Women have made significant contributions from skincare to healthcare industries nationwide and globally. Indian women leaders promoted inclusivity, drove innovations, and led massive transformations with their vision and offerings. From new products to technological advancements, our women leaders have revolutionized the two largest consumer goods industries.
From Ayurveda to Modern science
India’s Ayurveda is a traditional approach to medicine, skin, and health. Ayurveda uses natural remedies that not only have minimal side effects but also have a positive impact on the body. Ayurveda has been with Indians for centuries. These herbal practices have plant-based ingredients known for their healing properties.
After independence, the Indian market was influenced by Western cosmetics. The traditional practices then shifted to modern skincare, diversifying products like creams, lotions, and soaps. But in recent times, these Ayurvedic practices have been incorporated with modern science to create more effective products.
Shahnaz Husain was referred to as the “Queen of Herbal Beauty Care.”. This skincare brand emphasizes natural ingredients for skin treatments. Her products are popular in India and have also positioned themselves globally.
Leading transformation
A visionary approach is required to combine science, sustainability, and inclusivity. Women leaders who are in the beauty industry have brought up changes while aligning the needs of the customer. Through leadership, these leaders diversified the industry not only for women but also gave a new definition of beauty. They represented skincare and makeup as a form of self-care and art. Today beauty is not just specific to one gender. Beauty is used as a source of self-expression. Many beauty entrepreneurs like Huda Kattan, Emily Weiss, and more have changed the perspective of the beauty industry.
In recent years, we have witnessed women entrepreneurs drive innovation in the skincare industry. Sugar Cosmetics, co-founded by Vineeta Singh, has developed products that cater to the Indian market and are suitable for Indian skin types. This brand focuses on inclusivity and high-quality products that resonate with the Indian audience.
Leadership in Indian Healthcare
Women are reshaping the healthcare industry through policies, advancements in medical research, and better care of the patient. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 16.4 million women work in this industry, marking 77.6% of the total number. Women have successfully made their space in the healthcare industry.
Preetha Reddy, the Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, made massive contributions to expand the organization’s reach in every city in India. She provided quality healthcare services accessible across India. Under her leadership, Apollo Hospitals became one of the leading hospitals in the nation.
According to a study, it was stated that “A 22% increase in global human capital wealth is estimated; should equal participation of women in health be realized.” The study further stated that the increase in women’s leadership will optimize the organization’s productivity and enhance the female workforce. “In 2021, the compelling narrative shifted beyond the gaps, barriers, and need to justify benefits of gender equity in leadership to a clear imperative for delivering effective, sustainable improvement.”
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WTO). She played an important role in figuring out the health policies globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Soumya has expertise in infectious diseases as well as public health. Furthermore, she helped in the COVID-19 vaccine research. Under her guidance, the vaccines were distributed and the development of these life-saving vaccines was accelerated.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the flaws in healthcare systems. Therefore, better and stronger public infrastructure was required. Dr. Soumya’s life-saving, science-backed global policies saved many people from the pandemic.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite these advancements, women do face challenges in these industries due to underrated leadership and systematic biases. The demand for these roles is continuously growing, but it often makes it difficult to make a mark. However, there are many policies now that help them to overcome these obstacles and thrive. These initiatives aim to empower women through mentorship programs, professional development workshops, and advocacy for equal representation. By cultivating inclusive environments, organizations can harness diverse perspectives that drive innovation and efficiency in the workforce.
Women leaders can empower one another by sharing knowledge and promoting policies that promote inclusivity. Their contribution to innovation, inclusivity, and ethical practices will influence the lives of people.
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