It is an honor to stand before you at the CII IWN Tamil Nadu Leadership Summit, a platform dedicated to recognizing and furthering the contributions of women in leadership. Today, as we discuss Women Catalyzing Progress: Leadership for Impact, we must acknowledge that women have always been the architects of transformation, shaping not just homes but entire nations with their intellect, resilience, and leadership.

Women have carved an indelible space in every field imaginable. In business, leaders like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, have revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry, while Falguni Nayar, through Nykaa, has redefined India’s e-commerce landscape. In science and technology, Ritu Karidhal and Nandini Harinath were pivotal in ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission, proving that Indian women are at the forefront of space exploration. In politics, stalwarts like Indira Gandhi and Jayalalithaa demonstrated how strong leadership transcends gender. In sports, P.T. Usha, Mithali Raj, and Mary Kom have inspired generations by breaking barriers and bringing glory to the nation. In the arts, figures like M.S. Subbulakshmi and Bharatanatyam legend Rukmini Devi Arundale have not only enriched our cultural heritage but also paved the way for future generations of women artists. From finance to filmmaking, from agriculture to activism, Indian women have consistently led, innovated, and transformed their respective fields, proving time and again that progress is not possible without their contributions.

Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of social justice and progressive politics, and under the leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin, women’s empowerment remains central to our governance agenda. Our government has introduced pioneering schemes such as the Pudhumai Penn Scheme, which provides financial assistance to girls pursuing higher education, ensuring that no dream is curtailed due to economic constraints. The MagalirUrimai Thogai, a direct financial assistance program, empowers women financially, enabling them to take charge of their lives with dignity and independence. These are not mere welfare measures; they are bold steps toward dismantling structural inequalities and placing women at the heart of economic development.

While states like Tamil Nadu push forward progressive policies, the Union Government has consistently failed to prioritize women’s safety and empowerment. Crimes against women remain alarmingly high, with conviction rates woefully low, indicating a severe lapse in legal enforcement and policy implementation.

Women’s representation in governance is still far from equitable, with crucial bills like the Women’s Reservation Bill languishing for years without implementation. The economic policies of the Union Government have also failed to address the gender wage gap, employment disparities, and the disproportionate impact of inflation on women-headed households. We cannot celebrate progress in pockets while ignoring the larger systemic failures that continue to hold back half the nation’s population.

Despite these challenges, Indian women have demonstrated unparalleled leadership across various fields. From the grassroots to global platforms, they have defied odds, shattered glass ceilings, and set new benchmarks. Women in rural India are leading self-help groups and cooperatives, ensuring financial independence and sustainable livelihoods for thousands. In urban spaces, they are excelling in technology, academia, and governance, proving that leadership is not a matter of gender but of vision and capability. Women’s leadership is not merely about representation; it is about reimagining structures of power to be more inclusive, empathetic, and transformative.

As we gather here today, let this not be just another conference of discussions and deliberations. Let this be a space where commitments are made, networks are built, and actionable steps emerge. Leadership is not confined to those in positions of power—it resides in every woman who dares to dream, challenges the status quo, and uplifts another. As a society, we must move beyond rhetoric and work towards institutional change that ensures equal opportunities, safety, and respect for women in all spheres of life.

To the women here today, remember that your leadership, in whatever form it takes, is a catalyst for progress. Your voice, your expertise, and your resilience are invaluable. We must continue to demand spaces, create opportunities, and redefine leadership on our own terms. Our progress is not just for ourselves but for the generations that follow—for the young girls who will one day stand where we stand today.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of this summit for providing a platform to celebrate and empower women. To all those present, let us leave here not just inspired but committed to action. The future is not something we wait for—it is something we shape. And as history has shown us, when women lead, societies flourish.

Thank you.