As we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day that honors the incredible strength, accomplishments, and untold stories of women across the globe, we also look ahead to the future they are shaping. Women are not only breaking barriers but are also redefining leadership, innovation, and change in every sector. From technology and entrepreneurship to healthcare, fashion, entertainment and social service, women are pushing boundaries and paving the way for a more inclusive and empowering world. In this special feature, The Pioneer speaks to some of the most influential voices across industries, sharing their vision for the future of women in their fields. These trailblazers reflect on the progress made, the challenges ahead, and the boundless opportunities that await women as they continue to shape a brighter tomorrow, now and forever.
Tejal Sinha
Hope the question of gender equality is no longer asked
The role of women in Indian cinema is evolving, but whether it’s truly progressing is a question that lingers. While recent films have gained commercial and international success, many still rely on deep-rooted patriarchy and misogynistic views of men. This raises concerns about whether all the progress made by women in the industry over the years is actually leading to real change or if it’s merely a surface-level shift. Sitting here today, it doesn’t feel progressed but regressed. In the film industry, one of the biggest issues is that women do not speak up enough—for themselves or for each other. There is power in using one’s voice, and creating an inclusive space starts with that. The more women advocate for themselves and those around them, the stronger the community becomes. Not every woman in the industry can take up every fight. Choosing battles wisely is important, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. There are moments when the urge to speak out is overwhelming, but reacting to every injustice every day would require stepping away from art to become a full-time activist—something that isn’t always feasible. For women carving their paths in the industry while dealing with traditional mindsets, the question is simple—how badly do you want it? Opinions about women have existed since the beginning of time, and they won’t disappear overnight. It’s 2025, and women still face criticism no matter what field they choose. As a mother of a girl child, the hope for the future is simple: to see a day when the question of gender equality is no longer asked. A world where men and women are truly equal, where there is no need for discussions about how to make things better for women. In 2025, we shouldn’t still be talking about how to fix inequality—it’s heartbreaking that this conversation is still necessary. The hope is that someday, we celebrate both men and women equally, without the need for these questions, because by then, equality will no longer be an aspiration, but a reality.
— Manchu Lakshmi, actress
