“The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.” - – Charles Malik
Sudha Murthy
Sudha Murty? Think of her as your favourite aunt, but with a superpower: turning kindness into a global movement. She’s not just writing books; she’s writing a better world, one heartwarming story at a time. Forget fancy galas; Murthy’s happiest in dusty villages, chatting with folks and making real change. Here’s the secret sauce: she raised her kids with old-school values, and many ‘experiences are better than toys.’ And guess what? They turned out pretty amazing themselves. As the co-founder of Infosys Foundation, she has dedicated her life to improving the lives of the underprivileged in India. Sudha Murty has touched countless lives through the Infosys Foundation, focusing on healthcare, education, rural development, and the arts. Her books often highlight the importance of kindness, integrity, and the power of small acts of goodness. Murthy shows parents that balancing a demanding career with nurturing family life is possible while significantly impacting the world.
Parent takeaway: Ditch the gadgets and embrace the adventure!
Kiran Mazumdar -Shaw
Think ‘CEO’ means stuffy suits and corner offices? Think again! Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw proves you can be a biotech rockstar and a super-mom. She’s not just cracking the code to life-saving drugs; she’s breaking the glass ceiling for women in STEM. Her work in research and development has focused on diabetes, oncology, and auto-immune disease. Juggling labs and little ones? She’s got this! Her mantra: Education is the ultimate superpower. So, parents, fuel those dreams and watch your kids soar! This biotech trailblazer isn’t just about lab coats and microscopes; she’s about making life-saving medicine accessible to everyone. Forget sky-high prices; Mazumdar-Shaw’s Biocon has revolutionized the world of biosimilars, bringing affordable treatments for everything from diabetes to cancer to the masses. This super-mom of science has shown that you can be a visionary leader and a nurturing parent. She’s not just teaching her kids about the wonders of science; she’s teaching the world that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
Parent takeaway: Ignite that spark of curiosity! Show your kids that science isn’t just for textbooks; it’s for changing the world. And remember, innovation is the ultimate adventure!
Geeta Dharmarajan
Geeta Dharmarajan believes stories can change the world. As the founder of Katha, she has dedicated her life to transforming children’s education in India through the power of storytelling. As a mother, she understands the importance of nurturing young minds and creating a joyful learning environment. Her innovative approach to education has significantly impacted underprivileged children, proving that learning can be engaging and transformative; isn’t she living proof? Forget boring textbooks; this mama turned education into an adventure. Dharmarajan’s pedagogy is rooted in the belief that stories have the power to inspire, educate, and empower. She has developed child-centred teaching methodologies that make learning accessible and engaging for children from diverse backgrounds. Katha’s programs focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills through storytelling and creative writing. Her work extends beyond the classroom. She has established numerous initiatives to provide access to quality education for children living in slums and rural areas. Katha’s publications, including children’s books and magazines, promote literacy and a love of reading. As a mother, she understands the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children.
Parent takeaway: Ditch the screens, pick up a book, and read together! Watch the magic happen!
Arundhati Bhattacharya
Arundhati Bhattacharya made history as the first woman to chair the State Bank of India (SBI), one of the largest banks in the world. She didn’t just climb the corporate ladder; she redesigned it! As the first woman to head India’s biggest bank, she proved that strength and empathy go hand-in-hand. Need a sabbatical to care for your kids or parents? She made it happen. She remade the system. She demonstrates that breaking barriers and achieving extraordinary success is possible while remaining grounded and committed to family. Her leadership is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of creating a more equitable workplace. This superwoman made significant changes happen that helped so many working mothers.
Parent takeaway: Advocate for real change! Show your children that speaking up is a powerful tool.
Neha Dhupia
Neha Dhupia is a mom on a mission: to normalise breastfeeding, one public feed at a time. Forget the whispers and judgments; she’s saying it loud and proud: moms have the right to feed their babies, wherever, whenever. She’s starting a revolution! Her “Freedom to Feed” movement, launched in 2019, has challenged societal taboos and normalized breastfeeding in public.
Parent takeaway: There’s no room for guilt when there are babies to be fed and giggles to be shared. Embrace motherhood and use your voice!
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is a tennis champion who redefined the sport with extraordinary talent and determination. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit. As a mother, she has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her athletic career, including life-threatening pregnancy complications. Serena Williams’ journey inspires parents who want to instil resilience and determination in their children. She demonstrates that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary success. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief. She’s battled on the court and off, including a fierce fight with pregnancy complications. She redefined what it means to be an athlete and a mom. Her resilience teaches us all to keep swinging, no matter what!
Parent takeaway: Teach your children to be tough and rise stronger from failure!
Jacinda Ardern
The PM who brought her baby to the UN! Jacinda Ardern? She showed the world that you can run a country and change diapers on the same day. This former Prime Minister of New Zealand made history by giving birth while in office – proving that Mothers belong in every room! She leads with empathy and compassion. As a mother, she has demonstrated that balancing a demanding career with family life is possible. Ardern’s leadership is marked by her ability to connect with people on a personal level. Her response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, characterized by empathy and compassion, earned her widespread praise. She has shown that leadership can be both strong and compassionate. Her influence extends beyond New Zealand. She has been a strong advocate for gender equality and has used her platform to promote social justice. Jacinda Ardern’s story is an inspiration for parents who want to instil a sense of empathy and social responsibility in their children.
Parent takeaway: Show your kids that compassion is powerful!
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, is a global advocate for girls’ education. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of education to transform lives. As a new mother, she continues her advocacy while balancing her personal life. Yousafzai’s journey inspires parents who want to instil a sense of purpose and social responsibility in their children. Her experience as a mother adds a new dimension to her advocacy, reinforcing the importance of nurturing the next generation. It’s a reminder that the fight for education is not just about academic achievement; it’s about empowering children to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Malala embodies the values we strive to instil in our children: bravery, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Her life is a powerful example of how one person’s voice can spark a global movement.
Parent takeaway: Teach children that their voices matter, that their actions can make a difference, and that even in the face of adversity, hope and determination can prevail.
Sanna Marin
Sanna Marin didn’t just break the glass ceiling; she smashed it with a baby rattle in hand! This former Finnish Prime Minister proved that age is just a number and motherhood is a superpower. Leading a country while raising a young daughter? Marin made it look effortless (though we know it wasn’t!). She’s the face of a new generation of leaders: authentic, relatable, and unapologetically themselves. Forget the stuffy suits and scripted speeches; Marin brought fresh air into politics. She showed the world that you can be an influential leader and a loving mom. She didn’t hide her family life; she embraced it, proving that leadership isn’t about sacrificing personal life but integrating it. Marin’s story is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms.
Parent takeaway: Encourage your children to pursue their dreams, no matter how ambitious. Show them they don’t have to choose between career and family – they can have it all! And remember, authenticity is your superpower!
Dr Nandita Palshetkar
This Miracle Maker, Mom Extraordinaire, is not just a renowned gynaecologist and fertility specialist but has many feathers to her hat! As the former president of FOGSI and as a mom, she understood and revolutionized reproductive medicine in India. She’s helped countless families realize their dreams of parenthood, and she understands the joy and challenges of motherhood firsthand. Dr. Palshetkar is a pioneer who is breaking barriers in a field that requires immense dedication and empathy.
Parent takeaway: Teach your children the importance of passion and commitment. Show them that they can pursue their dreams while making a real difference. And remember, compassion is the key to both professional and personal success!
These are just 10 of the incredible women we listed today, but there are countless others who continue to inspire us with their strength, resilience, and impact every day.
These women didn’t just dream big—they made it happen. So can you. Whether you’re leading a boardroom, a classroom, or a chaotic breakfast table, remember that influence isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, standing firm, and rewriting the rules.
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