The day began with a quiet sense of purpose, the kind that builds not in noise, but in anticipation. Across time zones and borders, screens flickered to life as voices from around the world prepared to take the stage—not on a single platform, but on a global stage where geography held no limits and influence knew no boundaries.
In the morning session, Louise Walden-Edwards, SheInspires 2024 winner for Women in Fitness & Well-being, took the helm. Her panel was a masterclass in resilience—not just in body, but in mind, in spirit, in the quiet decisions that shape a life of strength. Pat Wilson’s words carried weight as she spoke of endurance, the power of pushing forward even when no one is watching. Zaynab Jogi built on this, delving into the intersection of mental well-being and physical health, the way self-belief is often the first battle a woman must win.
Jose Perez offered a moment of pause—a challenge to listen, to support, to recognise that true allyship is not about speaking for women, but creating space for them to be heard. And then there was Valentina De Pascale, who embodied the art of redefining success on her own terms, a reminder that breaking barriers is not just about moving forward, but also about moving in the direction that is right for you.
Their words were not just statements; they were declarations, reminders, promisesto keep pushing, keep striving, keep lifting one another higher.
But the day was far from over.
As the sun set in the UK, another panel was just beginning—one that reached across India, the UAE, Denmark, and New York, uniting a powerhouse of SheInspires Global winners, judges, and changemakers in one extraordinary conversation.
This time, the mic belonged to Sohini Roy Chowdhury, SheInspires Global Ambassador, winner, and judge. Her presence was effortless yet commanding, the kind that doesn’t demand attention but draws it in naturally, because every word she speaks matters. And in this space—this virtual gathering of minds and voices—it was clear that this moment mattered, too.
Satish Mathur, the retired Director General of Police, Maharashtra, brought a voice of authority and integrity, speaking of leadership, responsibility, and the undeniable truth that progress cannot exist without men who don’t just support gender equality but actively fight for it. His presence alone was a testament to the idea that allyship, when genuine and committed, has the power to dismantle deep-rooted biases.
Mrityunjay Sharma, a rising entrepreneur, author, and politician, fuelled the discussion with a bold energy, challenging outdated structures and passive activism. His words crackled with urgency, a reminder that the world changes when young voices dare to disrupt the status quo.
Indro Roy-Chowdhury, an esteemed SheInspires Culture Category judge, offered depth and insight, speaking to the cultural shifts that must take place for equality to thrive. His perspective was one of experience and wisdom, a steady voice that called for both patience and action.
Then there was Sathya Saran, a previous SheInspires winner but also the former editor of Femina, a woman who has long had access to the stories of the most inspiring women of our time. Her words carried the weight of those stories—of women who had fought, built, endured, and triumphed, stories that had been written and rewritten but still had chapters left to tell. She reminded the audience that the world does not lack powerful women, it only lacks the willingness to amplify their voices.
Dipti Modi, a SheInspires Global Leadership Winner, represented the very future this conversation was shaping, a woman leading from the front and proving that leadership is not about waiting for permission, but about stepping forward with confidence.
Speaking from Denmark, Lisbeth Johansen brought a global perspective, reminding everyone that change does not happen in isolation—it is connected, interwoven, a collective movement that requires all of us to engage, regardless of borders.
And then there was Lajo Gupta from the UAE, a woman whose presence was effortless, commanding, and whose message was both simple and profound: The world needs more kindness. In a conversation about power, leadership, and breaking barriers, she reminded us that kindness is not weakness—it is the foundation upon which true change is built.
“True change begins when we move beyond conversations and into action,” Sohini said, her voice unwavering. “It’s about amplifying voices that have long been unheard and ensuring that every woman, everywhere, knows she belongs at the table.”
And with those words, the conversation didn’t end—it expanded. It carried forward into homes, workplaces, and communities.
SheInspires Founder Gulnaz Brennan closed the event with a message that lingered beyond the screen:
“Every voice matters. Every story holds power. Today, we’ve witnessed what happens when people come together—not just to speak, but to listen, to support, and to create meaningful change. Thank you to our panellists, attendees, and allies for making this a moment of true inspiration.”
And so, the stage was left open—not for another panel, not for another speech, but for the actions that would follow. Because 10 minutes is all it takes to start a movement—but what we do next is what truly defines it.