The association between previous falls and fracture risk was observed to vary by sex, with men exhibiting higher predictive values compared to women…reports Asian Lite News
A recent study titled “A meta-analysis of previous falls and subsequent fracture risk in cohort studies” found links between self-reported falls and increased fracture risk, as well as a slightly greater risk of fracture in men than in women.
Published in Osteoporosis International, this international meta-analysis of data pooled from 46 prospective cohorts comprising over 900,000 individuals also recommended that previous falls are a factor that should be included in patients’ histories used by fracture risk assessment tools like the FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment) Tool to calculate a person’s likelihood of getting a fracture over the next decade. FRAX is the most commonly used assessment to predict fracture risk.
“FRAX was developed using longitudinal data from studies around the world. Although previous falls have long been recognized as a significant risk factor for fractures, until now, they have not been factored into the FRAX algorithm,” said Douglas P. Kiel, M.D., MPH, director of the Musculoskeletal Research Center and senior scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife, a nonprofit, Harvard Medical School affiliated institution. “In this newly updated FRAX dataset, previous falls were included as a risk factor and were found to increase the risk for fracture. These findings underscore that falls are an important contributor to fracture in both men and women, but interestingly, slightly more in men.” Key findings of the meta-analysis include
Increased Fracture Risk: Individuals with a history of falls within the past year were found to have a significantly higher risk of any clinical fracture, osteoporotic fracture, major osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture. One or more previous falls were significantly associated with an increased risk of death among women and men.
Sex Disparities: The association between previous falls and fracture risk was observed to vary by sex, with men exhibiting higher predictive values compared to women.
Independent Risk Factor: The increased fracture risk linked to previous falls was largely independent of bone mineral density, emphasizing the standalone significance of falls as a risk factor. A previous fall in the past year confers a significantly increased risk of any clinical fracture, osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture with the increase in risk varying between 36 per cent and 59 per cent depending on the fracture outcome and sex. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating previous falls into the FRAX algorithm,” Dr. Kiel added. Integrating this information into tools like FRAX can enhance their predictive accuracy and ultimately help healthcare providers to more accurately predict fracture risk and tailor preventive strategies accordingly to improve patient outcomes. (ANI)
Maneka Gandhi, who originally belongs to Delhi, is the senior-most MP among these women, having won her first election in 1989 on a Janata Dal ticket. She later joined the BJP and has always chosen Uttar Pradesh to contest elections — first Pilibhit and then Sultanpur…reports Asian Lite News
Uttar Pradesh has strong and established women leaders but, ironically, the majority of this ‘Nari Shakti’ does not belong to this state.
Barring a few, most of the women leaders have come from other states and after contesting several elections, they have consolidated their position in Uttar Pradesh.
Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi leads the brigade of political talent imported from outside Uttar Pradesh. A native of Italy who was living in New Delhi with her in-laws, the Gandhi bahu made her political debut from Amethi in 1999 and then contested and won the Rae Bareli seat from 2004 to 2019.
Sonia Gandhi began campaigning in Amethi from 1984 when her husband Rajiv Gandhi made his political debut.
When Sonia Gandhi finally took a plunge in politics after the former Prime Minister’s demise, she chose the family turf, Amethi.
The former Congress President was at one time seen as a prime ministerial candidate, though she never claimed the position.
Another woman politician who was seen as a prospective prime ministerial candidate is BSP supremo, Mayawati.
Mayawati was born in Delhi but her political ‘karambhoomi’ became Uttar Pradesh when the first SP-BSP government came into existence in 1993 in the state.
Circumstances propelled Mayawati into the Uttar Pradesh chief minister’s chair in 1995 and over the years, she has emerged as a politician who cannot be ignored.
Actor-turned-politician, Hema Malini, who is seeking her third term from Mathura, belongs to Tamil Nadu and has spent most of her life in Mumbai.
She contested and won the 2014 and 2019 elections from Mathura. Hema Malini calls herself ‘Krishna ki gopi’ and claims to have a divine connect with Mathura.
Among others in this list is Smriti Irani, who is seeking her second term from Amethi and originally belongs to Delhi.
However, after winning Amethi in 2019, she calls herself ‘Amethi ki bitiya’. She has even built her home in Gauriganj in Amethi and is well versed with local politics and the local people.
Maneka Gandhi, who originally belongs to Delhi, is the senior-most MP among these women, having won her first election in 1989 on a Janata Dal ticket. She later joined the BJP and has always chosen Uttar Pradesh to contest elections — first Pilibhit and then Sultanpur.
Jaya Prada, another actor-turned-politician, was born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh but chose Uttar Pradesh to kickstart her political career even though she had earlier joined the TDP.
Jaya Prada successfully contested the Rampur Lok Sabha seat in 2004 and 2009 elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket. Later, she joined the BJP in 2019.
Dimple Yadav, senior SP leader and wife of Akhilesh Yadav, originally belongs to Uttarakhand but made Uttar Pradesh her home after her marriage to Akhilesh.
Dimple Yadav began her career by losing a bypoll to Raj Babbar of the Congress from Firozabad in 2009 but won the Kannauj seat in a 2012 bye-election. She won the Kannauj seat in 2014 but lost in 2019.
However, Dimple Yadav won the Mainpuri bye-election after the demise of Mulayam Singh Yadav in 2022.
Among all these women leaders, it is only Union Minister Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (S) who was born and brought up in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Interestingly, even in the past, several women leaders who made a mark in Indian politics were born outside Uttar Pradesh but chose to contest polls from the state.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, made her debut in politics when she won a bye-election from Bijnor in 1985. Meira Kumar, who is the daughter of late veteran politician Jagjivan Ram, was born in Bihar.
Former Delhi Chief Minister, late Sheila Dikshit, won her first election from Kannauj in 1984. She was born in Kapurthala in Punjab.
Freedom fighter Sucheta Kripalani, the first woman Chief Minister in India, who headed the Uttar Pradesh government, also belonged to Punjab but won the Assembly polls from Mehdawal in Sant Kabir Nagar.
Anushree Rabadia completed her BVA in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and is currently pursuing her MVA in Painting from MSU Baroda…reports Asian Lite News
Voices of Women presented by Art Garde is a contemporary art exhibition under the Young Collectors’ Pop Up umbrella initially launched in 2022. This exhibition showcases works by emerging and middle-contemporary women artists from across the country. The exhibition highlights the flourishing practices of women artists across mediums. While equal representation between men and women artists is still not a reality, there is a steady increase in exhibitions and platforms like this one that seek to address this disparity. In 2023 the Art Basel and YBS Survey of Global Collecting drew attention to the fact that women collectors are now collecting more than men, and many of them focus on this disparity and address it by actively collecting women artists exclusively.
Through a showcase of diverse mediums, styles and experiences, the show eliminates stereotypes associated with women artists. This curation intends to move away from stereotypes that are often limiting the expansion of women in fine arts today. A similar approach has been taken when also curating the subject matter represented. For instance in art universities across the country, the female nude is still not taught in live drawing classes. Historically, specifically within the South Asian context women have been associated more with handicrafts, as opposed to fine arts. However, the adaptability of women when they engage with fine arts offers a unique glimpse at the intersection between physicality and painting. This exhibition does not intend to purport that women are intended to belong to a certain style of art. It provides a stage for women engaging in traditional and non-traditional, expected and unexpected. It is a curation of contemporary women artists across the spectrum today.
A common theme amongst the works displayed is how each woman responds to contemporary stimuli that impact that in a personal or general societal way while respecting diversity. The exhibition will take place from 9-15 April at A2/22 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi.
Participating Artists:
Malavika Rajnarayan studied painting at the College of Fine Arts, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath and at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University of Baroda. Alongside her studio practice, she works as an arts resource person with the Azim Premji Foundation. Her works have been exhibited across India and abroad, most recently in the Seattle Art Museum in 2022. She has been an artist-in-residence at The Collective Studio Baroda; The Contemporary Artists Centre, Troy, New York: at CAMAC Centre for Art in Marnay sur-Seine, France, and a collective residency as a member of Surfatial at ZK/U, Berlin. She was the recipient of the Nasreen Mohammedi scholarship for post-graduate study in 2005. Malavika’s paintings use the human figure to create narratives that are infused with a feminine sensibility. Her background in Indian classical music as well as her interest in the progression of Indian and Asian knowledge traditions form the basis of her inquiries. Her visual language is informed by miniature painting traditions, where the poignancy of ideas are conveyed through beauty, grace and poetry.
Tanushree Sarkar is an acclaimed and award-winning art director of films like Parineeta, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, and Eklavya. As a kid, she had always been interested in painting and fine arts. She started her career at Ogilvy & Mather, a media company. After spending about four years and being a cinema enthusiast. she joined a newly opened production house. As her career progressed, she felt that her art was left behind. So after Gabbar, she decided not to do films anymore and dedicate more time to her art. She participated in the Indian Art Fair, at Nehru Centre. Her work is heavily inspired by Indian history and culture.
Anushree Rabadia completed her BVA in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and is currently pursuing her MVA in Painting from MSU Baroda. She was awarded the Jeram Patel Award, Faculty of Fine Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, 2020-2021. Anushree’s works are conceptually derived from her environment, nature, and the necessities of daily existence. She manipulates the materials according to the feel of the subject to communicate these observations. She uses pattern, flow, texture, rhythm, softness, sensitivity, and an interest in optical illusion to portray the intensity of her artwork, which enables her to produce 2- dimensional pieces on a mount board. She draws inspiration from India’s rich textile history for her own creative interpretations. Anushree lives and works in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Ekta Singha pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts in Painting from the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, India, She graduated with an MVA in Painting Faculty of Fine Arts, MSU, Baroda, Gujarat, India. Ekta captivates audiences with her ingenious blend of mediums and materials. Drawing inspiration from Mughal, Persian, and Rajput miniature painting traditions, Ekta has crafted a unique artistic identity. Influenced by her roots in Bangladesh, memories of her ancestral home infuse her work with depth and resonance. Ekta’s art reflects an intriguing fusion of two distinct traditions: miniature painting and Pata scroll paintings. While the former lends intricate visual elements to her work, the latter allows for expansive storytelling, imbuing her art with a sense of dynamic movement. Through her evocative use of materials and forms, Ekta Singha invites audiences on a journey of discovery through her captivating creations.
Maitreyi Desai, born in Valsad, Gujarat, Maitreyi Desai pursued her Bachelor’s degree of Visual Arts in Painting and Master’s degree of Visual Arts in Print-making from the M.S. University, Baroda. Maitreyi’s artworks feel ageless, like the bark of that hundred year old tree; and yet it is also deeply personal, ethereal in its delicacy. Through these interconnections with nature, she wishes to assert her own identity; an identity synonymous with rootness, and groundedness, to a home, a family, and if we can expand our consciousness, to nature. These are the layered metaphors in her work. The intricacies in her artworks are not just aesthetic representations of nature but also emotive, the essence of what it means to make a home, layer by layer, line by line is seen here. Maitreyi is currently based in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Neha Luthra was born in India and raised in Warsaw, Poland. She obtained her BA in Art History and Management from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and an associate degree in Surface Pattern/Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. Neha studied painting under the mentorship of Despina Sevasti in Athens, Greece, and is currently part of The Royal Drawing School’s 2024 cohort for their Drawing Development Year. Her current art practice draws on her own photography and life experiences as subject matter. She resides between Warsaw & Jaipur.
Sareena Khemka is a talented visual artist known for her work in mixed media, particularly drawing, painting, and sculptural installations. She has a strong focus on exploring urban landscapes, often weaving together narratives of the past and future of cities. Sareena holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Kala Bhavan, Santiniketan, India. Throughout her career, Sareena has participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing her artwork in galleries and art spaces across India and internationally. Some of her notable exhibitions include ‘Future Foundations, ‘Walk-in Studio,’ and ‘Build & Grow. She has also been a resident artist at esteemed institutions such as Space 118 and The Piramal Art Foundation in Mumbai. In addition to her artistic practice, Sareena is passionate about art education and has conducted workshops with various organizations, including The Kiran Nader Museum of Art, Art 1st Foundation, and the Mohile Parikh Center Mumba. Sareena Khemka currently resides and works in Bangalore, where she continues to create thought-provoking and visually captivating artwork, pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression.
Astha Patel is a visual artist based in Vadodara, Gujarat. She draws inspiration from topics related to nature ecology and memory. Her practice primarily involves oil on canvas works, and tempera, gouache and watercolour on paper. She completed her Master’s in Visual from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara in 2022. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the same institution. In 2017 she received an ERASMUS Scholarship and completed a semester at The Universidad de Politecnica de Valencia, Spain 2017. In 2019 a collaborative project that she worked on with Pranshu Thakore, Rahi De Roy, and Savitha Ravi was displayed by the Tate Collective. She has also been a part of Residency Programmes at Space Studio Summer Residency, Vadodara 2021, as well as the Students’ Biennale at the Kochi Muziris Biennale. In 2023 she collaborated with the Mumbai-based luxury apparel brand, Aroka.
Vijaya Chauhan received her postgraduate in sculpture from Indirakala Sangeet University, Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh (2011). She was awarded ‘Kalasankranti Puraskar National Award. Vijaya’s practice is inspired by her experiences with learning braille, her works often include encoded messages in the same. Each work invites the viewer to engage both visually and through its tactile nature. She currently lives and works between New Delhi and Vadodara with her husband and son.
Tarini Sethi is a New Delhi-based artist. Tarini holds a BA in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, and a BFA in Drawing from Pratt Institute, New York. Her artistic practice explores themes like human intimacy, body consciousness, and sexuality, and draws from folklore and mythology through a multimedia practice that includes paintings, drawings, and metal sculptures. Sethi has been featured in Architectural Digest India and many other Indian publications and has been a part of design shows like the Mumbai Urban Arts Festival, as well as solo exhibitions at the IIC Gallery and Chemould Colab. As a woman from India, existing in a space of extreme sexual oppression and constant scrutiny, she tries to focus as much as possible on the idea that bodies can exist as perfect vessels for exploration, action and sexual emancipation. In the world she creates, bodies are freed from the ideas attached to the conventional notion of gender, perfection and beauty. She is the Founder and Curator of The Irregulars Art Fair and has exhibited across the world.
Micromanaging housework and making healthy meals for family members while juggling a work schedule is nearly impossible without some assistance.
Biswarup Chatterjee, executive chef at Hilton Garden Inn, New Delhi, shared helpful advice and recipes for women on the go who want to maintain a healthy diet while advancing in other areas of their lives.
Try the following recipe to enhance your holistic diet experience:
Aushadhi Concoction
Ingredients:
• 10 gms Ashoka
• 10 gms Shatavari
• 10 gms Ashwagandha
• 10 gms Lodhra
• 10 gms Garcinia
• 01gms Saffron
• 10 gms Lemon grass stem
• 15 gms Turmeric fresh
Method:
• Take 500 ml of water and soak all the ingredients overnight. Boil everything together for at least 10 minutes and strain it through a muslin cloth. Enjoy hot.
Raggi Idly Burger
Ingredients:
• 500 gms Raggi flour
• 10 gms Yeast
• 1 kg Soya chunks
• 500 gms Grated fresh coconut
• 50 gms Roasted chana dal
• 20 gms Green chilly
• 5 gms Black mustard seeds
• 300 gms Lactose-free cheese
• 200 gms Rocket lettuce
• 200 gms Tomatoes
• 200 gms Chipotle mayonnaise
• 50gms Onions red
• 30 gms Garlic peeled
• 50 gms Cajun spice
• 200 ml Olive oil
• Salt as per taste
Method:
• For raggi idly make a batter of raggi and 300 ml of water and yeast. Cover it with a plastic wrap and keep it overnight to ferment. Use an idly mould and steam the idly.
• Take 100 ml of olive oil in a pan, add onion and garlic and sauté till translucent. Add the soya chunks in that and keep cooking for 10 minutes and add Cajun spice and salt as per taste.
• Continue cooking till all the water has been absorbed. Run the mixture through a mincer to get it finer and make patties of 150 gms each. Grill the patties in a pan till it gets crisp from outside.
• For the coconut chutney- Take 50 ml olive oil in a pan add mustard seeds, chana dal & green chillies and sauté it. In a mixer grinder add the mixture and fresh grated coconut and bled it with 50 ml of water.
• Arrange the burger- Spread the chipotle mayo on the idly and top it up with, tomato slice patty, rocket lettuce & cheddar cheese.
• Serve the idly burger with freshly grated coconut chutney.
Norwegian Salmon Gravlax & Sous Vide Egg Benedict
Ingredients:
• 500 gms Salmon fillet
• 10nos Organic eggs
• 250 gms Lactose-free butter
• 250 gms Multigrain loaf
• 100 ml Olive oil
• 20 gms Crushed pepper
• 20 gms Dill leaves
• 30 gms Lemon juice
• 500 gms Himalayan pink salt
• 400 gms Sugar
• Salt as per taste
Method
• Marinate the salmon with dill leaves and lemon juice. And cover it completely with sugar and Himalayan salt and keep it for 24 hours.
• Remove the salt and sugar coating and the moisture released from the fillet. Dry it completely using a paper towel. Slice it thinly.
• Sous vide 5 eggs using sous vide machine and food-grade plastic bags at 70 degrees centigrade for 30 minutes.
• Make hollandaise sauce using lactose-free butter, lemon juice, and crushed black pepper.
• Toast the multi-grain bread in olive oil, and top it with sliced salmon, eggs and hollandaise sauce. Use a dill leaf for garnishing.
Hair Bless Granola Bar
Ingredients
• 100 gms Almond
• 100 gms Peanuts skin less
• 100 gms Walnuts
• 250 gms Sunflower seeds
• 50 gms Flax seeds
• 100 gms Rolled oats
• 100 gms Cornflakes
• 100 gms Fruit loops
• 200 ml Floral honey
• 15 gms Cinnamon powder
• 100 gm Brown sugar
• 200 gms Mixed dried berries
Method
• Crush the sunflower seeds and remove the outer shells, take all the nuts and seeds in a tray and toast it. Crush the mixture roughly and keep it aside.
• In a pan take honey, sugar and cinnamon powder and cook it until it gets lightly caramelised. Mix everything and roll it into a slab. Bake it at 140 degrees centigrade for 15 minutes and let it cool.
• Cut it into a bar shape and serve.
Raspberry Indulgence
Ingredients:
• 500 gms Sugarfree dark chocolates
• 1 L Almond milk
• 100 gms Fresh raspberry
• 250 gms Cream cheese
• 100 gms Icing sugar
• 200 gms Oats
• 150 gms Dry berry powder
Method:
• Blend all the aforementioned ingredients till it becomes smooth. Garnish with fresh raspberry and icing sugar, and serve it in a glass. The recipe is for a minimum serving of five portions.
Despite their potential and aspirations, small businesses with limited capital often grapple with strategic investment in products and inventories…reports Asian Lite News
The restaurant industry in India has witnessed a notable increase in women taking charge of cafes, restaurants, kitchens, and eateries, showcasing their culinary expertise and adept management skills. This surge is attributed to many women stepping into these roles, driving the growth of women entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry.
Driven by India’s unique demographic advantage, it is becoming more diverse with an increasing number of women initiating their ventures or managing existing ones. According to a report from the last two years suggest that women are more likely to start a business than men. Despite anecdotal evidence indicating that women-led businesses are often highly successful, they are less likely to survive. Government initiatives have also played a pivotal role in supporting women entrepreneurs.
However, the journey is particularly challenging for many women entrepreneurs, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities with well-established culinary traditions, where established players dominate, leaving little room for innovation. Food delivery platforms like Swiggy emerge as essential allies, accelerating the ambitions of these entrepreneurs and supporting their need to succeed, grow, and make an impact.
Hear from four incredible women-owned restaurant businesses from across the country.
One such story is Tuljai Swayampak Ghar in Aurangabad, run by Renu Mulik, a visionary young woman who embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Initially, Renu faced challenges in establishing her online business in a competitive environment. She recalls, “I knew nothing about running a business, let alone a restaurant, so when I onboarded with Swiggy I was clueless. But I am thankful to them for patiently teaching me the ways of working. Never did I imagine that life would bring me to this point. Back then I would only receive 3-4 orders from the platform in a day, soon it turned into 18-19 orders and that number kept increasing.”
Despite their potential and aspirations, small businesses with limited capital often grapple with strategic investment in products and inventories.
Krishnapriya Hariharan, the founder of E=mc2 from Kozhikhode, started to run out with orders clocking no more than 10-15 in a day. Krishnapriya recalls, “Working with Swiggy has benefited us in numerous ways. We are now more aware of our sales and our customers, and the best part is that delivery is handled. Swiggy’s support allowed us to invest more strategically in our products and inventories, helping us regularly update the menu with new dishes over the past two years. This also gave us a chance to develop and launch a new brand, Burg 99, which is exclusively available through Swiggy.”
Similarly, Priya Sharma, Owner of Bonfire Pizza in Rishikesh, shares her journey, “When I started my online venture, we were making just 30 pizzas per month, and I considered quitting. That’s when Swiggy’s Account Managers came to the rescue. With their expert strategies, we started doing 300 pizzas per month. Swiggy’s support renewed my confidence, and I’m now eager to explore more expansion opportunities.”
Managing the complexities of online platforms, from maintaining menus to running ads and meeting customer expectations consistently, is another challenge.
Owners like Debjani Sahu of Garam Masala in Bhubaneshwar and Suviggya Bansall of Gopaljee Café comments, “We started with small basic checks, ensuring the menu, pricing, and descriptions were updated. Later, when we ran our first campaign – an ad carousel – the business picked up faster. Customer expectations improved as they received what they saw on the app.”
Despite challenges in non-metro areas, quick commerce platforms have emerged as essential allies, empowering visionary women entrepreneurs propelling the growth of dynamic women entrepreneurs in the Indian restaurant industry.
According to the talent management platform foundit (formerly Monster jobs), this exponential increase can be attributed to the convenience that the gig economy or the freelancing industry offers to participants…reports Asian Lite News
With improving ease of access to information and technology, more women investors are investing in mutual funds, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) said.
The share of women in mutual funds’ assets under management (AUM) has shot up from 15.2 per cent in 2017 to 20.9 per cent in 2023.
This pace of growth is more prominent in the hinterland as compared to the urban centres, with the share of women’s folios and assets in the B-30 cities increasing from 15 per cent to 18 per cent and from 17 per cent to 28 per cent during the period, respectively, the AMFI said.
The age analysis of women investors indicates that almost 50 per cent of women investors fall in the 25-44 years age group, as compared to around 45 per cent for the overall set of individual investors.
Goa boasts the highest share of women in the mutual fund industry at 40 per cent, followed by the northeastern states with high 30s percentage. Chandigarh, Maharashtra, and New Delhi also have over 30 per cent share of women in the industry’s assets under management, as per the AMFI data.
Most women continue to invest through the regular plan route in mutual funds and stay invested for longer when investing through a mutual fund distributor.
The number of women mutual fund distributors has steadily increased, nearing the 42,000 registration mark as of December 2023, managing over Rs 1 lakh crore in AUM.
Meanwhile, the number of women opting for freelancing jobs in India doubled over the past year, jumping from 4 per cent in February 2023 to 8 per cent in February 2024, a new report showed on Monday.
According to the talent management platform foundit (formerly Monster jobs), this exponential increase can be attributed to the convenience that the gig economy or the freelancing industry offers to participants.
There has also been a 56 per cent increase in jobs for women candidates in February this year when compared to February last year.
“Female workers play a major role in the success of a company. They are proven to be hard-working and creative,” said Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, a Quess company.
“Female leaders often demonstrate transformational leadership qualities, and having more women in a team promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” he added.
Moreover, the report revealed that the IT/Computers-Software sector leads in offering opportunities to women, comprising 36 per cent of its workforce.
The Recruitment/Staffing/RPO sector (24 per cent) has the second-highest share of women in the workforce, followed by the Banking, Financial, Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector (23 per cent).
The participation of women in the workforce has been positive and steady across the metro cities of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune.
In addition, the report suggested that there has been a noteworthy increase in leadership opportunities for women, with 9 per cent of job postings specifically targeted towards leadership positions in February this year.
In January 2021, Radhakrishnan, who is a Labour MP right now, was conferred a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award for public service…reports Asian Lite News
Women serve as heads of state and government in only 31 countries with less than one in four serving as cabinet ministers, and just 26.5 per cent of them as MPs in a 21st-century world that speaks of gender equality.
Despite the not-so-impressive numbers, based on a 2023 UN study, women across the world have been emerging as a formidable force in political fora that has long been overpowered by men.
While in India, Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani, and many of their colleagues in the PM Narendra Modi government put in assiduous work to make governance more responsive to women’s interests and needs, their fellow Indian women beyond borders are not far behind.
In the US, Vice President Kamala Devi Harris — born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother — is President Joe Biden’s running mate in this year’s crucial election and could well script history by becoming America’s first woman President, as well as the first of Indian descent.
Till two days back, two-time former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley — born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa to Punjabi Sikh parents — was the last woman standing against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in the 2024 race to the White House. She was also the US Ambassador to the UN under then-President Trump.
Chennai-born Pramila Jayapal is among the five Indian-American lawmakers in the US Congress and represents the 7th Congressional District of Washington. Last year, her sister Susheela Jayapal, launched her congressional bid from the state of Oregon.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Hindu American elected to New York State Office, won the Diwali school holiday in just one legislative session, winning the hearts of the South Asian community in the state.
Last year, Andhra Pradesh-born Aruna Miller scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American politician to be sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor in the state of Maryland.
In Australia, Labour MP Zaneta Mascarenhas became the first person of Goan origin to be elected to the country’s lower house of representatives in 2022 from Swan.
In Australia’s closest neighbour to the east, Priyanca Radhakrishnan became the first person of Indian roots to be named minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities in New Zealand.
Her great-grandfather, Dr C.R. Krishna Pillai, had reportedly been a left-wing leader with the Communist Party and played a key role in Kerala politics.
In January 2021, Radhakrishnan, who is a Labour MP right now, was conferred a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award for public service.
Indo-Canadian Anita Anand, promoted as the President of the Treasury Board in a last year Cabinet reshuffle, was the former Defence Minister of Canada and also served as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement in the past.
Born in 1967 in Nova Scotia to a Punjabi mother and a Tamil father, both physicians, Anita — having worked as a scholar, lawyer and researcher — was first elected as the MP for Oakville in 2019.
Reacting to Justin Trudeau’s allegations of an Indian hand in the murder of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Anita said it was a “very difficult time” to hear the Prime Minister make the remarks, especially for families who come from India.
“I am thinking about my parents, for example, and I think that sentiment is shared by South Asians and families who come from India, regardless of religion,” Anita said, adding that it is “time to let the legal process continue as it must.”
Born to Sikh parents from India, Jyoti Gondek was sworn in as the 37th mayor of Calgary, a city in Canada’s Alberta province, becoming the first woman to be elected to the role in 2021.
In the island nation of Singapore, Indranee Rajah — born to a Tamil father and a Chinese Singaporean mother, entered politics in 2001 and was appointed a minister in the Prime Minister’s office in 2018. She has been serving as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance since 2018 in the city-state.
In a diverse landscape of compelling characters across various platforms, women have taken centre stage, embodying strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. From the powerful Helen Black in Audible’s ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders: Black Widow,’ voiced by Kareena Kapoor Khan to the fearless Sehmat in ‘Raazi,’ on Prime Video, each of them captures the audiences with their indomitable spirits.
Their stories, filled with courage and resilience, serve as a beacon of inspiration, just like this year’s theme of accelerating progress and encouraging women to embrace their strength and forge ahead. Whether they’re fierce warriors or brilliant minds, these women smash stereotypes and teach us how to be badass and stand out on our own. Here are ten remarkable ladies from whom we can draw inspiration this Women’s Day!
Helen Black voiced by Kareena Kapoor Khan and Lisa Cartwright voiced by Masaba Gupta
Meet Helen Black, a powerful woman bestowed with the power to save the universe voiced by Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Lisa Cartwright, the genius mastermind voiced by Masaba Gupta, who play the role of robust female characters in this podcast series. Helen, a fierce, powerful, and intelligent character clashes with Lisa who doesn’t take herself seriously but is uniquely intuitive and smart. Both the ladies take the lead in their distinct charms assuming the roles of a superhero and spy respectively. A one-woman deadly fighting force, Helen makes her moves smartly throughout the series, giving the audience a distinct audio experience.
With a tale of justice, resilience, and hope, Ash, voiced by Prajakta Koli, plays the role of Hawkeye’s estranged daughter. Her life takes a tragic turn when she loses the love of her life in a sudden accident. Driven by her youth and impulsiveness, she becomes motivated to seek justice, vowing to finish whoever is responsible. Turning to her father for help, she soon discovers that he, too, has a mission of his own. Pooling their motives of hope and vengeance, the series shows the heartwarming relationship between father-daughter duo Ash and Hawkeye as they collaborate to put an end to those manipulating this emerging dystopian era. Tune into this immersive experience of justice only on Audible!
To discover unspoken revelations with the fearless Zarah Kaul, don’t forget to tune into the riveting series of ‘Aakhri Sawaal: Interviews Before Execution’ on Audible. The story revolves around the character of psychologist Zarah Kaul who seeks to complete her late father’s unfinished book, ‘Interviews Before Execution.’ With immense bravery and gratitude towards her father, she interviews condemned murderers on death row single-handedly, unravelling the mysteries behind their crimes.
Jenabai voiced by Kalki Koechlin and Gangubai voiced by Radhika Apte
Meet the strong and resilient Mafia Queens, Jenabai and Gangubai, the female dons and masterminds narrated by Kalki Koechlin and Radhika Apte respectively. They bring to life the unforgettable tales of influential women in Indian history. Despite enduring the trauma of sexual assault, in this Audible show, you will know how Jenabai who was the first mafia queen of the Mumbai underworld, climbed her way up in a predominantly male-dominated society; while Gangu finds the inner strength to stand tall and ensures her voice is heard, being a source of inspiration for countless women today.
Kavya, a down-to-earth girl, faces life’s challenges with grace and unwavering determination, refusing to compromise on her deeply held values. The podcast narrates the chapters of Kavya and Dhruv’s lives before their paths intertwined, tracing the story of their initial meeting and the journey that led them to become inseparable soulmates. Kavya, narrated by Mithila Palkar, undergoes a remarkable evolution from a nervous individual to a mature and grown-up woman, catalysed by her encounter with Dhruv—the love of her life. As their paths intertwine, Kavya’s character unfolds, revealing layers of patience, love, and newfound wisdom, painting a vivid portrait of her growth into a more self-assured and empowered version of herself.
In a powerful story, Amrita, a survivor of domestic abuse, bravely refuses to stay silent. When her husband crosses the line by slapping her at a party, she takes a stand for justice. Choosing equality above all, Amrita fearlessly presses charges against him, firmly rejecting his oppressive actions. Her unwavering strength becomes a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the resilience and determination of women who refuse to yield to injustice.
Introducing Sehmat Khan, a fearless force of courage and sacrifice, where her name becomes synonymous with extraordinary! Once an ordinary college-going girl, she willingly set aside her dreams, youth, and college life to embark on a mission. Her selfless dedication involved providing crucial and confidential information to the Indian Agency, transforming her into a symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment to a greater cause. Her role highlighted her utmost sacrifice and dedication to her country.
The fearless investigative journalist Vishali Singh brought to life by Bhumi Pednekar in the vibrant city of Patna, brings in her due diligence. In her relentless pursuit to uncover the truth, she faces numerous challenges, from police interference to obstacles posed by child welfare authorities. Undeterred, Vaishali showcases unwavering resilience, refusing to back down until she exposes a horrifying crime within a girls’ shelter home in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
Financial Literacy and Business Acumen: Another key suggestion is to get familiar with financial concepts like budgeting, investment strategies, and business planning…reports Asian Lite News
Gone are the days when women were limited to their households. However, the narrative has shifted nowadays as women are not just thriving in professional roles but also running some of the largest businesses in the world.
Therefore, as we progress towards a more inclusive society, empowering young women to chase that entrepreneurial dream is becoming a fundamental goal. At the same time, it is essential to acknowledge that entrepreneurship is not solely about launching a business; it encompasses a combination of skills and a mindset that comes in handy at different stages in life.
So, to begin this entrepreneurial journey from the young, transformative years, here are crucial skills outlined by Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Editor, of MBD Group & AASOKA to kickstart an aspirational dream.
Creativity and Innovation: Start by looking for opportunities that spark your creativity and problem-solving abilities, encouraging innovation. When we tap into our visionary spirit, it empowers us to confront challenges with a new outlook, paving the way for new ideas and solutions. So, dare to explore, challenge yourself, and unlock the immense potential of the creative side of your brain.
Leadership and Teamwork: Entrepreneurial aspirations often involve leading teams and collaborating with diverse individuals. However, leadership is more than simply guiding others; it involves appropriately assigning responsibilities. That’s why you should actively engage in team efforts, collaborate with others around you, and willingly step out of your comfort zone to take up significant roles. These new experiences not only shape your character but also challenge you to grow, learn, and become a reliable team player while taking on responsibilities. You must learn & understand the importance of such skills during your school years.
Financial Literacy and Business Acumen: Another key suggestion is to get familiar with financial concepts like budgeting, investment strategies, and business planning. These concepts help you to make informed decisions, handle resources wisely, and navigate the complexities of running a venture. Such proficiency sets you up for future success in entrepreneurial efforts.
Communication and Negotiation Skills: The ability to communicate persuasively and negotiate effectively is a cornerstone of entrepreneurship. So, one must emphasize developing public speaking, effective writing, and basic negotiation skills. These competencies will give you the confidence to pitch new ideas and build networks in the future.
Resilience and Adaptability: In the fast-paced business world, you’ll experience a rollercoaster ride — full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Hence, developing a mindset based on resilience, adaptability, and the capability to bounce back from setbacks becomes crucial. Encourage yourself to take calculated risks and remember, each mistake is a chance to learn and grow. Moreover, it is equally important to remain flexible, ready to pivot, and adapt when faced with challenges. Keep pushing yourself to step outside your comfort zone because that is where the magic happens. Take up internships, volunteer with NGOs, and go on field trips to learn practical lessons in dealing with unexpected situations. Such activities will help you learn about stress management, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
Tech Proficiency and Digital Literacy: In today’s digital age, being proficient in technology is non-negotiable. So, you should explore new-age and tech-based hobbies, such as learning how to code, digital marketing, or trying the latest AI tools. This knowledge will help you stay ahead of the curve and compete on a global stage in the future.
Update your space with a work from home station. (Photo: Unsplash)
This leadership style aligns more closely with Western gender norms that characterize women as more empathetic and cooperative and men as more competitive and aggressive…reports Asian Lite News
Family firms account for more than 70 per cent of the global GDP, and poll statistics reveal that they are significantly more accepting of female leadership: up to 55 per cent have at least one woman on their board, and 70% are considering a woman as their next CEO. Experts attribute the outlier gender parity to a focus on long-term plans or family values. But a new study, published in the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, suggests that women’s success as leaders in family businesses is deeply rooted in how employees interpret their leadership style.
“Family firms tend to focus on being inclusive and supportive of internal stakeholders, extending the sense of ‘family’ and community,” says Remedios Hernandez-Linares of the Universidad de Extremadura in Spain and one of the study’s authors. “This culture creates a moderating effect for women leaders — their leadership is perceived as relationship-building and values dissemination.”
This leadership style aligns more closely with Western gender norms that characterize women as more empathetic and cooperative and men as more competitive and aggressive. The authors note, however, that women leaders at family businesses are not necessarily more impactful because they conform to gender norms. They thrive because their businesses’ strategies emphasize areas where women are traditionally seen as competent.
“CEOs influence employees’ behaviors via modeling, and leaders who are more credible and legitimate are more effective role models,” says Maria Concepcion Lopez-Fernandez of Universidad de Cantabria in Spain, another of the study’s authors. “Perceived incongruity between female gender roles and leadership roles can lead to prejudice and bias against female leaders.”
The authors specifically dug into how CEOs foster entrepreneurship, a highly masculinized business behavior, within their business culture. They conducted regression analysis on survey data from 322 Spanish small businesses, 198 classified as family firms and 133 as nonfamily. Women represented 20 percent of the CEOs. CEOs ranked their business’s performance on five entrepreneurial traits: risk-taking, innovation, proactiveness, competitiveness, and autonomy. The survey also measured key aspects of social learning at each business, including commitment to learning, shared vision, and open-mindedness.
The analysis showed no direct effect of CEO sex on entrepreneurial orientation, and all aspects of social learning were positively related to entrepreneurship. However, there were marked differences based on CEO sex and whether the organization was a family business. “It is not male or female leadership per se that predicts a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation, but rather, whether the male or female CEO is leading a family or nonfamily business,” says Kimberly A Eddleston of Northeastern, the study’s third author. “Women leaders at family firms better leverage their business’s commitment to learning and open-mindedness to support entrepreneurship than women leaders at nonfamily firms.”
“Our study therefore suggests that while women have an advantage leading family businesses, gender biases hamper female leaders’ ability to transform learning into greater entrepreneurial orientation in nonfamily business,” added Franz Kellermanns of UNC Charlotte, the study’s final author. The study gives greater context to decades of conflicting research that demonstrates a multitude of business benefits associated with female leadership but also slower growth and lower profits. The key may lie in culture — women can create more impact at businesses that emphasize at least some more traditionally feminine values. The authors also advise that couching their leadership styles in empathy and relationship-building can also help make women business leaders more effective. (ANI)
