“I would say that each of us has only one thing to gain from the feminist movement: Our whole humanity.” - Gloria Steinem

As we usher in another decade, it’s time for women to recognise the unending potential that lives within them—and as a fashion brand, that’s what we aim to do. Our fluid fabric defies all norms of conventional materials and is designed keeping the new age woman in mind who doesn’t feel weighed down. LIVA always believes in celebrating the ‘real’ you, and this International Women’s Day 2020, we are putting the spotlight on women around us who are committed to making a difference in the world.

Here’s a shout-out to all the women who inspire us—you keep pushing us forward!

Image via @internationalwomensday_global by @just.drawing.words

AGE NO BAR

From 11-year-old climate activist Ridhima Pandey who challenged the Indian government’s claims to protect the environment to 67-year-old physicist, ecologist and activist, Vandana Shiva, India is steadily seeing a rise of feminine warriors who are proudly using their voice to create awareness about global issues, age no barrier.  

SUSTAINABLE MOTIVES

Championing for sustainability is 59-year-old environmental activist Sunita Narain, who has dedicated her life to the green concept of sustainable development. Narain currently works as the director general at research institute, The Centre for Science and Environment, and was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2005.  

CONQUERING UNCHARTERED TERRITORIES

Not so long ago, we applauded the efforts of fighter pilots Mohana Singh, Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi who created history as the first three women to be inducted in the Indian Air Force. And quite recently, the Ministries of Science and Technology and Women and Child Development announced their intention to set up chairs in institutes to honour early 20th-century women scientists. The best part? These chairs are only for women researchers!  

GARNERING EQUALITY

Though the UN has deemed 2030 to be the year that will finally see the expiration of gender inequality, Indian women are already paving the way for a better future through dedicated efforts in their specific fields.  

Neera Nundy, co-founder of a philanthropic organisation Dasra, is dedicatedly working on bringing about social change in India through collaborations and partnerships with international stakeholders.  

Meera Gandhi, founder of The Giving Back Foundation, is another force to reckon with. Gandhi’s foundation aims to uplift and empower young women and children and also addresses illness, poverty and suffering.  

BREAKING BARRIERS

Coming to sports—a space where men have dominated for far too long—we’re steadily seeing up-and-coming sportswomen displaying unparalleled strength and tactics on the field. Shikha Pandey took up cricket professionally at the age of 18, while also following her dream of working in the Indian Air Force. This February, she represented India in the T-20 World Cup held in Australia.  

24-year-old Dutee Chand has been bringing pride to India ever since her first sprint in the under-18 category in 2012 that made her a national champion. Last year, she became the first Indian sprinter to win gold at the 2019 Summer Universiade held in Italy. In 2018, Chand won India’s first silver medal in a women’s 100-m race at the Jakarta Asian Games since 1998.  

Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Indian women's national team captain, is yet another powerful stalwart whose efforts have taken the Indian football team to higher levels. Last year saw her lead the team into the Olympic 2020 Qualifiers Round 2 and winning the 2019 SAFF Championship title.  

EMPOWERED LEADERS

India may have one of the lowest female labour force participation rates as compared to other countries, but even then, Indian women in the corporate sector are reigning in glory. Anshula Kant’s success story is a prime example—she is the first woman ever to hold the position of a Chief Financial Officer at the World Bank Group.

Kaku Nakhate (President and Country Head of India for Bank of America), Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Chairperson and Managing Director at Biocon), Renu Sud Karnad, (Managing Director of HDFC Ltd) and Pranjul Bhandari (Chief India Economist at HSBC Securities) are notable mentions of empowered women with executive powers who are leading by example.

Is there anything Indian women can’t do? Break the glass ceiling. Push open that door. Be fearless in pursuing your dreams. Always remember, empowered women empower women. Happy International Women’s Day 2020! #LiveYourFlow