In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, EduKida presents a compelling narrative featuring prominent voices from various fields, shedding light on the transformative power of education and the integral role it plays in women’s empowerment.

Dr. Dakshina Bisht- Director Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Professor Microbiology at Santosh Deemed to be University:
Women are agents of change for the development of any nation and their education equips them with knowledge and skills required to enter the workforce, earn income and achieve financial independence along with social and cultural development. There is definitely a positive relationship between education and woman empowerment that leads to various dimensions of empowerment of women which is a necessity to overcome serious challenges against women. To promote women’s empowerment, it is necessary to create an environment that allows them to participate in educational programs thereby empowering women as they are an important section of the society. With education, they will also be able to understand their rights, decision-making, better health care for women, and their children, equal ownership of productive resources, and increased participation in economic and commercial sectors. The importance of empowering women through education will help involve them in the decision-making process of social and economic development and move ahead with this powerful tool of change. Hence the theme for Women’s Day 2024“ Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”  is very apt for women’s inclusion forging ahead women’s economic empowerment through education.

Anil. S. Kumar- CEO-SGT University:
At SGT University, we firmly believe that education is the most important tool in India’s arsenal to awaken and emancipate its women. But it also needs to go beyond the conventional syllabus, teaching them specifically about the battles fought in the past, the biases existing in the present, and the changes that we should all want in the future. Through our special units like the “Women’s Study Centre (WSC)” and “ASMI – Women Leadership Cell,” we remain resolute in our efforts to provide all women at SGTU with the necessary platforms to thrive and become their best selves. Our efforts as individuals and institutions today can lead to monumental progress for the nation tomorrow.”

Dr. Gunjan Rajput, Deputy Registrar, Rishihood University:
In our quest for women empowerment, we often equate education solely with the attainment of degrees and diplomas. But is this interpretation truly reflective of the essence of education? Are we overlooking the profound meaning that lies beneath the surface? Perhaps it’s time to rethink our understanding of education and its role in empowering women. When we view education through the lens of Swami Vivekananda when he once said, “Education is the manifestation of what actually lies within.” We realize that women empowerment isn’t solely about acquiring degrees or climbing the academic ladder. It’s about enabling women to recognize their worth, to tap into their potential, and to chart their own paths. It’s about instilling confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency in women, irrespective of their educational qualifications.

In rural India, amidst the vast expanse of fields and villages, we find countless examples of women who have transcended societal norms and limitations through sheer determination and self-belief. These women entrepreneurs, members of self-help groups, and leaders of grassroots movements are living embodiments of real empowerment. They haven’t necessarily pursued formal education in the conventional sense, yet they possess an innate wisdom and resourcefulness that have propelled them forward.

Education, when approached holistically, serves as a catalyst for self-empowerment and societal transformation.  It’s about equipping women with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in diverse spheres of life.

Moreover, education should be accessible and inclusive, reaching women across all strata of society. It should transcend barriers of caste, class, and geography, enabling women from marginalized communities to realise their full potential. Empowerment doesn’t come from elitist institutions or prestigious degrees; it comes from recognising and nurturing the inherent worth and capabilities of every individual.

Let’s celebrate the resilience, creativity, and tenacity of women who defy the odds and pave their own paths. And let’s continue to strive for a world where every woman is empowered to unleash her full potential, regardless of the degrees adorning her walls.

Kavita Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, Ziyyara Edutech
On this International Women’s Day 2024, let’s remember the theme: ‘Inspire Inclusion’. That means it’s not enough to just say we want everyone to be included; we have to make it happen. Let’s use today as a starting point to make sure every woman feels like she belongs and has a say. Whether it’s at work, at home, or in our communities, let’s challenge stereotypes and support each other. Because when we do, we’re not just making the world better for women—we’re making it better for everyone.

Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales
At Thales, we take great pride in honouring the achievements of our women globally. Our women engineers based at our engineering centers in India are instrumental in driving innovation within Thales, serving as a source of inspiration for the entire organisation. We are pleased to have been recognised by Avtar and Seramount as one of the ‘Top 100 Companies for Women in India’ for the fifth consecutive year in 2023, a testament to our ongoing commitment to gender equality. We believe that a diverse team can support higher performance in the workplace, and we remain committed to providing equal opportunities to women in an inclusive, safe, and respectful work environment.

Tina Mittal, Director, Nova Formworks
As we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 with the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, it’s important to think about what inclusion really means. It’s not just about having women around; it’s about making sure they feel like they belong and that their voices matter. Let’s use today as a reminder to make sure every woman, no matter where she’s from or who she is, feels valued and respected. When we do that, we’re not just talking about inclusion—we’re making it happen. So let’s commit to listening to each other, breaking down barriers, and making sure every woman can shine.

Geeta Arya, Founder & Principal Architect, Geeta Vaibhav Architects
As we mark International Women’s Day 2024 with the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, let’s think about what that really means. It’s about making sure every woman feels welcome and valued, no matter who she is or where she comes from. So let’s use today as a chance to stand up for each other, to break down barriers, and to create a world where every woman can thrive. It’s not always easy, but when we work together, we can make real change happen. So let’s inspire inclusion, not just today, but every day.