Dhaka, A region where only one in four women participate in the workforce, a myriad of barriers including discriminatory laws, limited access to education, and the burden of unpaid work, hinder women’s ability to engage in employment fully. Despite these challenges, on International Women’s Day 2024, the spotlight shines on several women entrepreneurs, media executives, CSO leaders, health practitioners, and tech visionaries who are breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks across the region. These women’s stories not only celebrate their achievements but also highlight the crucial support systems and policy interventions necessary to pave the way for more women and girls in South Asia to realize their potential.

According to The World Bank, these trailblazers include Kanneganti Rama Devi from India, the founder of the Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India (ALEAP), who credits her husband’s mentorship and her parents’ legacy as pivotal in her journey to empower underprivileged women. Minha Faiz in the Maldives, who runs One Media Group, emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and a supportive family environment in enabling women to succeed in the workforce. Sumita Ghose, the founder of rangSutra in India, advocates for comprehensive initiatives like education, apprenticeship, and safe transportation to support rural women artisans. From Nepal, Sanchita Lama, an Animation Supervisor at Incessant Rain Studios, highlights the importance of education, equal access to opportunities, and a supportive workplace culture.

These stories reveal a common theme: the essential role of support systems, whether through mentorship, family encouragement, or organizational policies, in overcoming societal expectations and biases. Neha Mankani in Pakistan founded the Mama Baby Fund to increase access to maternal and neonatal care, underscoring the need for a fair wage, safety at work, and supportive family structures for women healthcare workers. Sabira Mehrin from Bangladesh established Wander Woman, a travel platform for Bangladeshi women, demonstrating the power of familial support and mentorship in breaking gender norms.

These narratives underscore the potential of targeted interventions and supportive ecosystems in enabling women to pursue their ambitions and contribute significantly to their communities and economies. Programs and policies promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusive development can create more opportunities for women in the workforce. As these women leaders from various sectors continue to inspire, the path forward calls for concerted efforts from governments, educational institutions, and communities to dismantle the barriers facing women in South Asia and beyond.