Every year March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day (IWD). The day recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. First observed in 1911, the IWD also raises awareness about women's equality and lobby for accelerated gender parity.
The theme of IWD 2021 is Let’s all choose to challenge. “We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women‘s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge,” according to the official IWD website. On IWD 2021, here are the top 4 businesswomen in India who inspire me and others around the world.
Savitri Jindal
Savitri Jindal is the chairperson of Jindal Group. Considered as one of India's leading conglomerates, the company is a leading player in the steel, power cement, oil, and infrastructure industries. The 70-year-old took charge of the company after her husband and founder of the Jindal Group, Om Prakash Jindal died in a helicopter crash in 2005. Under her leadership, the company is touching new heights.
Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar, a former investment banker with Kotak Mahindra, founded Nykaa in 2012. With her hard work and dedication, Nykaa has become one of the leading online cosmetic and wellness company in India. The lifestyle retailer offers over 850 brands and has more than 30 physical stores. In 2017, Nayar got the title of “Most powerful business" by Business Today.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the billionaire chairperson and managing director of Biocon Limited, is a self-made businesswoman. She calls herself an accidental entrepreneur. Creating a biopharmaceutical company in 1978, her net worth is $4.6 billion (September 2020).
