Every year, around this time, we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day – a powerful moment that recognizes the contributions, resilience, and achievements of women across the world. The energy is inspiring, the conversations are meaningful, and for a few weeks, the spotlight shines brightly. And then, as the calendar moves on, the momentum often fades into the background.
This year, at Desi Australia, we wanted to do something more enduring.
We are bringing forward the voices of remarkable women – sharing their words, their reflections, and their truths – with the hope that these messages stay with you beyond the season, resonating in moments that truly matter.
Here is one such thought that I want to share with you:
“There is always a choice. Even choosing ‘no choice’ is, in itself, a choice. You are far stronger than you think – never settle for anything less than what you truly deserve.”
Because empowerment is not a moment. It is a mindset we carry forward – every single day.
Jasmine Bhatra
An entrepreneur and ecosystem builder, she has spent over two decades at the intersection of technology, marketing, and cross-border innovation, shaping how businesses and nations collaborate. She leads from the front – guiding startups to scale, supporting global market access, and driving impactful partnerships between Australia and India. Passionate about empowering women and underrepresented founders, she transforms access into opportunity and ideas into outcomes. Her journey reflects a powerful truth: real leadership is not just about building success, but about enabling others to rise with you.
“I strongly believe that global challenges will not be solved by nations working alone. I am driven by building cross-border & cross-sector collaborations that go beyond token MoUs to jointly solving challenges faced by humanity.”
Sahana Ramesh
Sahana Ramesh is an Indian-Australian entrepreneur and community-minded leader passionate about building businesses that create opportunity and lasting impact. With a strong focus on integrity, growth, and inclusion, she believes success is measured not only by results, but by the people empowered along the way.
Driven by resilience and a deep commitment to community, Sahana advocates for equitable opportunities, supports women in leadership, and works to foster environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. Her approach blends strategic thinking with heart – creating meaningful progress in both business and society.
“Women continue to face deep structural barriers – from unequal access to leadership and development opportunities to persistent pay gaps and workplace biases. These challenges aren’t just unfair – they limit the full potential of our organizations and communities. When women participate equally, economies grow and innovation thrives. It’s time to move beyond words and invest in real change: fair policies, inclusive cultures, and meaningful pathways for women at every stage of life.”
Veena Nair
Veena Nair is an award-winning STEM educator, strategic advisor, and systems-thinking specialist with over 30 years of experience across education, industry, and government in Australia and globally. She designs future-ready learning, workforce pathways, and innovation programs that respond to rapid technological change while addressing equity gaps.
With deep expertise in emerging technologies, STEM strategy, and curriculum design, she champions girls’ participation and leadership in STEAM by dismantling systemic barriers. A recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching (2022), Veena continues to bridge education, industry, and innovation to build inclusive, impactful futures.
She is the Chair of Advisory Council of AIMERS Foundation.
“Every girl who is empowered grows into a woman who challenges the world – and changes it with empathy, grace, and strength.”
Vinisha Rathod
Vinisha Rathod is a keynote speaker, advisor, and founder of P3 Studio, and author of The Briefcase Effect. With 18+ years shaping leadership, brand, and culture across sectors, she’s known for her sharp commercial insights and leading people to take action.
Her latest book, The Briefcase Effect, is based on her signature 1:1 and workshops. This book is a practical deep-dive for anyone seeking alignment, agency and traction. As a fierce advocate for systems that reward merit and capability, she’s driven by a bigger mission: breaking glass ceilings and ending domestic violence through economic empowerment and community.
Dear changemaker, the world wasn’t built for you – or for your daughters. It’s time to reshape it so everyone has the power to build their own wealth, agency, and autonomy. The cost of inaction is too high; inequality still persists. Let this day be a reflection of a past we’ve overcome – not a reality we continue to accept.
Barbara Ward
Barbara Ward is a respected business leader, community advocate, and Councillor whose life reflects service, resilience, and purpose. Born in Fiji and migrating to Australia in the 1970s, she has built a distinguished career across government, business, and the not-for-profit sector, guided by a commitment to uplifting others.
With over three decades of leadership, she has helped raise more than $23 million for critical health and community initiatives and serves on several influential boards, including Royal Rehab, Lifeline, and the NSW Health Clinical Excellence Commission. Elected to Ku-ring-gai Council in 2021, Barbara continues to empower communities and inspire the next generation of women leaders through her example.
“To Balance the Scales is to recognise the worth, wisdom, courage and potential of every woman. When we show respect and create space for women to thrive, I think we create a fairer and kinder world for all. Equality is not a favour ..its a foundation for caring for one another.”
Len Puzon
Maria Elena “Len” Puzon Conducto is a Sydney-based real estate leader, community builder, and migrant success story who has turned opportunity into impact since arriving in Australia in 1987. As the Licencee in Charge of LEN Realty, she combines entrepreneurial excellence with a deep commitment to service.
A respected leader across business and community, Len is a member of The Property Agency Alliance and Assistant Vice President (Sydney) of Megaworld International Asia Pacific 3. She is the Immediate Past President of Norwest Sunrise Rotary Club and a founding leader of Filipino Sports Arts & Recreational Club – FILSPARC. Currently, she serves as President of UST Alumni Australia, Vice President of KRI, Director of the Philippine Community Council of NSW and NARRA Coop, and Secretary of the Australia Philippines Chamber of Commerce – continuing to champion connection, culture, and community impact.
To all women, let’s break barriers, accept challenges and redefine what is possible. Because when we stand tall, we help restore the balance for many more women.
Sarika Kewalramani
Sarika Kewalramani is an Associate Professor in STEM Education at Swinburne University of Technology and the Department of Education, School Partnerships Lead. She has been a primary/secondary science, chemistry and mathematics teacher for 10+ years in Australia. Her versatile experiences in PreK-12 contexts, affiliation with primary and secondary public and independent schools/preschools in Victoria, including being a secondary school’s Head of Science Domain (2010-2014) guides her research to enhance STEM education opportunities for disadvantaged communities focusing on girls’ STEM belonging and early engagement.
Sarika leads a strategic program of funded research and outreach programs exploring inclusive STEM and Robotics teaching and learning strategies codesigned by teachers, parents, and communities for shaping students STEM pathways.
Dream Big and Shine Bright this International Women’s Day!
As a Science and Technology teacher and prac-academic, I wish all the girls and women who are aspiring and thinking to study STEM pathways to be BOLD, COURAGEOUS and CREATIVE. Believe in the power you have to change the world because the Future Belongs to You.
Latha Raghavan
Latha is a resilient and compassionate professional who migrated to Sydney in 1996, where she built a life grounded in family, dedication, and growth. Beginning her career with American Express, she developed strong skills in finance, problem-solving, and customer engagement, earning a reputation for her calm, collaborative approach and ability to support others.
Currently working in finance within the NSW Parliament, Latha is known for her teamwork, empathy, and ability to bring people together. Beyond her professional life, she is a devoted caregiver to her mother living with dementia, balancing responsibilities with strength, love, and grace. Her journey reflects quiet determination, lifelong learning, and a deep commitment to both family and community.
Be happy, positive and progressive Never hurt others which makes them feel low. Share your love.
– Sukruti Narayanan
