In South Asia, where only one in four women are part of the workforce, millions of women face barriers to realizing their potential and contributing to their economies. Discriminatory laws, lack of education and training, and the burden of unpaid work limit women’s opportunities. However, there are inspiring stories of women who are breaking these barriers and blazing a trail in various fields across South Asia.
On International Women’s Day 2024, the World Bank highlighted the stories of some remarkable women who are leading change in their communities and industries. From entrepreneurs to media executives, each woman shared her journey and the factors that helped clear her path. Here are some of their stories:
1. Kanneganti Rama Devi (India): Founder of ALEAP, a non-profit empowering women entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive initiatives providing training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support women’s growth.
2. Minha Faiz (Maldives): Chairperson of One Media Group, credits her family and mentors for her success, emphasizing the role of mentorship in empowering women.
3. Sumita Ghose (India): Founder of rangSutra, a social enterprise empowering rural women artisans. She highlights the importance of education and work exposure in clearing the path for women.
4. Sanchita Lama (Nepal): Animation Supervisor at Incessant Rain Studios, stresses the need for education, mentorship, and supportive workplace culture for women in male-dominated industries.
5. Neha Mankani (Pakistan): Midwife and founder of Mama Baby Fund, underscores the importance of fair wages, career structures, and support systems for women in healthcare.
6. Sabira Mehrin (Bangladesh): Founder and CEO of Wander Woman, emphasizes the role of family support and mentorship in her journey as an entrepreneur.
7. Maithreyi Rajasingam (Sri Lanka): Executive Director of Viluthu, highlights the impact of education and support from family and mentors in her leadership journey.
8. Parul Sharma (India): Urban Designer and Founder of City Scanner, advocates for women supporting each other and reshaping cultural perceptions within families.
9. Kasturi Wilson (Sri Lanka): Group CEO of Hemas Holdings PLC, emphasizes the role of supportive family and bosses in her career advancement.
10. Roshaneh Zafar (Pakistan): Founder of Kashf Foundation, stresses the importance of providing capital, training, and promoting independence for women’s economic empowerment.
11. Nyema Zam (Bhutan): CEO and Founder of Samuh, highlights the significance of support from fellow women in the industry, mentors, and family in her entrepreneurial journey.
These women’s stories reflect the resilience, determination, and innovation of women in South Asia. They also underscore the importance of supportive ecosystems, including family, mentors, and policies, in clearing the path for women’s success in the workforce.
The World Bank’s #ClearHerPath initiative calls for stakeholders to take action to support women’s participation in the workforce. This includes policy reforms, support services to reduce unpaid work, and initiatives to promote women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. By clearing the path for women, we can unlock their full potential and drive inclusive growth and development in South Asia.
