Historically, women were largely limited to domestic roles. Yet, with societal advancement, our perception of women’s potential has undergone a remarkable transformation. Women today are carving out their paths in every industry, redefining traditional notions of success. They are asserting their independence and pioneering new ways to celebrate their achievements, signalling a significant shift in societal views and opportunities for women in creative sectors. Below are examples of women who are successfully leading in their respective fields:
SHIFTING FOCUS FROM PRODUCT-BASED TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
In India, financial empowerment initiatives for women have traditionally emphasised small-scale manufacturing. However, there’s a notable shift toward professional services, where women are leveraging their skills in non-manufacturing roles, reflecting a broader trend in the knowledge-based industry.
“In India, the financial empowerment of women initiatives have traditionally been focused on small-scale manufacturing, encouraging women to use their skills and create or sell products. I believe these initiatives are still encouraged in villages where women make and sell various goods. However, there is a potential shift which is happening towards professional services, where women offer their time, energy, and expertise in non-manufacturing roles. Also, according to me, with the rise of knowledge-based industry, even before IT, sectors like finance began to recognise women’s skills. This effective shift has been transformative for many women, including myself. As a health coach and nutritionist, my service aims at reversing diseases and promoting wellness. This service-oriented profession has allowed me to achieve financial independence and professional growth beyond the limitations of a product-based or linear career path. This is the reason that I believe the more women start to understand that their knowledge, time and energy can add immense value to others’ lives, they will be able to uncover something unique to them and offer that to the world. By doing so, they not only learn to value themselves but also gain financial independence. Money is a powerful tool that enables women to take charge of their lives and make their own choices. In today’s globalised world, women no longer need to be confined to making and selling products. I believe if you have unique skills or talent and learn how to offer it effectively, you can receive fair value in return, which will lead to true independence and the environment,” said Mugdha Pradhan, CEO & Founder of iThrive, a Pune-based health and wellness platform.
THE RISE OF KNOWLEDGE:
With sectors like finance recognising women’s expertise, there has been a transformative effect on many women’s careers. The shift from product-based roles to service-oriented professions, such as health coaching, has allowed women to achieve financial independence and professional growth.
“We’re redefining success on our terms, not by traditional standards, but by what truly resonates with us. The best part is that we’re proud to have crafted a path that is uniquely ours, where freedom and choice are central. We’re celebrating this autonomy, embracing the ability to chart our courses, and finding fulfilment in the journeys we’ve chosen. Together, we’re building a community grounded in mutual support and encouragement, where every step forward is a shared victory. This isn’t just about individual achievement, it’s about the collective strength we find in each other. We’re creating a space where growth is nurtured, and where our successes are intertwined, making each accomplishment more meaningful. As we continue to push boundaries and pursue our passions, we do so with the confidence that we’re not alone; we’re part of a community that believes in the power of shared success,” said Ekta Prakash Sharma, Director and CEO, Humanising Lives.
REDEFINING SUCCESS ON THEIR TERMS:
Women are redefining success by creating paths that resonate with their values and aspirations. This new definition of success celebrates autonomy, choice, and the collective strength found in supportive communities.
“Redefining success in creative fields is about breaking away from traditional norms and embracing independence. As a female poker player, I’ve experienced this firsthand. In a male-dominated industry, I’ve carved my path by trusting my instincts, honing my skills, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. Every milestone, from winning a World Series of Poker Bracelet to representing India on global platforms, has been a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Success, for me, is not just about the accolades but about celebrating each achievement as a victory of independence and tenacity. It’s about inspiring other women to pursue their passions fearlessly and to celebrate their journeys as they redefine what it means to succeed in any creative field,” said Nikita Luther, Brand Ambassador at Natural8 India, a gaming and technology company based in India
BREAKING NORMS:
In male-dominated fields like poker, women are forging their paths through resilience and self-belief. Each achievement, such as winning prestigious awards, symbolises a broader victory of independence and perseverance.
“Independence Day holds a special significance for me, as it symbolises not just the freedom of our nation, but also the freedom to shape my destiny. In the realm of professional services, where women are increasingly taking the lead, I see a direct correlation between our nation’s progress and our journeys. Women bring a unique perspective to the workplace, often characterised by strong emotional intelligence. Our ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions effectively fosters harmonious work environments and helps navigate challenges with empathy and resilience. It’s a privilege to be part of a generation that’s redefining success and celebrating the spirit of independence every day,” said Yashna Garg, CMO, Zeon Lifesciences Ltd
OVERCOMING GENDER BIASES
In dynamic fields like PR, women face and overcome gender biases to assert their creativity and strategic thinking. Their journeys reflect the broader freedom to shape careers on their terms and inspire others to pursue their passions confidently.
“Breaking into the PR industry was never just about building a career; it was about carving out a space where I could put creativity and strategy together. As a woman navigating this dynamic field where you often meet people from all walks of life, I faced challenges that tested my resilience and creativity, but each obstacle was an opportunity to grow stronger and more confident in my abilities. One of the major obstacles was to convince clients and media to rise above gendered biases and see an idea, plan or pitch as coming from an individual, not just a woman. To seek equal opportunities, as my counterparts! Today, after overcoming some of these challenges, I want to celebrate not just my professional achievements but the freedom I’ve gained to shape my career on my terms. This journey has taught me that true freedom is about empowering oneself to make bold choices, to stand up for your ideas, and to inspire others to do the same. In a world where stories matter, I’m proud to have authored my own.” said Reva Malhotra, PR Consultant