As women progress in their careers, they become beacons of inspiration for future generations, shaping an ecosystem that normalizes female leadership.
06 Mar 2025 | 1301 Views | By Medha Jambhale, ARAI
With over 30 years of experience at The Automotive research Association of India, ARAI, which at fore front of the automotive industry in India, I have witnessed a remarkable evolution in technology, skill development, and workforce dynamics. Women have made remarkable contributions across all aspects of automotive manufacturing. Their involvement and ...
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With over 30 years of experience at The Automotive research Association of India, ARAI, which at fore front of the automotive industry in India, I have witnessed a remarkable evolution in technology, skill development, and workforce dynamics. Women have made remarkable contributions across all aspects of automotive manufacturing. Their involvement and achievements in the industry have continued to grow, leading to greater representation and leadership. Today, several women CEOs serve as inspiring role models, reflecting this progress.
Yet, a recurring theme in the interactions is the persistent challenges women face in their professional journeys. Deep-seated social conditioning often discourages women from pursuing leadership roles, while the delicate act of balancing career aspirations with personal responsibilities continues to be an uphill battle.
A report analyzing over a billion professionals reveals a troubling trend: while women are increasingly visible in entry and mid-level positions, their representation declines significantly as they move up the corporate ladder. Another study further highlights that while women's workforce participation in India rose to 26% between 2021 and 2023, it has since stagnated in 2024. An 11% gap remains between mid-level managers and CEOs, underscoring the pressing need for systemic change.
As a woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated sector, I have encountered similar hurdles—sometimes breaking barriers, often challenging stereotypes, and always striving to lead by example. Throughout my career, I have pursued a clear growth trajectory driven by my abilities and talent. Along the way, I embraced opportunities to take on additional responsibilities beyond my core domain, demonstrating my adaptability and commitment to professional development. These experiences reinforced my organization’s confidence in me while enhancing my skills in team building, strategic planning, and administration. Today, I lead two divisions—the Fatigue and Material Centre of Excellence and ARAI Academy—both based at ARAI’s Chakan, Pune location.
Today, as the senior-most female leader in my organization, I reflect on the journey that brought me here. Opportunities abound, but it is up to individuals to prepare themselves, seize them with confidence, and persevere despite societal biases. The biggest challenge I faced was not my gender itself, but the assumptions others made about my limitations because of it. The reality? There were none.
While the corporate world has made strides toward inclusivity, much remains to be done. Studies show that diverse leadership teams—those inclusive of women—drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and contribute to overall organizational success. By amplifying the voices of women leaders, companies can unlock untapped potential and build a more equitable and prosperous future. Celebrating the journeys and achievements of successful women serves to inspire the next generation of leaders. Organizations must construct an ecosystem that fosters female leadership, nurtures talent, and equips women with the skills necessary to thrive. Equal opportunity should be the foundation, but true inclusivity requires more—robust support systems, mentorship networks, and a culture that actively recognizes and rewards women’s contributions.
For workplaces to truly evolve, they must embrace flexible work policies that allow professionals to manage personal and professional responsibilities effectively. The importance of mentorship and sponsorship cannot be overstated—women at all career levels must have access to experienced leaders who guide, encourage, and open doors for advancement. Equally crucial is visibility; the achievements of women in technical and leadership roles must be highlighted, proving that success is both achievable and celebrated.
Leadership is about vision, perseverance, and the ability to inspire. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of learning from exceptional mentors. Among the many who have influenced my journey, I particularly admire Dr. Tessy Thomas, India’s ‘Missile Woman,’ a trailblazer in defense technology who exemplifies the power of women in STEM and leadership.
For young women aspiring to lead, self-belief is the cornerstone of success. Confidence in one’s abilities is key—never hesitate to seize opportunities and trust in your potential. The professional landscape is constantly evolving, and lifelong learning is essential to staying ahead. Women must actively build networks, surrounding themselves with mentors, allies, and supporters who uplift and guide them through challenges. It is equally important to advocate for oneself—speak up, share ideas, and ensure that contributions are recognized. Growth takes time, and resilience is key. Perseverance, balanced with patience, will lead to success.
As women progress in their careers, they become beacons of inspiration for future generations, shaping an ecosystem that normalizes female leadership. Even seasoned professionals experience self-doubt, but overcoming imposter syndrome starts with acknowledging its presence. Seeking constructive feedback from peers and mentors provides clarity and a reality check, reinforcing confidence. Reflecting on personal achievements is an effective way to counter self-doubt, while continuous learning eliminates uncertainty and strengthens self-assurance.
The path to equitable representation requires collective effort from organizations and society. Encouraging young girls to explore STEM careers and fostering confidence in technical fields is a crucial step. Gender-balanced hiring and retention policies must be enforced to challenge existing biases and strengthen diverse leadership pipelines. Organizations should create supportive work cultures through family-friendly policies, mentorship initiatives, and leadership development programs that empower women to advance in their careers. Showcasing successful women across industries normalizes female leadership and serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals.
The workplace is evolving, but the transformation is far from complete. To create a truly inclusive environment, we must challenge outdated norms, embrace systemic changes, and champion gender equity at every level. Women bring immense talent, resilience, and innovation to the table, and it is imperative that businesses harness this potential to drive long-term success. My own journey has been one of perseverance and growth, and I am optimistic about the future. I look forward to seeing more women step into leadership roles, making a lasting impact, and shaping the industries of tomorrow. The time for change is now—let us build a workplace where ambition knows no gender, and success is defined by talent and determination, not societal expectations.
On this Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to progress, equity, and empowerment—because when women rise, industries, economies, and societies rise with them.
Medha Jambhale is Senior Deputy Director and HoD Fatigue & Material CoE, and ARAI Academy, ARAI. Views expressed are personal.