International Women’s Day 2026: Industry Leaders Highlight Need for Skills, Inclusion & Leadership Opportunities for Women

Team L&M

This International Women’s Day 2026, industry leaders across technology, climate finance, mobility, and education highlight the importance of empowering women.  This, they say, can be done by imparting skills, opportunities, and leadership roles to them.

Experts say women’s participation is essential for building stronger and more inclusive economies. Be it any field – digital inclusion and artificial intelligence, climate entrepreneurship or workplace safety.

Digital Skills Can Transform Women’s Futures

Manisha Dubey  is the Head of IDEMIA India Foundation and VP – Marketing Communications & Brand at IDEMIA. she believes that access to skills and opportunities can create lasting change.

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that empowering women with the right skills and opportunities can transform communities and economies. We are committed to advancing digital inclusion by equipping women with future-ready skills in technology and innovation.

Our initiatives focus on access to learning, mentorship and meaningful career pathways. This is especially for those who come from underserved backgrounds. When women participate fully in the digital economy, they build stronger futures for themselves. Further, they also drive sustainable progress for society.”

She adds that investing in women’s potential means investing in a more inclusive and resilient future.

Women Are Leading the Climate Transition

Women entrepreneurs and investors are also playing a growing role in climate finance and clean energy.

Vasudha Madhavan, Founder and CEO of Ostara Advisors, says International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise women shaping the future of sustainable businesses.

“Across markets, more women are building ventures, mobilizing capital and driving solutions that support a low-carbon and resilient economy.

The climate transition needs diverse leadership. There is immense potential for women to shape how capital, technology and policy come together to build the next generation of sustainable businesses.”

She also encourages more women to explore climate tech and sustainability-focused sectors, where their ideas and leadership can create real impact.

Addressing Gender Bias in Artificial Intelligence

According to Simmi Dhamija, Chief Operating Officer at AIONOS, the world of artificial intelligence (AI) still faces challenges when it comes to gender inclusion.

“AI today is at an inflection point. While awareness about bias has grown, many AI systems still reflect the structural inequalities they learn from.

Nearly half of AI systems studied globally continue to exhibit gender bias, and women remain underrepresented in the teams building these technologies.”

She explains that this can lead to biased outcomes in hiring tools, healthcare models and everyday digital systems.

“The focus now must shift from ‘bias correction’ to ‘inclusive design by default.’ AI should not only be intelligent but also fair and equitable for everyone.”

Safe Mobility Supports Women’s Workforce Participation

For many women, safe and reliable transportation is a key factor in joining and staying in the workforce.

Kavitha Ramachandragowda, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Routematic, believes companies must embed equality into their systems.

“Gender equality is no longer just a conversation. It is a strategic priority for industries.

Real progress can be seen in who gets hired, who grows into leadership roles, and who feels supported enough to build long-term careers.”

She notes that organisations must invest in equitable hiring, leadership pathways, and technology-driven mobility solutions to remove structural barriers.

“Equality should be visible in everyday workplace practices — not discussed only once a year.”

Mentorship and Skills for Young Women

Rakhi Pal, Co-Founder and COO of EventBeep, highlights the importance of mentorship and skill development for young women entering the workforce.

“True progress happens when opportunities are not limited to those with the right networks or advantages.

In education and recruitment today, there is a growing focus on helping young women build career confidence through mentorship, skill development and practical exposure to industry.”

She adds that when women are supported with the right tools and training, they enter the workforce with stronger voices, new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Empowerment Requires Long-Term Commitment

Experts agree that real empowerment goes beyond symbolic gestures.

It requires consistent investment in skills, safety, leadership opportunities, and inclusive systems.

When women are given equal opportunities to participate and lead, they contribute not only to their own growth but also to innovation, economic progress, and sustainable development.

Women as Architects of Brand Culture

According to Jermina Menon, Brand & Marketing Strategist at Bhartiya Urban, women today are no longer just consumers of brands — they are key drivers of culture, community and brand narratives.

“Women today are not just consumers of brands; they are architects of culture and community. The most impactful marketing strategies emerge when diverse perspectives shape storytelling, experience design, and brand purpose.”

“Women bring empathy, intuition, and data-backed insight together, enabling brands to move beyond transactions toward meaningful engagement,” she says.