From economists who make a difference in the way our country works to athletes dedicated to putting India on the global map, there are so many iconic individuals who we wish to shine the spotlight on. These women have powered through all the hardships that came their way and history shows that Indian women have always been leaders who smash gender barriers and work overtime to get what they deserve. Think the first prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi to Mary Kom, who is the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each of the six World Championships.
At Her Circle, we celebrate the achievements of the women of India every day. However, it is only right to shower some extra love on these amazing women who are paving the way for others in the years that have been as testing as 2020 and 2021. Over the last two years, women everywhere have faced innumerable challenges–think the pandemic, lack of access to remote and flexible work, insufficient childcare, and more. Through these trials, we’ve seen women pushing boundaries and advances in sustainability, diversity, and innovation across all industries.
Ahead, you’ll find six women who have inspired and empowered us over the last year with their drive to make a lasting difference.
1. Bhawana Kanth
Flight lieutenant Bhawana Kanth is one of the first women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force and was the first woman to take part in the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces’ tableau at the Republic Day parade in January 2021. Kanth was also a part of the IAF team that showcased the mock-ups of the light combat aircraft and helicopter and the Sukhoi-30 fighter plane.
2. Kiran Deoli Uniyal
Kiran Deoli Uniyal carved a place in history as the first Indian woman to have achieved 12 World Records in Martial Arts in speed elbow strikes and kicks. The 47-year-old mother hopes to inspire girls and women in India to take up martial arts for fitness and self-defence and aims to break the stereotypical mentality that age is a barrier when it comes to fitness. India Records and High Range Book of World Records, an ISO- and UK-accredited world record have awarded her the title of “First Woman/Female to achieve Most/Maximum Numbers of World Records in Martial Arts in India”.
3. Gita Gopinath
Mysore-born Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath became the first-ever Chief Economist at the IMF (International Monetary Fund). She was recently announced as the deputy managing director of the aforementioned organisation and will take up the role in 2022. The fund made a statement and said, “I believe that Gita—universally recognized as one of the world’s leading macroeconomists—has precisely the expertise that we need for the FDMD [First Deputy Managing Director] role at this point. Indeed, her particular skill set—combined with her years of experience at the Fund as Chief Economist—make her uniquely well qualified.”
4. Leena Nair
Leena Nair was recently announced to be Chanel’s new CEO, making her the first Indian ever to head up a luxury French house. Before her appointment, Nair was already busy making a mark for herself in the corporate world. She was the first female, first Asian, and youngest ever chief human resources officer (CHRO) of global consumer goods company Unilever.
5. P.V. Sindhu
P.V. Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals in badminton. The 26-year-old put the country on the map once more when she rose to the occasion and bagged a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The sports icon who has been playing badminton since she was eight years old said that winning the second medal was more challenging than the silver she won at Rio because of all the expectations people had from her. Sindhu said, “I would say this medal was tougher than the one I won in Rio. But if I can do it, anyone can.”
6. Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju
Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju is Karnataka’s first transwoman doctor and she dons many hats! She is an Indian LGBTQ+ advocate, medical intern, actor, content creator, and motivational speaker. She’s is very well-known for her thought-provoking conversations on transgender rights, feminism, and intersectionality on social media.
7. Mira Kulkarni
Mira Kulkarni is the founder and chief managing director of Forest Essentials, one of India’s most-loved beauty brands. The homegrown ayurvedic skin, hair, and now make-up brand is the first of its kind to go international and offer its potions and formulas in the United Kingdom. In the coming years, Kulkarni aims to launch more experiential stores to reach a wider global audience so more individuals can benefit from the goodness of Ayurveda.
Values you can learn from India’s top changemakers
There are tons of lessons we can learn from all these women but what we truly admire is their grit and determination to succeed, no matter what. The barriers that you will face will sometimes be of your own making and it is up to you to smash any and all stereotypes (think age, gender, and more). Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and take inspiration from these wonderful women who are proof that you can have your cake and eat it too!
Here is how these women changed India's image at a global level
Women like Mira Kulkarni have shown that India has a very viable beauty market. Not only is the beauty space here thriving with potential when it comes to homegrown brands but it has a population that is incredibly open to trying out different beauty formulas. Athletes like Mary Kom, P.V. Sindhu, and Kiran Deoli Uniyal have taught us that it is important to get up and go on, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing. Gita Gopinath, Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, and Leena Nair are breaking fresh ground and showing the youth globally that inclusion and representation matter.
Conclusion
These superwomen have unknowingly inspired generations and made the world sit up and take note of them. No two journeys are the same so of course, their trials may vary but they have all emerged triumphant.
FAQs
What is one lesson we can learn from all these women?
Learn to believe in yourself. The odds in the world are stacked up against you so if you don’t have your own back, no one else will. Your qualms will keep you from ever discovering your true potential and just how capable, deserving, and talented you really are.
How can you boost self-confidence?
Start by being nicer to yourself. The little voice inside you doesn’t always know best. When you feel like you’re being too hard on yourself, think if you would talk to a loved one in the same tone. If not, you have your answer. Understand that nobody is perfect and cut yourself some slack when things don’t work out for you and remember to celebrate everything, even the little victories that lead to you achieving bigger things.
Image sources: Instagram.com (@bhawanakanth, @highrangeworldrecords, @gopinath76075, @leenanairhr, @pvsindhu, @trintrin)