I often find myself thinking about the invisible ‘threads’ that connect women across generations and those who have shaped and continue to shape my understanding of womanhood. Some from my generation, some older and others younger than me. I have been very fortunate to walk alongside some incredible women – women who support, inspire, challenge and reiterate my belief that together we are always stronger. For me International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of women, but it is also about recognising the quiet courage it takes to be one.
I believe ‘Womanhood’ is not a title, but a lifelong exercise of reinventing yourself while still holding space for others in your life. And ‘Empowerment’ begins the moment women stop seeing each other as competition but as allies in a war they have to continue to wage together, not against each other. It is not about women who stand up for themselves, but about those who reach back and pull another woman up with them.
This International Women’s Day, nine enterprising women shared with me their thoughts about ‘Womanhood’ and ‘Empowerment’.
Sonali Saxena
“Women hood and empowerment are 2 most used words together by anyone and everyone, mostly by those who think they know it all about women. As a woman, women hood is about resilience shaped by experiences. It is about endurance and self expression. And Empowerment is when you fuel that engine for others by breaking down systemic stereotypes and providing power and resources for a collective lift. The aim is we move toward a world where equity isn’t a goal, but a lived reality for everyone.”
Jigna Shah
“Womanhood is a beautiful balance of strength, compassion, resilience, and grace. Empowerment is not only about achievements or recognition; it is about knowing our worth, honoring our values, and living with inner peace. A woman carries the power to nurture, to uplift others, and to stand firm in her truth. True empowerment comes when we support one another, respect our individuality, and stay connected to our roots and traditions. It is the courage to grow, the wisdom to remain humble, and the strength to move forward with dignity.”
Rupa Parthsarathy
“For my great-grandmother and grandmothers, a simple nine-yard saree was their armour. Draped in it, they held families together, made decisions that shaped generations and carried resilience quietly. Over time, those nine yards became six yards for my mother – tradition evolving, but the strength within it unchanged. My great-grandmother, the woman who named me, led from a kitchen that served as her boardroom. Society later acknowledged the achievements of the men who followed – a philanthropist and an industrialist – yet her influence remained largely anecdotal. My grandmothers carried their own stories of rebuilding life and raising families through uncertain times. None of these women spoke about empowerment. Perhaps because they never lacked power to begin with.“
Bhumi Bhatia
“Womanhood is a beautiful blend of strength, compassion, resilience and grace. It is not defined by one role, but by the many ways women nurture families, build communities, lead with courage and support one another. True empowerment comes when women recognise their own worth and lift each other up instead of competing. “
Kalrav Desai
“Womanhood, for me, has been a beautiful mix of courage, culture and a little bit of sass. Coming to Sydney as an Indian immigrant and now being an Australian citizen has taught me that empowerment isn’t always loud – sometimes it’s simply showing up, adapting, and still staying true to who you are. My life here isn’t just living it queen size but it’s a reminder that my roots travel with me wherever I go. Women learn to belong to two worlds at once – balancing and independence with grace (and a strong cup of chai). And honestly, that quiet confidence… that’s real empowerment.”
Manisha Upadhyay
“Women are natural givers – constantly nurturing families, communities, and workplaces. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, reminds us that the most meaningful giving must also include ourselves. When women invest in their own growth, self-belief, and wellbeing, they strengthen their ability to uplift others. Empowerment begins from within; when women recognise their own worth and potential, the confidence and strength they cultivate naturally radiate outward, creating positive change around them.”
Namita Matani
“Womanhood is the quiet fire that endures and the gentle light that heals. It is born from countless battles fought with grace and love, from the strength to rise after every fall. Empowerment blooms when a woman believes her voice matters, when she embraces her dreams without apology, and when she lifts others as she climbs. Together, they weave a story of courage, compassion, and endless possibility – a reminder that every woman carries the power to change the world simply by being herself.”
Ravinder Kaur Bali
“For me, empowerment is the right to make decisions. It extends beyond the right to vote or the right to education, which are both, at least in the democratised world, mandated by governments. These do not, however, ensure that women have the agency for decision making in the family and community microcosms that they mostly inhabit. To all who would question women’s judgement and agency, I have this counter-question, first uttered by Guru Nanak over five centuries ago: How dare we question her, she who bears our children, among them rulers and leaders? How dare we indeed, when her nurturing ensures the very future of humanity.”
Dipika Gandhi
“This day and all days should remind us to give our precious time, give respect, give kindness and support. Share your stories, share the skills and strengths and watch the ripple effect in building an inclusive and harmonious community. When we give with an open mind and heart we are creating a safe space and building diverse meaningful connections. This is exactly what we do in our Saree Club. Empowerment is collaboration and collective strength and our network of passionate women uplift each other and watch incredible things grow.”
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that ‘Womanhood’ has never truly been about celebration on a single day. It is about the quiet, determined ways in which women reshape the world every day, by choosing self-respect over acceptance and harmony over competition.
And real ‘Empowerment’ is realised when women lift each other as they rise, as the future of equality will not be written by women who simply succeed alone, but by women who make sure that many more succeed with them.
Womanhood is not a competition. It is a quiet alliance. My salutations to every woman who has inspired, supported, and walked beside me. Today I celebrate you.
