Women’s empowerment must transcend token gestures. It requires bold, actionable change. Inclusivity goes beyond mere representation—it demands genuine participation in decision-making, leadership roles, and policy formulation. In urban India, women’s employment faces both overt and hidden barriers: unequal wages, scarce childcare support, and entrenched gender expectations. Building workplaces that prioritize flexibility, safety, and meritocracy is no longer optional—it is imperative.
Safety, both physical and psychological, forms the foundation of true empowerment. The urban crisis for women starts with unsafe public transport and dimly lit streets, and extends into boardrooms where women’s voices are often suppressed. Our cities remain designed with a male-default mindset. Reimagining urban spaces through a gender-sensitive lens—featuring accessible public infrastructure, vigilant law enforcement, and responsive public services—can revolutionize not only mobility but also women’s aspirations.
Empowerment is not a slogan to be repeated; it is a profound, systemic transformation rooted in education, economic opportunity, and dignity. It means listening to women rather than speaking for them. It means dismantling the normalization of daily harassment and discrimination. Only then can we create truly inclusive cities and futures—where a woman’s place is defined not by fear or tradition, but by her ambition and capability. A society’s progress is best measured by the freedom and opportunities it grants its women.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at Urban Adda 2025, organized by Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation and GuruJal, Pooja Bedi—actress, TV host, founder of Happy Soul India, and MD of Magicians of Wellness India and Merchants of Wellness—shares her insights on the multifaceted challenges of women’s empowerment. She outlines how inclusive workforce participation can reshape India’s economic and social fabric. She highlights the potential of emerging technologies to enhance women’s safety in workplaces and public spaces. Furthermore, she identifies the most critical urban challenges affecting women today and offers thoughtful solutions. Below are the key takeaways from her compelling discussion.
Q: How do you view India’s progress in addressing the challenges of women’s empowerment and ensuring inclusivity in the country’s development journey?
A: We remain entrenched in a patriarchal society, but significant progress is underway. Today, practices like Sati and dowry have thankfully vanished. Compared to previous generations, we have made monumental strides in women’s rights, representation, and empowerment. In just one generation, the landscape has transformed dramatically.
This momentum must not only continue—it must accelerate. Effective implementation of laws is crucial. Laws alone cannot protect women if the system fails to enforce them. When police neglect their duties or courts delay justice, these protections become meaningless. The entire system must actively uphold the laws designed to empower women.
However, we must also acknowledge a troubling trend: the misuse of these laws by some women against men. Stringent legal protections should never serve as tools for revenge or extortion. Misusing these laws undermines their very purpose and unfairly damages innocent lives.
Equally important is holding accountable those who abuse the system. Laws crafted to safeguard vulnerable women lose their credibility when exploited. To preserve justice, we must ensure that misuse is met with appropriate consequences. This balance is essential to protect the integrity of women’s rights and to maintain faith in the rule of law.
Q: How can greater inclusion of women in the workforce transform the broader economic and social landscape of India?
A: Women excel at multitasking. They bring greater empathy, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong intuitive sense to the workplace—qualities that enrich any team. However, a key challenge remains: how well do men adapt to women leaders? Many men, accustomed to traditional hierarchies, struggle to take direction from female bosses. They often prefer to maintain control at work, especially since they may already defer to their wives at home.
Breaking this barrier is essential. Equally important is fostering solidarity among women themselves. Overcoming jealousy and competitiveness within the workplace is crucial to building a supportive environment where women can thrive.
Ultimately, the focus must be on merit. The best person should always fill the role, regardless of gender. Yet, to reach this ideal, we must first empower women to enter and prove themselves in positions of authority and responsibility. Only then can true meritocracy prevail—where talent, capability, and results determine leadership, not outdated biases.
Q: How can emerging and disruptive technologies help address and enhance women’s safety at the workplace and in public spaces?
A: I firmly believe that AI and technology are already transforming lives—and will continue to do so dramatically. Take, for instance, apps like Free, designed specifically for women’s safety. These tools empower women by highlighting potential dangers, enabling them to make informed, confident decisions.
Technology also enhances public transport safety by enabling real-time recording and documentation. Consider app-based taxi services: unlike random rides with unknown drivers, these platforms ensure full accountability. Every driver and ride is traceable, providing a vital layer of security.
This technological revolution is just beginning. It promises to grow stronger and more impactful, reshaping how women navigate public and private spaces.
Women represent half of the world’s population. They embody compassion, generosity, and resilience—qualities that deserve respect and recognition. Progress depends on embracing coexistence, not competition. The goal is not “men versus women,” but fostering a peaceful, warm, and collaborative society where all thrive together.
Q: What do you see as the most critical urban challenge currently affecting women, and how should it be addressed?
A: When we discuss the challenges women face in mobility and livelihood, the critical focus must be on translating dialogue into action. Every person on today’s panel holds the potential to drive that change. We all understand the problems, recognize where safety fails, and know what environments are secure or hazardous. Yet, what truly matters is implementing effective mechanisms—whether in workplaces, streets, or homes.
Women must feel safe and empowered. Equality demands it. Our society aspires to equal representation across all fields and platforms. Data confirms this: workplace participation could rise by 15% if women had safe, reliable access to commute and secure environments at work.
Progress has been made, and women’s departments have paved important paths. Still, much remains to be done. It’s time to move beyond talk. We must prioritize concrete, actionable solutions. Technology and AI can play pivotal roles in empowering women and ensuring their safety.
Forums like this are invaluable. They bring together the decision-makers who can implement change. I extend my full support and encouragement to urban women and to this movement. May they continue to grow stronger, forging a future defined by safety, equality, and opportunity.
