It’s not often that we take a step back and reflect on how far we’ve come. But as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme #AccelerateAction, I felt an urge to share my story. Not because it’s extraordinary, but because it is possible—and if my journey can encourage even one woman to step forward with confidence, it’s worth sharing is what I felt.

As I reflect on my journey in the development sector, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. It has been a journey filled with learning, challenges, and a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of people. Being a woman in this field has been both a privilege and a testament to the resilience and dedication that women bring to the development landscape. Today, I wish to share my story, not just as a personal narrative but as a message to all aspiring women who dream of contributing to the development sector.

Finding My Calling

Joining the development sector wasn’t just a career choice for me; it was a calling. I was drawn to this field because it offered an opportunity to tackle systemic challenges and create meaningful, lasting change in people’s lives. As a young, economics student, I was deeply concerned about the causes of underdevelopment.  Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in diverse areas such as rural development, sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment. Each initiative I have been part of, has reinforced my belief that development is not about charity—it is about enabling people to take charge of their destinies.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of interacting with countless women in the field—tribal women preserving their food culture, women farmers battling climate change, and those carrying the weight of daily drudgery with unwavering strength. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the urgent need for equal opportunities for women, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and perseverance have been my greatest teachers.

An area which has been close to my heart is the link between gender, food, and nutrition. Women are the primary caretakers of food security in most rural households, yet they often eat last and least. This paradox deeply troubled me, and I saw an opportunity to drive change through Indigenous Cuisine Corners, an initiative focused on preserving traditional food knowledge and ensuring nutritious, culturally relevant diets. I remember meeting a group of tribal women who were reintroducing forgotten millets into their diets. These crops, rich in nutrients and climate-resilient, had been neglected due to modernization. Through our work, we empowered these women to not only consume these nutritious foods but also become champions of indigenous food systems, advocating for their integration into local policies and markets.

I remember a project where we trained women farmers in climate-smart agriculture. At first, many were hesitant, doubting their ability to learn and lead. But with continuous encouragement, they not only mastered new techniques but also became trainers for others. Watching them grow into confident leaders reaffirmed my belief: women’s empowerment is not just about providing resources—it’s about enabling women to believe in their own potential. Stories like these reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that women are central to development initiatives.

Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Development

Like many other women in this field, I have faced my share of challenges—navigating biases, ensuring my voice is heard in decision-making spaces and balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, justifying off bit career choice to relatives. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: knowledge and confidence speak louder than any bias.

I made it a point to equip myself with the right skills, stay informed about emerging trends, and most importantly, listen—to the communities I worked with, to mentors and peers, and to my own instincts. The development sector, despite its challenges, provides immense opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and create transformative impact.

I feel women bring a unique set of skills, perspectives, and strengths that make them highly effective in the development sector. Their ability to empathize, collaborate, and drive inclusive change gives them a comparative advantage in roles that require engagement with diverse communities, problem-solving, and long-term impact creation.

Women are exceptionally well-suited for careers and leadership roles in the development sector because of their natural strengths in empathy, resilience, multi-tasking, community engagement. While both men and women contribute to this sector, women bring a unique perspective that enhances development work, particularly in grassroots initiatives, gender empowerment, and inclusive policy-making. Their ability to listen, empathize, and build trust makes them more effective in working with vulnerable groups. Working in development often requires perseverance, adaptability, and patience—qualities that many women have honed. Being able to listen, communicate, and be sensitive are crucial assets in development work and I believe women have such inherent skills

I feel as a woman development professional, I could establish deep connections and could empathize, with communities, especially among other women and marginalized groups. In many cultures, women are more approachable and relatable in grassroots development work, making them effective in mobilization efforts, participatory decision-making, and behaviour change interventions.

Women as the Architects of Development

Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of India’s development, from Savitribai Phule in education to Ela Bhatt in women’s economic empowerment. Even today, many women like Rahi Bai Popare, Seed Mother and Recipient of Padmashri Award, are leading policy frameworks, grassroots activism, and sustainable development initiatives.

Women in self-help groups (SHGs), rural enterprises, and policymaking have helped lift millions out of poverty. Their ability to listen, empathize, and build trust makes them exceptionally effective in grassroots development work. I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible women—tribal women reviving traditional food cultures, farm women battling climate change, and development professionals challenging norms to create more inclusive policies. Their stories inspire me every day.

I am glad that women continue to lead policy frameworks, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and global development initiatives. sustainable development, and digital transformation, making them the backbone of India’s development sector. Their role in SHGs, rural enterprises, and policymaking has helped lift millions out of poverty. From grassroots activism to national policy leadership, Indian women have been, and continue to be, the catalysts for sustainable development

My women colleagues in my professional career have also been a source of constant inspiration. Working alongside passionate, driven women has reinforced my belief in the power of collective leadership. Whether it’s a young development professional challenging norms or a seasoned expert mentoring the next generation, I see in them the future of an inclusive development sector.

A Message to Young Women Aspirants in the Development Sector

If you are a young woman considering a career in development, this sector needs you. Your perspectives, creativity, empathy, and resilience are invaluable in shaping the world we want to live in.

Development is not about charity—it’s about enabling people to take charge of their own destinies. It requires perseverance, adaptability, and patience—qualities that many women naturally possess.

So, step forward with confidence. Seek mentors, build networks, and never doubt your ability to make a difference. The development sector is not just a career—it’s a purpose-driven journey that transforms lives, including your own.

Let us all come together to #AccelerateAction and create a future full of possibilities.