Dr. Priti Adani explains how opportunity, skill and confidence empower women and drive India’s economic and social progress.
By Dr. Priti Adani
Chairperson, Adani Foundation
There was a time when the role of women in India was largely confined to the four walls of the home. Society often perceived them as dependent and limited to domestic responsibilities. But today, this picture is rapidly changing. The transformation is not only visible in ideas and discussions but also clearly evident on the ground. From operating high-tech equipment at ports to leading major organizations, Indian women are redefining possibilities. When women confidently manage complex machines, lead teams, and make critical decisions, they are not just performing tasks — they are shaping the direction of a new India.
This transformation represents the powerful convergence of opportunity, skill, and self-confidence.
When women are given opportunities, equipped with skills, and empowered with confidence, they can excel in any field. These three elements together create the foundation for women’s empowerment.
Opportunities provide the platform.
Skills provide the capability.
Confidence provides the courage to act.
When these forces come together, women not only achieve personal success but also become drivers of social and economic transformation.
Not long ago, many girls in India faced barriers such as limited access to education, early marriage, and restricted participation in public life. Their dreams were often curtailed by social expectations.
However, over the past few years, India has witnessed remarkable progress. Women are now increasingly visible across sectors — from science and sports to business and governance.
Icons such as Kalpana Chawla, P.V. Sindhu, Sania Mirza, and Sunita Williams have not only made the nation proud but have also inspired generations of young women to dream bigger and aim higher.
Their achievements symbolize the growing confidence and aspirations of India’s daughters.
True empowerment begins with economic independence. When women gain access to meaningful employment and livelihood opportunities, they are able to redefine their roles within families and society.
Economic participation allows women to take decisions about their lives, support their families, and invest in their future. It strengthens their voice in the household as well as in the community.
Today, women’s participation in India’s workforce is estimated to be around 37%. While this reflects progress compared to earlier decades, there is still significant room for improvement.
Despite rising participation, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions. In India, women hold around 30–35% of senior management roles, while representation at board levels typically ranges between 18–20%.
These numbers highlight the progress made, but they also remind us that the journey toward true gender equality is far from complete.
Bridging this leadership gap will require sustained efforts from governments, businesses, and civil society.
India is aiming to become a $5 trillion economy and beyond. Achieving this ambitious goal will require the full participation of women.
A nation cannot reach its true potential if half of its population remains underutilized. Women’s participation is not just a social imperative — it is an economic necessity.
Future competitiveness will not depend solely on capital or technology. It will depend on how effectively nations harness the potential of their people.
Encouragingly, Indian women are no longer confined to traditional sectors. They are increasingly making their presence felt in emerging fields such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Green Technology
- Digital Services
Their growing involvement in these areas reflects a new wave of confidence and competence.
India has made meaningful strides in empowering women, but the journey is ongoing. Creating an enabling ecosystem that promotes education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for women must remain a national priority. When women are empowered, families become stronger, communities prosper, and nations grow. Ultimately, when opportunity, skill, and confidence come together, women are capable of achieving anything — and in doing so, they shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for everyone.
Source Note: This article is an English translation of a Hindi article originally published in Dainik Bhaskar.
About the Author
Dr. Priti Adani is the Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, the CSR arm of the Adani Group.
