Imagine a world where gender is not a barrier but a bridge. A world where opportunities are shaped by empowerment, talent, ambition, and resilience—not confined by outdated stereotypes.
International Women’s Day 2025 is more than a celebration; it is a rallying cry. The theme, Accelerate Action, underscores an urgent truth: progress cannot be passive.
Bias, discrimination, and systemic inequalities still persist, holding millions back. While strides have been made, true equality demands relentless urgency. It calls for workplaces that enforce pay parity, education systems that propel girls into STEM, and societies that dismantle entrenched norms. Inclusion must move beyond rhetoric—it must be embedded in policies, leadership, and everyday actions.
A diverse world is a stronger world. By embracing differences and fostering inclusivity, we unlock richer economies, drive innovation, and build a more just society. Each of us has the power to challenge bias, mentor future leaders, and demand accountability.
The time for incremental change is over. The moment to act is now. A gender-equal world must not remain a distant ideal—it must become reality in our lifetime. Together, we can forge a legacy of fairness, equity, and boundless opportunity.
At the Celebrating Womanhood: Empower, Educate, Elevate conference, hosted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Dr. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat, shared powerful insights in an exclusive conversation with The Interview World. She highlighted how her organization has transformed the lives of female athletes, enabling them to excel at the Special Olympics.
Beyond sports, Dr. Nadda emphasized Special Olympics Bharat’s mission to empower women with disabilities. By addressing poverty, redefining empowerment, and instilling values that drive societal transformation, the organization is shaping a more inclusive future. She also stressed the importance of nurturing women leaders while preserving family values, strengthening legal frameworks, and prioritizing maternal and child health.
Here are the key takeaways from her compelling conversation.
Q: What initiatives has your organization undertaken over the past three decades to empower para-athletes and female sportspersons in the country?
A: We focus on Special Olympics, not Paralympics. While para-athletes face physical challenges, Special Olympics supports individuals with intellectual disabilities. Training these athletes and preparing them for national and international competitions is an immense challenge.
Special Olympics Bharat is more than an organization—it is a movement. A revolution driven by the vision of true inclusion. Through unified sports, we also collaborate with the education sector to create an inclusive environment, using the power of sports to drive meaningful reform.
Our mission extends beyond athletic training. We strive to integrate these athletes into society, ensuring they are not just participants but active contributors to an inclusive world. Special Olympics Bharat is not just about competition; it is about empowerment, dignity, and breaking barriers through sports.
Q: How many sportspersons is your organization currently working with, and what notable achievements have they attained? Could you highlight any major accomplishments?
A: Special Olympics Bharat operates chapters in every state, with over 1.7 million registered athletes across the country. We organize competitions at multiple levels—state, national, and international—where our special athletes actively participate.
Recently, at the Berlin World Summer Games, a 199-member Indian contingent showcased their talent, securing an impressive haul of 202 medals. Today, our team embarks on another remarkable journey to Italy for the World Winter Games, with 50 athletes set to compete.
Our mission is to engage more intellectually challenged athletes, offering them not just a platform to compete but a life of dignity and empowerment through sports. Winning medals instils a deep sense of achievement, reinforcing their place in society. More importantly, it shifts the perspective of their families—enabling them to see abilities instead of disabilities. Through sports and education, we strive to unlock their potential, proving that they are capable of much more than the world often assumes.
Q: How can we empower disabled women by addressing poverty, redefining empowerment, and instilling values for societal transformation and nation-building?
A: Women’s empowerment is a widely discussed topic, yet the conversation often overlooks a critical aspect—empowering disabled women. Disability and poverty are further deeply intertwined, leaving most disabled women below the poverty line. This stark reality demands urgent action. We must equip them with the skills, resources, and opportunities to achieve self-reliance. Their empowerment is not just a necessity but a shared responsibility that requires collective focus and commitment.
However, true empowerment extends beyond economic and professional achievements. It must encompass dignity, inclusion, and unwavering societal respect. Women play a pivotal role not only in the workforce but also within families, shaping the moral and cultural fabric of society. They are the nation’s strength, and we must recognize their potential as catalysts for transformative change.
While education is a fundamental tool, true empowerment is rooted in values. A society is defined not merely by academic excellence but by the moral compass that guides its people. Degrees and credentials may open doors, but it is the principles instilled in individuals that shape families, communities, and ultimately, the nation. The Indian family system has long placed mothers at the core of this process, serving as the foundation for future generations. Women’s education must transcend career aspirations to foster ethics, respect, and cultural values—moulding responsible, compassionate citizens who will drive the nation forward.
Q: How can we empower women as leaders while preserving family values, ensuring inclusivity, strengthening legal frameworks, and prioritizing maternal and child health for a thriving society?
A: Empowering women is a widely discussed goal, often framed around providing opportunities and fostering their strength in society. However, the foundation of family structures and values rests significantly on women. Upholding these traditions is crucial to preserving the Indian social framework, where women’s influence is central. Strengthening this role in a way that respects both tradition and progress is essential.
Women are not just caregivers; they are catalysts for change. Their influence extends far beyond their households, shaping communities and entire nations. As the driving force of our country, women must be recognized, empowered, and uplifted as leaders, entrepreneurs, and role models. Moreover, Achieving this demands a sharp focus on skill development, increased female participation in sports, arts, and leadership roles, and a robust legal framework that safeguards their rights.
A nation’s progress is inseparable from the health of its women and children. Maternal and child well-being must remain a top priority, as a thriving society is built on a strong foundation of health. India has made remarkable strides in this area through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana, which have played a crucial role in reducing maternal mortality and improving child healthcare. Yet, the work is far from complete. These programs must penetrate deeper, reaching the most vulnerable—children with disabilities and those in remote, underserved regions.
Change is not the responsibility of a select few; it is a collective mission. Each one, reach one should guide our efforts. Every individual must commit to uplifting at least one woman—mentoring, teaching, and enabling her to thrive. True empowerment is not confined to policies and initiatives; it requires a cultural shift toward respect, inclusion, and dignity for all women, regardless of their background, abilities, or social standing. Progress is not just about systemic reform; it is about shaping a society that values, nurtures, and celebrates the limitless potential of every woman.
