood Banerjee, Head of Marketing & Assistant Director, Amorepacific India, views “Accelerate Action” as an urgent call to move beyond awareness to take bold steps in breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities. She advocates for building a world where women are empowered across all industries, emphasizing immediate action to drive meaningful progress toward gender equality.

Key Areas Requiring Accelerated Action for Gender Equality

Sanjali Giri identifies three critical areas:

• Challenging Bias: Recognizing women for their skills and expertise, free from outdated gender norms.
• Skill Development and Mentorship: Providing equal access to training and leadership programs to empower women to lead.
• Equal Representation: Ensuring women have seats at decision-making tables across all industries.

Kanishka Jain highlights:

• Equal Pay: Ensuring fair wages for women.
• Leadership Opportunities: Providing women with seats at decision-making tables.
• Work-Life Balance: Offering flexibility to help women thrive both personally and professionally.

Mini Sood Banerjee emphasizes:

• Equal Pay & Career Growth: Implementing fair pay and transparent promotion opportunities.
• Supportive Workplace Policies: Introducing flexible work arrangements and comprehensive parental leave.
• More Women in Leadership: Actively mentoring and promoting female talent into leadership positions.

Empowering Women in Leadership for an Inclusive Organization

Sanjali Giri underscores the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, advocating for flexible work policies to support work-life balance, and amplifying women’s voices to foster an environment where their contributions are valued.

Leshna Shah, Founder & CEO, Irasva Fine Jewellery, believes in recognizing women’s inherent capabilities and providing equal opportunities based on merit, not gender. She emphasizes that true inclusivity involves hiring women across all levels without reservations.

Kanishka Jain focuses on fostering mentorship, ensuring fair pay, promoting flexible work, and creating an inclusive environment where women’s voices are amplified, leading to a future where every woman feels empowered.

Mini Sood Banerjee highlights the need for equal opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive culture. She stresses on the importance of recognizing and amplifying women's voices, offering leadership training, and supporting work-life balance to create a truly inclusive organization.

Accelerating Women's Empowerment in the Digital Era

Sanjali Giri emphasizes on the commitment to ensuring women have the tools and opportunities to thrive online, advocating for digital literacy and inclusivity to drive lasting change.

Leshna Shah highlights the power of celebrating women and amplifying their achievements through digital platforms, using social media to spotlight remarkable women and their stories.

Kanishka Jain advocates providing women with knowledge, visibility, and access to technology and online opportunities, emphasizing the importance of representation to inspire others.

Mini Sood Banerjee calls for prioritizing equal access to technology and digital education, encouraging women to engage in tech-related fields, and utilizing digital platforms to amplify women’s voices and provide networking opportunities.