The Unstoppable Power of Women in Business
By Puunam Kaushik
We celebrate International Women's Day 2025, with the theme "Accelerate Action," it is time to reflect on the remarkable journey of women in business and leadership. This theme is a call to push forward, to break barriers, and to ensure that equality is not just a dream but a lived reality. Women today are not just participants in the business world; they are leaders, changemakers, and pioneers shaping the future.
My journey began at 17 when I joined my family business and trained under my father. I always aspired to be an entrepreneur, inspired by the same passion and dedication that I saw in him. This ambition gave rise to Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals in 2006. The initial years were filled with struggles, learning, and perseverance, but with my husband, Gaurav Kaushik, we explored new opportunities and ventured into the biopharma industry. That decision proved to be transformative, positioning Meteoric as a global biopharma leader today.
I was raised in a family where gender was never a barrier. My parents never differentiated between a son and a daughter, and that upbringing instilled in me the confidence that I was no less than anyone else in society.
With nearly two decades of experience across industries, I have grown into multiple leadership roles. At Meteoric, I am responsible for Corporate Affairs, Human Resources, business development, corporate communication, Public Relations, brand management, and CSR.
My commitment to social impact led me to establish VISHALWIN FOUNDATION. Since 2019, VISHALWIN Foundation has been working in the field of special needs, especially with children with neurodiversities. We have endeavoured to work towards bettering the quality of life for these children. We are committed to rehabilitating neurodiverse children from economically weaker sections. Our core programs include Early Intervention Sponsorship of children, Medical Camps, Life Skills Workshops, Disability Awareness Campaigns, and Scholarships encouraging mothers of children with special needs to pursue higher courses in the field.
Today, women entrepreneurs and business leaders are transforming industries. The rise in women-run startups, the increasing number of female CEOs, and the growing influence of women in policymaking reflect that we are not just asking for a seat at the table but building our tables.
At Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals, we take immense pride in fostering gender diversity. Women form 60% of our workforce, leading key departments, making critical business decisions, and driving innovation.
The Reality Check:
While we celebrate progress, the statistics remind us that there is still much to achieve. The World Bank reports that India’s GDP growth rate would climb above 9% if women had an equitable share of jobs. Additionally, India could boost its growth by 1.5 percentage points per year if just 50% of women could join the workforce. However, female workforce participation in India remains one of the lowest globally and continues to decline. Participation at work for women dipped from around 36% in 2021 to a little over 33% in 2022.
Financial disparities persist-on average, an Indian woman makes only 20% of an Indian man’s earnings, compared to 65% in the U.S. and 60% in China. Moreover, Indian women perform five hours of housework per day, while Indian men contribute only one hour. Women occupy just 14% of senior leadership roles in India, ranking the country 136th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index. Additionally, only 10% of startup founders in India are women.
Limited financial inclusion is another challenge, with women receiving less than 10% of all loans granted. According to the IMF, gender parity could boost India's GDP by an astonishing 27%.
Accelerating Action for the Future
But progress does not mean we can afford to slow down. Women-owned businesses receive significantly less funding than those led by men. Many workplaces still do not provide adequate maternity support or flexible policies for working mothers. These barriers are not a reflection of women’s capabilities but rather of societal limitations that we must continue to dismantle.
Support systems are crucial in accelerating action. Women need access to mentorship, funding, and inclusive work environments. We must also create opportunities for young girls to see successful female role models in industries that were once male-dominated. If a young girl grows up seeing women leading businesses, she will know that she, too, can lead. Representation matters.
Despite these obstacles, women continue to excel. It is time we shift the narrative, instead of questioning women’s abilities, we should be questioning the structures that hinder their success.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that success is deeply personal. For some, it is about climbing the corporate ladder; for others, it is about creating social impact, running a successful business, or even achieving work-life balance. Whatever the definition, women must define success on their terms and not by societal standards.
There is also a misconception that women must choose between family and career. The truth is, we can have both, but it requires support, both from our workplaces and from our communities. Companies that invest in gender diversity and create family-friendly policies see better productivity, creativity, and overall growth. When women thrive, businesses thrive.
I have found that mentorship plays a critical role in empowering women. When I mentor young professionals, I encourage them to take risks, to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and to build a network of strong, like-minded individuals. Women lifting other women is the most powerful force in business. The more we support each other, the stronger we become.
The Future is Female – And It is Now.
The presence of women in every sector today is a reflection of our strength. We are entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, educators, and CEOs.
To every woman reading this-believe in your capabilities, step out of your comfort zone, and chase your dreams unapologetically. The world needs more women at the forefront, making bold decisions, leading with empathy, and rewriting the narrative of leadership. Women’s empowerment is not just a women’s issue - it is a societal issue. When we invest in women, we invest in stronger economies, healthier communities, and a brighter future for the next generation.
On this Women’s Day, let us pledge to Accelerate Action - to support, to uplift, and to march forward together. The time for change is now, and the future is ours to shape.
Every small action counts. Whether it is mentoring another woman, advocating for equal pay, supporting women-led businesses, or simply believing in yourself, you are contributing to the movement. We must continue to challenge norms, break ceilings, and demand what we rightfully deserve.
With God’s grace, I have never faced major roadblocks in my career as a woman leader. But for those who have faced challenges, my advice is simple: Let your work speak. The world is changing, and women are leading that change. So let’s move forward with confidence, strength, and an unshakable belief that the best is yet to come.
Happy International Women's Day!
