From Boardrooms to Protests: Women Leading Everywhere 

In a world historically dominated by male leadership, women leaders have emerged as powerful forces of change. They are breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms, proving that leadership knows no gender. 

As we enter an increasingly globalized world, the role of female leaders is becoming even more critical. Women are often the primary caretakers in their families and communities, and they play a vital role in economic development. 

Women leaders bring unique perspectives and qualities, often rooted in their roles as caregivers and community builders.  

Despite their importance, women face persistent barriers like unequal opportunities, societal biases, and resistance from male colleagues. These challenges can be disheartening, but many women have overcome them with resilience and determination. 

They inspire others by showing that leadership is about vision, empathy, and strength, not just authority. 

Building on this, women in politics exemplify these qualities by shaping policies that prioritize social welfare, equality, and justice, proving that their leadership extends beyond traditional power structures to create meaningful change in society. 

Women in politics 

• Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi championed women’s rights and played a pivotal role in implementing the Green Revolution. Her policies not only made India self-sufficient in food grains but also reduced hunger and poverty significantly. 

• Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister: Known as “Amma,” Jayalalithaa transitioned from a successful career in cinema to becoming one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential political leaders. Her governance was marked by initiatives like the mid-day meal scheme and cradle-baby scheme, which addressed poverty and gender inequality. Her emphasis on empowering women and improving underprivileged communities was a prime example of transformative leadership.  

• Other notable political leaders include Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal’s first female Chief Minister; Mayawati, a powerful Dalit leader; and Sushma Swaraj, who served as India’s External Affairs Minister. 

According to a 2024 Hindu article, the percentage of women MPs in the Lok Sabha had been very low between 5% and 10% till 2004. It rose marginally to 12% in 2014 and currently stands at 14% in the 18th Lok Sabha. 

While women have made remarkable strides in politics, demonstrating their vision, empathy, and resilience, their influence extends far beyond governance.  

In the business world, women have equally showcased their dominance, breaking barriers and redefining leadership in corporate spaces. 

Women in Business Field 

• Falguni Nayar, The Founder of Nykaa: Falguni Nayar revolutionized India’s beauty industry by introducing luxury brands online and popularizing trends like Korean beauty. Nykaa became India’s first unicorn startup led by a woman in 2020, showcasing the potential of women entrepreneurs to identify market gaps and leverage technology. 

• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, India’s first biotech entrepreneur and founder of Biocon Limited: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has transformed affordable healthcare solutions through innovation. Her work has earned global recognition for advancing biotechnology in India. 

• Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies: Roshni Nadar Malhotra is the first woman to lead an Indian IT company. Her leadership has turned HCL into a global powerhouse while inspiring women to break barriers in male-dominated industries. 

In addition to their influential positions in business and politics, women have become strong activists who support causes that fight injustice and promote social change. 

Through protests, online campaigns, and grassroots movements, they have mobilized communities to fight for democracy, gender equality, and human rights.  

Women in Activism 

• Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher: She was a revolutionary social reformer whose achievements transformed education, women’s rights, and caste equality in 19th-century India. In 1848, she and her husband Jyotirao Phule opened the first school for girls in Pune, breaking societal barriers that excluded women from education. Savitribai actively campaigned against child marriage, sati, and caste discrimination, earning her the title “Mother of Indian Feminism.” In her honor, the University of Pune was renamed Savitribai Phule Pune University. 

• Sarojini Naidu, the “Nightingale of India”: As celebrated poet and freedom fighter, Sarojini Naidu was the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress. She was a strong advocate for women’s suffrage and social welfare. 

The journeys of these inspiring women offer valuable lessons that can guide individuals across all walks of life. 

1. Resilience Against Bias: It takes perseverance and flexibility to overcome societal barriers. Women have shown incredible strength by standing up against societal norms and injustices, even in the most challenging circumstances. 

2. Empathy as Strength: Women leaders often excel at understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. Their empathy creates an inclusive environment where team members feel valued and heard. This emotional awareness fosters loyalty, motivation, and a sense of belonging that can transform workplace culture. 

3. Risk-Taking: Bold decisions pave the way for innovation. Women activists like Irom Sharmila and Soni Sori have shown immense courage by taking significant risks, such as prolonged hunger strikes and facing police violence, to challenge unjust laws and advocate for human rights. 

4. Advocacy for Equality: Addressing systemic inequalities creates lasting change. Female leaders have consistently championed policies that promote gender equality, reproductive rights, and protection from violence, ensuring fairness in governance. 

5. Self-Belief: Confidence in one’s abilities is essential for challenging norms. And women have shown that confidence is key to overcoming societal biases and excelling in governance. Their ability to assert themselves, even in male-dominated spaces, inspires others to believe in their potential. 

6. Compassion: Women leaders often demonstrate a remarkable ability to make tough decisions with compassion. This “compassionate wisdom” allows them to balance the needs of the organization with the human impact of their choices. 

Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons we can learn from women leaders is the courage to be vulnerable. Jacinda Ardern’s resignation speech resonates deeply, showing us that true leadership means acknowledging our limits and prioritizing the greater good over personal ambition.  

Her words remind us that it’s okay to be human, to admit when we’re struggling, and to step aside when necessary. 

These women leaders illustrate how women leaders have defied stereotypes during male-dominated times through resilience, innovation, and emotional strength.  
 

The journey of women leaders is a testament to the power of emotional intelligence and resilience in the face of adversity. Their stories inspire us to embrace our emotions as a source of strength, not weakness, in leadership. 

One must understand that the mentioned female leaders are from India, but women have made significant contributions in various fields, both nationally and globally. Many of them remain unrecognized despite their remarkable achievements.  

As the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes and women prove this every day with their strength, courage, and unwavering determination to change the world. 

Get in touch with us at +919004521614 or [email protected] to discover how your organization can help break down gender stereotypes and create an inclusive workplace. 

Authored by Gomathi Sridevi Radhakrishnan, Content Writer Intern