Lighting New Pathways: Young Women Leaders Echo Experience
Women empowerment has never been an easy mission. Every bit of effort counts. Women leaders lighting new pathways, hence, are in a unique position to influence change—not only by ensuring equal opportunities but also by instilling inspiration in women around them—from schools to colleges and everywhere else. Inspiration has a unique feature—it spreads around without a dedicated carrier. To draw inspiration from experiences, we asked some of the young women leaders in the country about the single most important aspect of women empowerment in India. The responses were interesting.
Sukriti Sharrma, Partner, Plüsch
“For me, financial independence and education are the most important aspects of women's empowerment. The foundation allows women to make their own choices, build careers, and shape their futures on their terms. Growing up watching my mother run her company and my parents build SIS Imports as equal partners, I never saw business as something driven solely by men. My mother was as much a leader as my father, which shaped my understanding of true empowerment—it’s about opportunity, ownership, and the ability to thrive on merit, not gender.
When I took over SIS Imports, I rebranded it as Plüsch with a vision to expand and elevate its presence in the luxury design industry. I wasn’t just continuing a legacy - As a woman, I was single-handedly driving its growth, expanding its footprint across India, and solidifying its position as a luxury design and lifestyle leader.
Financial independence isn’t just about earning; it’s about having the confidence and freedom to take risks, make decisions, and create impact.
It is about women leading businesses, making strategic calls, and defining industries—just as men do.
Also Read: Women Leaders Who are Driving Positive Change in the World Around them
In my journey, I have seen firsthand how financial independence transforms lives. It empowers women to walk away from limiting situations, command respect in professional spaces, and inspire the next generation to believe in their potential. If we want to see real progress, we must ensure more women have access to education, financial literacy, and leadership opportunities—not just in traditional roles but across industries, including design, architecture, and business.”