I think accessibility is increasing, especially in male-dominated industries. In recent times, women have been able to penetrate through the job market. With increased awareness and access to the internet, more women who do not have the resources to gain the education and skills they wish can access them easily. Even mindsets are changing where more communities and people now give equal importance and respect to women and men.

However, even though we have made great progress in the last few years, there is still a long journey ahead of us. We still need to contribute and do more to ensure women are given the same opportunities and women from disadvantaged communities can escape their historical cycle.

The biggest challenge in India and Warwick remains common: awareness. Women are unaware of the opportunities they can monetize and do not understand the scale of their dreams. While in Warwick, awareness relates to understanding external opportunities related to finding jobs and building inclusivity in male-dominated sectors. The biggest challenge in India remains internal awareness, as most women are not even allowed to dream. Parents earning low incomes would rather educate their sons than their daughters, and thus, women from such communities have less access to opportunities and need to convince not only employers but their families of their capabilities to achieve their dreams.

Firstly, I’d like to see more people contributing to the gender equality movement by spreading awareness in their homes and local communities about the severity of the problems that persist in our society regarding gender equality. I would like to see more women who have successfully won their battles and inspired many in the process to help other little girls fight for their dreams and inspire some even to have faith in the idea of dreams themselves. Furthermore, it would be amazing to see more strong, empowered women come together and fight for their rights and those of other little girls in the generations to come. Through awareness, we can raise our voices, and with our voices, we can demand change.

One can get involved by reaching out and engaging with NGOs close to them, making women aware of opportunities available to them, simply motivating other women, or volunteering to teach women from disadvantaged communities. These are just some of the many little ways you can get involved and inspire other young girls. Every small action and contribution towards change causes a ripple effect, and these little actions come together to create a difference.

Growing up, my grandmother always told me that a dream is the most valuable gift you can give yourself as it adds purpose and meaning to your life. When I work with different women, I make them aware that they are allowed to dream, show them a path to their dream and encourage them; the smile I see on their face and the fire I see in their soul is the most rewarding part of my work. A single dream can change your life - giving you the grit to fight and giving your life the meaning, you always searched for.

Bonus Questions!