The News18 SheShakti 2025 event has sparked important conversations about the evolving role of women in leadership and nation-building. A central theme emerging from the discussions is that capability, not gender, should be the defining factor in leadership roles. The event, with its theme "From Breaking Barriers to Building Bharat," highlighted the many ways women are not just overcoming challenges, but also actively constructing a stronger, more inclusive India.
Several prominent figures shared their insights at the News18 SheShakti 2025 Delhi edition. Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, opened the discussion by addressing the structural barriers women face in academia, emphasizing the need for resilience against misogyny and systemic bias. Pragya Misra from OpenAI stressed the importance of women shaping technology as creators and regulators, rather than just consumers. Similarly, Laina Emmanuel, CEO of BrainSightAI, and Dr. Geetha Manjunath, CEO of NIRAMAI Health Analytix, highlighted the transformative impact of women-led innovation in health-tech, particularly in mental healthcare and AI-led breast cancer detection.
Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman & MD of Tractors and Farm Equipment, shared her experiences in a traditionally male-dominated industry, emphasizing that conviction, collaboration, and vision are crucial for creating a lasting business legacy. Justice Hima Kohli, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and Geeta Luthra, Senior Advocate, reflected on their journeys in law, highlighting the perseverance and integrity needed to pave the way for future generations of women.
The event showcased how women are driving impact across various sectors. Shanti Raghavan, Founder of EnAble India, discussed creating livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities, demonstrating how compassion and enterprise can transform systemic inequities. Lakshmi V. Venkatesan, Founding Trustee of BYST, emphasized the role of mentorship in unlocking the potential of youth. Asha V. M, Co-founder of Nutricook; Dr. Tanvi Pande, Founder of Shri Sai Physiotherapy; and Kiran Bajpai of Padwomen Foundation, highlighted the importance of building ecosystems where women can thrive through food innovation, accessible healthcare, and menstrual dignity. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Managing Director of Pride East Entertainment, and Sangita Saxena, Educationist & Social Worker, reflected on how media and education can dismantle stereotypes.
These discussions emphasized that women's empowerment involves creating systems, institutions, and cultures that uplift entire communities. News18 SheShakti 2025 underscored that women are building India by breaking barriers and setting new examples of leadership, innovation, and social good. The focus is on providing women with the capital, confidence, and clear pathways to scale their capabilities. The message was clear: women are consistently reaching new heights and leading with unwavering confidence in diverse fields.
Several other global summits also focus on women in leadership. The Women in Leadership Summit 2025 in Sydney is designed to inspire and connect women leaders, providing strategies to drive meaningful change in the workplace. The Global Women in Leadership Summit 2025 in New York City addresses the complex issues women leaders face, promoting inclusivity and equity. The 2025 Women in Leadership Annual Conference in Chelan, Washington, focuses on owning strengths to lead without limits, helping women achieve work-life harmony. The 9th Annual Global Women in Leadership Summit 2025 in Amsterdam provides actionable strategies from inspiring women leaders. The Global Summit on Women's Leadership and Empowerment 2025 in Orlando aims to advance women's leadership and empowerment globally.
