The Minister also spoke on the distinctive contributions of women in business, noting that women leaders often focus on issues that benefit communities and promote sustainability
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the second edition of Beyond Barriers 2024 at the Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, setting the stage for a pivotal discussion on the theme, “Investing in Women for a Sustainable Future.” The event has drawn global leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to explore issues at the intersection of gender equality, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainable commerce, and social impact.
In her opening remarks, Irani highlighted the critical role of women in building sustainable futures. She expressed, “Women have the power to lift each other up, and the greatest gift we can give is to help another woman shine. Why should it still be surprising that women are capable and accomplished? We need to make space for every woman—whether she’s young or experienced—to be acknowledged for her contributions, not just for reaching the top. True courage isn’t in fame or success alone; it’s in every woman’s determination to define her own path, and we must respect and celebrate that.”
Irani emphasised the need to look to everyday role models and support young women in valuing self-care, financial independence, and health. “When we talk about role models, we often look too far outside when the most inspiring figures are right at home. Our mothers, grandmothers, friends—they’ve faced many challenges without expecting recognition. They show us that real strength is in balancing ambition with care. We need to teach young women to value self-care, to invest in their own independence and well-being—not just for themselves, but to make them stronger for others.”
The Minister also spoke on the distinctive contributions of women in business, noting that women leaders often focus on issues that benefit communities and promote sustainability. She stated, “Women in business bring a unique perspective that’s good for everyone. When women lead, they prioritize things like sustainability, education, and community health. It’s not just about success; it’s about reinvesting in what matters. We need to take bold steps and support one another in business. When women succeed, we know how to share that success to uplift those around us, and that makes us powerful agents of change.”
Irani further called for more support in empowering women in science and technology, encouraging them to translate their research and ideas into market-ready ventures. “Women in science and technology should not just be researchers or educators; they must be empowered to turn their ideas into entrepreneurial ventures, making their innovations commercially viable and leading the way in business,” she added.
The event featured panel discussions on topics such as leadership, sustainable business models, and the challenges faced by women-led startups. A highlight was the “Demo Day,” where women entrepreneurs showcased their innovations, providing a platform for engagement with potential investors and partners.
Dr. Senthamarai Gokulakrishnan, Founder of Yuukke, addressed the financial challenges many women entrepreneurs face, noting that global disparities in access to capital still limit opportunities. “Despite their talent and creativity, women entrepreneurs face major challenges, such as lack of funding and support. Globally, over 1 billion women don’t have access to financial services, and women-owned businesses face a $300 billion funding gap. By providing the right resources, including financial support and mentorship, we can empower one million women entrepreneurs by 2025. This will not only help them succeed but also create stronger communities and contribute to global economic growth,” she stated.
Shalini Warrier, Executive Director of Federal Bank, echoed this concern and highlighted her organization’s commitment to breaking down these financial barriers. “Women entrepreneurs often face an uphill battle in securing the capital they need to start and grow their businesses. At Federal Bank, we believe in removing those barriers by offering financial products tailored to women-led enterprises. By providing more accessible funding solutions, we not only help businesses grow but also drive economic progress. Women-led businesses are poised to transform our economy, and it’s time we actively support them,” Warrier noted.
Beyond Barriers 2024 served as a platform for addressing both the challenges and potential of women entrepreneurs. Participants agreed that beyond gender equality, supporting women in business is a pathway to significant societal and economic advancement. Through sustained investment and initiatives such as mentorship and tailored financial solutions, women entrepreneurs can play a transformative role in driving sustainable development and fostering a more inclusive global economy.