Gender Equality in Business – Insights from Women Founders - Part 6

Gender equality is not just about creating space for women in business—it’s about amplifying their voices, breaking stereotypes, and ensuring that every woman has the tools, confidence, and community to succeed. These women leaders share how they’ve navigated challenges and championed equality in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Featured Women Founders

• CA Maitree Panchal Solanki – Advocate for Yourself

• Gowri Sukumar – Don’t Just Dream

• Siddhi Jaiswal – Raise Your Voice

• Adanech Sahilie – Speak for Yourself

CA Maitree Panchal Solanki – Advocate for Yourself

Founder – M Panchal & Associates

“Believe in yourself and own your journey—challenges will come, but so will opportunities. Stay financially aware, embrace continuous learning, and build a strong support network. Don’t hesitate to take risks or ask for help when needed.”

Gowri Sukumar – Don’t Just Dream

Founder – LeverageAxiom Solutions

“Being a first-generation entrepreneur, I would urge & encourage women that there are multiple forums and platforms to help us execute and make it possible to bring our ideas to real life.

Start slow, keep the running cost minimal, have a qualitative goal and a quantitative goal, and just go for it! Everything else will automatically follow.”

Siddhi Jaiswal – Raise Your Voice

Founder – Actor - Solo Entrepreneur - Project Million Views

“Don’t be afraid to choose purpose over popularity. The world will try to box you into safe, acceptable roles—whether in life or on screen—but real strength comes from standing for something that makes people uncomfortable yet opens their eyes.

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or student, dare to speak the truth, even if your voice shakes. Protect your dignity, trust your instincts, and remember—you don’t need to fit in to make an impact. You were born to be heard, not hidden.”

Adanech Sahilie – Speak for Yourself

Founder – Immigrant Outreach Society

“It’s always great to follow your heart when you start anything; there is always an obstacle, and that barrier should be like a bouncing ball, pushing us toward our goal.

When I started this non-profit organization, I noticed gaps and saw many newcomer refugees suffering from untreated PTSD and mental health challenges. I mobilized the community, and we began addressing the issue.

Our community was severely impacted during the pandemic, and we only had $5,000; however, we worked hard and positioned ourselves to deliver critical services. Now, our annual revenue is half a million. We aim to establish our Community Hub in the next two years.

‘Dream and Act’ is our motto.”

✨ Key Takeaway: Gender equality in business begins with self-belief, bold action, and fearless advocacy. When women raise their voices, follow their vision, and lead with purpose, they not only transform their own lives but also inspire systemic change.