Mumbai: On this International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women across the world. From breaking barriers to leading change, women continue to redefine possibilities and shape a future that is inclusive, diverse, and full of opportunity.
This year, let’s not just acknowledge their contributions but actively champion their voices, aspirations, and rights. Because when women rise, the world rises with them. Here’s to progress, equality, and an unstoppable future—driven by women, for everyone.
Skin Beyond Borders (Skinbb) is a pioneering digital platform dedicated to elevating the quality and accessibility of skincare knowledge. In a landscape inundated with conflicting information, marketing hype, and the influence of unqualified voices, Skinbb addresses the growing consumer demand for unbiased, expert-driven insights. Our mission is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their skin health and navigate the complexities of the skincare industry. Founded by a team combining expertise in clinical and aesthetic dermatology, formulation science, pharmacology, and related disciplines, Skinbb is committed to transforming the skincare education landscape. The skincare market needs a credible, consumer-centric disruptor. Skinbb’s commitment to providing unbiased, evidence-based information and fostering a knowledge-driven community will have a transformative impact. By prioritizing education, collaboration, and empowerment, we aim to elevate industry standards, driving a shift towards transparent, science-backed skincare solutions and a focus on consumer well-being. Skinbb aims to ignite a global movement—one that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity, and champions the beauty of authenticity.
Supriya Marathe is a seasoned marketing professional with a strong academic foundation, holding a BPharm degree (with distinction) from UDCT, a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Writing, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing. Her unique blend of scientific understanding and digital expertise allows her to develop consumer-centric approaches that resonate with today’s informed new generation. She boasts a proven track record of successful first-time product launches, astute brand strategizing, and establishing a clear market differentiation. Her in-depth knowledge of oncology, cardiology, diabetes, and dermatology is complemented by a robust network of key opinion leaders (KOLs) within the medical industry.
Furthermore, Supriya brings a comprehensive understanding of e-commerce dynamics, website management, and impactful visualization techniques. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident, having founded and managed multiple businesses since the age of 21.
MadeInMedia.in’s Kalpana Ravi in conversation with Supriya Marathe, co-founder and CMO, Skin Beyond Borders (SkinBB)
What are some of the biggest challenges women still face in leadership roles, and how can organizations foster real change?
I feel leadership has never been about gender—it’s about how well you know your game and how smartly you play it. When I started as a first-gen entrepreneur at 21, I never thought of my gender as an obstacle. I focused on staying ahead, networking, and applying what I learned, and that made all the difference. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, isn’t external—it’s the narrative we tell ourselves. If you know your industry inside out, leadership follows naturally. Companies don’t need to “empower” women; they need to recognize competence, nurture ambition, and stop labeling success by gender. The world has already seen women like Rani Laxmibai, Kalpana Chawla, and Sunita Williams lead without waiting for permission. The real change happens when we stop celebrating women leaders as exceptions and start expecting them as the norm.
With evolving work environments, how can companies better support women in achieving a healthy work-life balance?
I think work-life balance isn’t a women’s problem—it’s a time management game everyone plays. I’ve always worked on my own terms, at my preferred timings, even during my sabbatical, without ever compromising my work output. The truth is, efficiency beats long hours, and smart planning beats sacrifice. Women juggling careers and motherhood don’t need sympathy—they need flexibility, autonomy, and a culture that values results over hours clocked. If children are given a strong foundation early on, they grow into individuals who respect time and ambition, making life easier for working parents. Companies should ditch the idea of “helping women balance” and instead prioritize work cultures that enable everyone to thrive. The future isn’t about who works the most—it’s about who delivers the most impact.
How can media and advertising play a stronger role in shaping positive and empowering narratives for women?
I feel media has already done a phenomenal job of shifting the narrative. Gone are the days when ads showed women in compromising roles—now, we see female CEOs, athletes, and tech leaders taking charge. Instead of constantly discussing “women breaking barriers,” I believe we should normalize their leadership and success. Why highlight struggles when we can showcase triumphs? Campaigns like Nike’s “Dream Crazier” or Ariel’s “Share the Load” prove that storytelling is changing. The real power of media lies in making women-led success stories so common that they aren’t “empowering” anymore—they’re expected. When success isn’t labeled by gender, true equality is achieved.
As more women enter STEM and digital fields, what initiatives can help bridge the gender gap in these industries?
I think there is no gender gap where knowledge has no boundaries. I stayed ahead in my industry by constantly learning—taking digital courses, networking, and adapting to change. Technology and science don’t discriminate; they evolve with whoever is willing to learn. Instead of focusing on “getting more women into STEM,” we should showcase the ones who are already leading it. Young girls don’t need to be told they “can” enter these fields—they need to see women already thriving in AI, space, and tech. While urban India is progressing, rural areas still need better access to education and exposure. The real initiative is not in creating special programs but in making high-quality education and mentorship mainstream for everyone.
What steps can individuals and businesses take to empower women towards greater financial literacy and independence?
I feel financial independence isn’t just about money—it’s about confidence, decision-making, and long-term security. In India, financial literacy is still alarmingly low, and I strongly believe it should be taught as early as possible in schools. We learn algebra, but not how to invest, save, or file taxes—skills that truly define independence. I see social media already revolutionizing financial awareness, with experts using podcasts, digital workshops, and content to break down money matters. Businesses should encourage this by bringing financial education into workplaces and making wealth-building discussions the norm. The goal isn’t to “empower women” financially; it’s to make financial literacy so common that it’s second nature to everyone. Because when you understand money, you don’t just earn—you build, grow, and lead.
Women don’t need separate spaces, extra allowances, or different rules—they just need a world where opportunities are accessible, success isn’t gender-tagged, and leadership is about ability, not identity. This Women’s Day, let’s move beyond empowerment talks and focus on normalizing ambition, success, and independence as a way of life. Happy Women’s Day!