Moderating the Future is She, Season 4 was my honour – an event that was not just a discussion but a movement. Organized by The Times of India, Pune, as part of their International Women’s Day initiatives, this panel brought together stellar participants who shared clear insights on how we can truly accelerate action for gender equality.
The discussion centred on #AccelerateAction, emphasizing that progress requires not just dialogue but concrete steps, and #PassingtheBaton, that is, creating spreading learning and successes to encourage all. The overarching theme – Future is She – highlighted the power of women leading change, while Passing the Baton symbolized how each generation must pave the way for the next.
The Stellar Panel and Their Insights
The panellists – Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Dr. Swati Mujumdar, IPS Tejaswi Satpute, and Pallavi Mohadikar – brought diverse perspectives from education, law enforcement, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership. Their experiences and expertise shed light on the systemic challenges women face and the solutions needed to create a truly equitable world.
Keeping Ambition Alive: Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar
Dr. Yeravdekar begins by answering my question: In classrooms, young girls are often full of ambition. But somewhere along the way, societal pressures take over. How do we ensure that confidence and ambition don’t fade as they grow?
She emphasized that educational institutions must do more than just provide academic knowledge; they must nurture resilience and self-belief. Role models, mentorship, and supportive environments play a crucial role in ensuring that young women maintain their confidence and drive.
Education as the Great Equalizer: Dr. Swati Mujumdar
Education is often called the great equalizer, but are we truly using it to level the playing field for women? I posed this question to Dr. Mujumdar, who acknowledged the progress made but stressed that much remains to be done. While more women are entering STEM and higher education, they often face systemic biases that hinder their career progression. She called for policy changes, corporate initiatives, and community engagement to make education a true force for gender equality.
Symbol of Empowerment: Pallavi Mohadikar
Traditionally, jewellery is seen as a symbol of beauty and status, but Pallavi is reshaping it as a tool for empowerment. I asked her how she uses her brand to promote women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.
She shared her vision of not just selling jewellery but creating opportunities for women artisans and entrepreneurs. By providing training, fair wages, and leadership roles, she is turning her industry into a platform for economic empowerment.
When asked for one piece of advice for young women starting their own businesses, she said: “Believe in yourself and your vision. Success comes when you stay persistent, even in the face of challenges.”
Balancing Strength and Empathy: IPS Tejaswi Satpute
Policing is often associated with toughness. I asked IPS Tejaswi Satpute how she balances strength with empathy as a woman in law enforcement.
She comes back with a very interesting, strength comes from the law, not from muscles. She highlighted that true strength lies in understanding the community’s needs and approaching challenges with both firmness and compassion. She also stressed the need for women in leadership positions across all sectors, as diverse perspectives lead to more effective governance and policies.
On the pressing issue of women’s safety, I asked: What are the most effective steps we can take to create real change?
Her response was clear—education, awareness, and strict enforcement of laws. She emphasized the importance of community policing, self-defence training, and changing societal attitudes toward gender-based violence.
Finally, I asked her if she had faced gender bias in her career and how she handled it. She candidly shared instances where she had to prove herself in a male-dominated field, reinforcing the idea that resilience, competence, and self-belief are key to breaking barriers.
Engaging the Audience: Thought-Provoking Questions
The audience played an active role in the discussion, raising pertinent questions on gender parity, equality, and the role of men in the movement for women’s empowerment.
Some key takeaways from the audience interaction included:
- How can organizations ensure that gender diversity is not just a statistic but a meaningful change? Panelists emphasized the importance of mentorship programs, unbiased hiring practices, and equal growth opportunities.
- What role do men play in accelerating gender equality? The consensus was clear—men must be allies, advocating for fairness and challenging gender stereotypes both at home and in the workplace.
- How can women support each other better in professional spaces? Collaboration over competition, mentorship, and building strong networks were highlighted as crucial strategies.
These insightful questions reinforced the urgency of moving beyond discussions to tangible action that fosters real change.
Themes That Resonated: Passing the Baton and Accelerating Action
The event reinforced two crucial messages:
- Passing the Baton: Every generation of women leaders must mentor, support, and uplift the next. Progress is not an individual journey but a collective effort.
- Accelerate Action: Gender equality requires more than conversations—it demands policy changes, corporate commitments, and societal shifts.
Moving Forward: Turning Words into Action
The discussions led to tangible takeaways:
- Organizations must foster inclusive workplaces through mentorship and equal opportunities.
- Education must equip young girls with not just skills but confidence.
- Women must actively support and uplift one another.
- Men must be allies in the movement for equality.
- Policies should encourage equal pay, flexible work environments, and leadership pathways for women.
As Future is She continues to drive these conversations, the goal remains clear—a world where women don’t just participate but lead, thrive, and redefine success on their own terms.
Moderating the event was a privilege, and I left with a renewed sense of purpose. The future is not just female; it is inclusive, equitable, and driven by collective action. The baton has been passed – now, it’s on us to carry it forward. Thanks to the Times of India for curating such a purposeful event and giving me the opportunity to moderate.
