The Economic Times Women's Forum 2025, held in Mumbai, served as a platform for influential voices to champion women's empowerment. Among the notable speakers was Smriti Irani, who delivered a powerful message urging women to prioritize talent over the pursuit of fairy tales in their professional journeys. The forum, a definitive gathering of Indian leaders from diverse fields such as politics, science, business, sports, and the arts, aimed to foster dialogue, learning, networking, and ultimately, empower women to shape India's growth story.
Irani, drawing from her experiences as an actress, model, producer, and politician, emphasized that true power lies in leveraging one's talent and skills. Recalling her iconic role as 'Tulsi,' she highlighted the battles fought for fair compensation for women in the entertainment industry. She noted that the entertainment sector, with its significant advertising revenue and employment figures, is one area where women often constitute a larger portion of the workforce than men.
Irani shared an anecdote about a female producer who, despite being paid less than her male counterparts, created a lasting legacy through frugality and business acumen. This, she argued, underscores the importance of talent in contract negotiations and career advancement. "Looking at the corporate environment, one knew that women at every level of management were cognisant of the fact that it's not the gender but the talent that you bring to the table that will help you leverage or negotiate a contract better," Irani stated. She further added that the cultural phenomena created by women in the industry often have a considerable economic impact.
Irani stressed the importance of controlling one's narrative and how one is portrayed, viewing it as a source of real power that can justify one's compensation. "Many a times you can justify the paycheque by compromising on how you're projected. Real power is to control the pen that writes your character," she said.
Beyond achieving success, Irani cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that challenges continue to arise. She debunked the "fairy tale" that success guarantees an easy path, asserting that "It gets more difficult. Only the insights get more elegant, the elbowing gets a bit sharper." She acknowledged the generation of women who have persevered and continue to push forward, paving the way for future generations.
The Economic Times Women's Forum 2025 featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Shraddha Kapoor, Avani Lekhara, Sakshi Chopra, Rasika Dugal, Tillotama Shome, and many other accomplished women from various sectors. The forum's agenda included discussions, networking opportunities, and sessions aimed at empowering women leaders in India. The event served as a platform to address gender inequality and facilitate greater participation of women in all aspects of life.
Smriti Irani's message at the ET Women's Forum resonates with the broader theme of empowering women through economic independence, skill development, and leadership opportunities. Her call to prioritize talent and perseverance over the expectation of an easy path serves as an inspiring message for women striving for success in their respective fields. The forum's focus on fostering unity through gender equality aligns with global efforts to create inclusive and equitable societies where women can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.
