CSW 65 – 2021 (Online)
Delegate: National Board of Catholic Women (England and Wales)
Speaker: “Women in Leadership: A Faith Perspective”
Date: March 18, 2021
Faith has been a guiding force throughout my life. Born and baptized Roman Catholic, I was raised in a deeply religious household. I attended Sunday Catechism classes, studied in a convent school run by Catholic nuns, recited the Rosary daily, and attended Mass every Sunday. Today, I remain a practicing Roman Catholic and continue to draw strength and purpose from my faith.
Life, however, has also taught me the beauty of diversity. I married a Hindu who embraces and respects all faiths, and one of my sons married his childhood sweetheart, a Muslim woman. Our family is a reflection of India itself which is a harmonious blend of different beliefs and traditions, united by mutual respect and understanding.
This spirit of inclusivity extends into my professional life. As Chairperson of the Management Board of Mahatma Education Society and Co-Founder of the Pillai Group of Institutions, I have the privilege of serving nearly 30,000 students annually across 48 educational institutions, from pre-primary to postgraduate levels. Our students come from every major faith and community—Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, Jews, and others. Respecting diversity and creating an environment where every student feels valued has been central to our success.
Today, when we discuss leadership from a faith perspective, I believe that true leadership is rooted in compassion, dignity, service, and equality. These values are reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Education and Gender Equality: A Leadership Responsibility
In India, the issues surrounding girls’ education and gender equality are complex. They are deeply intertwined with history, culture, traditions, and long-established perceptions of the roles of men and women in society. The challenges vary across urban and rural communities, socio-economic groups, regions, and religious backgrounds.
As educators, however, we prefer not to focus on divisions. Instead, we focus on solutions.
One of the greatest challenges begins at birth. In many communities, a girl child is still viewed as a liability rather than an asset. While a son is often seen as a future breadwinner, a daughter may be regarded as a financial burden due to traditional expectations surrounding marriage and dowry. Such attitudes can have devastating consequences, including reduced access to nutrition, healthcare, and education.
Many girls are withdrawn from school to assist with household responsibilities or because their education is not considered a priority. As a result, countless young women are denied opportunities that could transform their lives.
The Power of a Second Chance
Years later, many of these women realize that they have missed opportunities for personal growth and economic independence. Without education, they often lack confidence and feel limited by their circumstances.
This is where women leaders can make a profound difference.
Through adult literacy initiatives and skill development programs, we can offer women a second chance at education. These programs equip them with practical, income-generating skills such as tailoring, beauty and wellness services, computer applications, desktop publishing, graphic design, and other vocational competencies.
Recognizing the needs of working adults, we also established a Night Degree College, enabling students to earn a livelihood during the day while pursuing higher education in the evenings. Many highly motivated individuals have used this opportunity to acquire business and professional qualifications that have transformed their futures. These initiatives form an important part of our commitment to social responsibility.
Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in the global economic landscape, creating both challenges and opportunities. In response, we established a women’s organization dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Our goal is to help women build sustainable businesses and connect with global markets through e-trade platforms, international exhibitions, and networking opportunities. By leveraging technology and global connectivity, even women without formal educational qualifications can develop successful enterprises and achieve financial independence.
Leadership Through Faith and Service
Faith teaches us that every individual possesses inherent dignity and worth. Leadership inspired by faith is not about authority or status; it is about service, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others to flourish.
As women leaders, educators, and changemakers, we have the responsibility to open doors, break barriers, and create pathways for future generations. Every girl who stays in school, every woman who gains a new skill, and every entrepreneur who achieves financial independence brings us one step closer to a more just and equitable world.
The true measure of leadership lies not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in how many lives we empower along the way.