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.
Ruksheen Palia, Vice President Business & Growth, Social Panga, comes with a wealth of over 12 years of experience in the digital world where she has grown from a manager to now the VP of Business & Growth at Social Panga, Mumbai.
She comes with knowledge & leading several businesses at Unilever. She successfully managed a diverse portfolio of brands, including Lakme, Dove, Ponds, Acne Squad, Simple, Glow & Lovely, and many others under the HUL umbrella. Beyond Unilever, she has extended her expertise to various brands in the pharmaceutical and events sectors.
Currently, Ruksheen oversees a diverse portfolio of multiple brands at Social Panga, Mumbai, with a particular focus on industries such as BFSI, Beauty, Education, and beyond. With her decade plus experience in the digital space, Ruksheen has honed her skills in managing Indian brands across multiple media platforms. Her proficiency spans CRM, social media, e-commerce, production, and target management. In addition to her digital prowess, she excels in business operations, covering client billing, conflict resolution, and the implementation of effective business policies and procedures.
Ruksheen specializes in developing and nurturing productive client relationships, demonstrating her commitment to resolving issues promptly. “I believe to build any successful business, the most important attribute is to be the person that people want to work with again! Talent can only take you so far but personality will make you shine”
As a mother to a 2-year-old boy, she endeavours to raise him to recognize her as a strong, confident, and independent woman, serving as a role model not only for him but also for numerous women within her office and across the industry. She believes “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama
Ruksheen is committed to strengthen both business expansion and the personal development of her team, cultivating individuals who are resilient, independent, and embody strong ethical values to navigate the uncertainties of the future.
MadeInMedia.in’s Kalpana Ravo in conversation with Ruksheen Palia, Vice President, Business and Strategy at Social Panga on the role of women in today’s corporate sector. Her role as a leader, mother and much more……
What are some of the biggest challenges women still face in leadership roles, and how can organizations foster real change?
While we do see a lot of progress today in work culture, women in leadership roles still do face ‘silent’ challenges that make it harder for her. My take on a couple of them.
· Gender or stereotypes Bias
Example – women in leadership are judged more harshly.
They have to think twice before giving their pov
If they are assertive, they are termed as bossy
If they are assertive, they are also termed as unfair or not emotionally stable during few days.
· Pay gap between genders. Unfortunately this still exists in multiple organisations. Women are paid 10-30% lower than males
· Motherhood & work-life balance.
This is one of the biggest & important aspects that needs to be addressed.
Examples – pregnancy is seen as a burden on organisations. Women also refrain from letting people know thinking it will hamper their promotions or growth
Working moms have to prove their commitment to another level. While we may be progressive, unfortunately it’s still the mothers playing the biggest part and needs to stay home for the kids. Not all organisations take that well & give moms the opportunity to be a mom & a leader.
· Women expected of Double burden – called Emotional labour
Example – Many a time’s women leaders are overlooked for taking on more invisible work. – Mentoring, building a culture, without any recognition.
· Unsafe work place. While times have drastically changed. Women today still feel unsafe & face workplace harassment which in turn makes it difficult for them to work.
With evolving work environments, how can company’s better support women in achieving a healthy work-life balance?
– Offer flexible working & hybrid work policies
– Equal Pay & parental leave for both genders
– Fair growth opportunities.
– Childcare & caregiver support system for working moms
– Normalise work life balance. You do not need to work late every day to be seen.
How can media and advertising play a stronger role in shaping positive and empowering narratives for women?
Media & advertising has its pros & cons & marketers have so much power in their hands if they use it the right way. Unfortunately today, women are still stereotyped or misrepresented in leadership roles.
Advertising could help by promoting healthy narrations:
– Break stereotypes & cliches
– Show more women in leadership roles behind the camera. Women who have made it on their own
– Normalise diversity
– Call out gender bias & make the topic uncomfortable so it makes a difference
As more women enter STEM and digital fields, what initiatives can help bridge the gender gap in these industries?
Despite a lot of progress, we still see that there is no equality. Even today women remain underrepresented in STEM. While more women are entering this field but the lack of mentorship & opportunities are always a worry.
1. More young girls need to be encouraged. Start telling them that these opportunities exists. How will they choose this if they do not know it exists?
2. More accessibility & scholarships for women.
3. Strong mentorship programs for girls in schools & college
4. Talk about gender equality & pay bias to encourage women to join with new policies
5. Female role models can also be a great way to highlight. We must talk more about them. The same way we talk about our Bollywood celebrities.
What steps can individuals and businesses take to empower women towards greater financial literacy and independence?
Every Human has the right to financial independence. And in a world of rapid change I love to see the shift in a lot of girls today, but is that enough? The answer is a simple No!
Financial literacy is the back bone of the way we are going to change the future. Women are not told or were not thought of important enough to bring them to the table & discuss money or financial literacy. Even in the most urban cities today, a very small % of women actually have financial literacy. So how can we change this?
1. Start financial education young. Make it an important subject. Just as important as maths or science in schools & colleges.
2. Speak about opportunities, equal pay & how to have transparent salary discussions
3. Encourage women to invest. Being financially independent is a must.
4. Build more women entrepreneurs through better banking systems for them
5. A culture shift about women & money.