Pune: Inspiring Women Share Stories of Resilience and Success

Pune: In a conversation with Pune Pulse, several inspiring women shared their journeys of overcoming challenges and achieving success. Their stories reflect determination, perseverance, and the strength to rise above adversity.

From personal struggles to professional milestones, these women have navigated hardships with unwavering resolve. By sharing their experiences, they offer motivation and guidance to others facing similar obstacles, proving that resilience and hard work pave the way for success.

I personally have not faced any challenges, but women worldwide encounter hurdles like gender bias, workplace inequality, societal expectations, and safety concerns. Overcoming these requires resilience, self-advocacy, and strong support networks. Empowering women necessitates enforcing equal pay, workplace inclusivity, access to quality education, and legal protections against discrimination. Additionally, fostering mentorship and support can aid women’s personal and professional growth. I sincerely thank and appreciate Team Pune Pulse for highlighting this important issue and providing me the opportunity to share my thoughts on this platform.

Ridhiemaa Virddi – Educator, Social Worker, and Influencer

—————————————————————————————————————————————

I am a woman from UP. Seemingly a not so good place for girls maybe? However, God was kind and I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive family which has always pushed me to flourish and grow. But does that undermine the fact that societal pressures and biases still exist? Women face issues everywhere, from safety concerns to respect. We need to acknowledge and appreciate women’s unique strengths, rather than comparing them to men. Embracing our differences and fostering respect, empowerment, and appreciation will help women grow and reach new heights. It’s time to move beyond pseudo-feminism and focus on genuine recognition and inclusion fostering empowerment.

Garima Sarin – Science Faculty, Vidya Mandir Coaching Classes

—————————————————————————————————————————————

I never saw challenges as obstacles, believing everything can be overcome. After graduating and getting married, I wanted to continue learning. With my husband’s support, I pursued post-graduation, then studied Law and Journalism. My true passion, however, was beauty. I trained in hair, spa treatments, and more. My biggest challenge was within myself—choosing to empower women with confidence to become entrepreneurs. My advice to women: stand by their knowledge, never be intimidated, and live confidently. Women must be cautious yet strong, holding the power to sustain their own empowerment.

Mandeep Jitendra Singh Gadhoke, Proprietor, Skinglow Salon and Spa

—————————————————————————————————————————————

In my 18+ year career as a Prosthodontist, balancing professional excellence with societal expectations has been a constant challenge, but one I thrive in. There are times when doubt creeps in, but the only way forward is to face your fears head-on. Building Health Chakra while managing my family has taught me resilience, focus, and the importance of strong systems. As a mother of two daughters, I believe it’s essential to set an example, to show them that women can lead, achieve, and dream without limits.

Dr Ruchira Beri Khanna – Prosthodontist, Co-Founder Health Chakra

—————————————————————————————————————————————

As Vice President of an institute, I have faced biases, stereotypes, and the struggle to balance career and family. Societal pressures added to the challenge, but I overcame them by educating myself and others on gender equality, building strong support networks, and developing self-confidence. My advice to women: trust your abilities, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. Society must ensure equal opportunities, fair pay, and stronger policies for women’s rights to create a truly empowered future.

Mrs. Ishrat Mehmood Auti, Vice – President, Pearl Drop School ICSE, Kondhwa

—————————————————————————————————————————————

As a doctor, my foremost duty is to heal, a responsibility that never ceases. Balancing this with my roles as a wife, daughter, and entrepreneur is a constant challenge, yet one I embrace wholeheartedly. To my fellow women, I would say: strength is not built through ease but through resilience. Adversity may seem daunting, and failure can be painful, but these experiences shape us. True empowerment lies in facing challenges head-on, learning from them, and emerging stronger with each step forward.

Dr Adishree Wanawadikar, Giramkar – Owner (AG Physio Clinic, Wanawadi)

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Women battle bias, inequality, and societal pressures. Resilience, education, and support are crucial. I combated bias by demonstrating competence and learning. Mentorship and self-advocacy were vital. Society must ensure equal opportunities, fair wages, and dismantle stereotypes. Encouraging leadership and inclusive workplaces is essential. Believe in yourself, advocate, and support others. Equity requires awareness and collective action.

Surekha Anil Shinde – Owner, Chula Restaurant, NIBM Road

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Challenges are inevitable, but they differ for everyone. As I grew, I faced judgment, imitation, and attempts to pull me down. Networking was often misunderstood, making it harder to build connections. Being emotional, I had to toughen up to sustain myself. Ignoring negativity became my strength, shifting my focus to my vision. Women must stop bringing each other down and instead collaborate for success. Delegation is key—doing everything alone isn’t empowerment. Prioritizing self-care, financial independence, and investments is essential. Growth isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, women can thrive and lead with confidence.

Sonia Agarwal Konjeti, Founder PULA Pune Ladies

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Women often face challenges such as gender bias, workplace inequality, and societal expectations. Overcoming these barriers requires resilience, education, and support networks. Personally, I tackled bias by proving my capabilities through hard work and continuous learning. Seeking mentorship and advocating for myself helped me break professional barriers. To empower women, society must promote equal opportunities, enforce fair wages, and challenge stereotypes. Encouraging women to pursue leadership roles and fostering inclusive workplaces can drive change. My advice: believe in yourself, speak up, and support other women. Change starts with awareness and collective action for a more equitable

Sonal Hiren Sanghani, Partner Sole Realty

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Salunke Vihar Women’s Club was created to uplift women entrepreneurs, offering them a platform to grow and succeed. Every woman faces struggles, but with the right support, she can soar. Having overcome my own challenges with the help of those who believed in me, I understand the power of encouragement. This Women’s Day, let’s stand together as each other’s strength, inspire one another, and spread love, because empowered women empower the world.

Neetu Sharma, Social Media Influencer, Founder – Salunkhe Vihar Women’s Club

—————————————————————————————————————————————

I’ve been fortunate not to face challenges for being a woman because I believe capability and conviction always pave the way forward. However, for women in society at large, while doors are opening, we must be assertive, shed our fears, and step ahead with confidence. True empowerment comes from believing in ourselves, supporting each other, and challenging outdated norms. A world that values merit over gender is within reach—we just need to claim our space with resilience and candor.

Heena Grover Menon, Founder- Samsarra Public Relations

—————————————————————————————————————————————

We often talk a lot of women empowerment, but see less acceptance around us. As a woman, balancing work with household responsibilities—can get overwhelming. These aren’t just personal duties; they reflect societal expectations. However at Mirchi I take pride in sharing that we have a gender-neutral work culture, where everyone is treated equally. Women don’t need extra support; they need equality—where their time and responsibilities are valued and shared fairly, both at home and at work. True empowerment comes when society acknowledges this balance and fosters a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibilities.

Smita Tribhuvan- Content Head – Mirchi Rest Of Maharashtra

---

For over years now, I have been balancing a corporate career along with my passion for social change through Mireya Foundation. Juggling a demanding job, family responsibilities, and my passion for social impact, I have been working tirelessly to uplift the underprivileged. From organizing awareness drives to securing resources and advocating for their rights, through Mireya we ensure that those often overlooked feel seen and valued. Dedication and resilience is key to be successful in everything you do and I truly believe that true empowerment starts with small, consistent efforts—and I lead by example every single day.

Smriti Mody, Corporate woman and philanthropist