Leaders Call for Systemic Shift to Bring Women's Leadership to the Mainstream
A powerful call to action for dismantling the systemic barriers that hinder women's leadership was the central message at IDEATE 2025, a high-profile conference held in New Delhi. The 14th edition of the event, organised by the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) in partnership with FICCI, brought together influential policymakers and industry stalwarts to chart a course for moving women from the margins of power to the mainstream.
The Economic and Moral Case for Empowerment
In a compelling special address, Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson of HT Media Limited, framed women's empowerment not as a matter of charity, but as a national necessity. She highlighted the stark reality that while women constitute half of India's population, they remain significantly underrepresented in key decision-making roles. Bhartia underscored the immense economic potential being lost, stating that closing India’s gender gap could inject nearly a trillion dollars into the nation's GDP. "Empowerment is both an economic imperative and a moral one," she argued, "India simply cannot afford not to empower its women.”
Architects of Change
The conference theme, "Margin to Mainstream," was further explored through discussions on actionable strategies. Shaifalika Panda, Founder of BIPF, emphasized that for India to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 ("Viksit Bharat 2047"), harnessing the power of its women ("Nari Shakti") is non-negotiable. "We must view women as architects of change and invest in their agency as much as in their access," she said, advocating for a shift in perspective that sees women as active drivers of progress.
During a panel discussion, Sara Abdullah Pilot, Founder of CEQUIN, called for a "life-cycle approach" to supporting women, advocating for sustained investment in their development from birth through their entire professional journey, beyond just basic maternity support. Other esteemed panelists included Mr. Vijay Mahajan, Founder, BASIX Social Enterprise Group; and Ms. Aradhana Rai Gupta, Co-Founder, Project Baala. The panel was moderated by Ms. Roshika Singh, Principal Country Officer, India Country Team, IFC India.
The Responsibility of Influence
A fireside chat featuring Padma Shri Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson of Rothschild & Co India, delved into the crucial role of mentorship. Kidwai stressed that established women leaders have a profound responsibility to shape the ecosystem for the next generation. She urged influential women to become "mid-managers to other women," actively helping them find opportunities, education, and pathways to success. "Progress will come when both women and men commit to bringing equity and take charge of transforming lives together,” Kidwai remarked, highlighting the need for a collaborative effort to build a truly gender-equitable society.
Briefing Highlights
Urgent Call to Action: The IDEATE 2025 conference emphasized the critical need for systemic changes to advance women into leadership positions across all sectors.
Powerful Economic Argument: Key speakers highlighted that closing the gender gap could add nearly a trillion dollars to India's GDP, framing empowerment as an economic necessity.
Focus on Systemic Support: Discussions centered on creating a supportive ecosystem for women through a "life-cycle approach," including enhanced education, mentorship, and training.
Mentorship as a Duty: Established women leaders were called upon to actively mentor and create opportunities for emerging female talent to build a more equitable future.
