Every meaningful change begins with a vision. Sometimes, that vision takes shape in the form of a
platform that gives voices greater reach, stories greater significance and achievements the
recognition they deserve. For HER World India, the vision is to bring women’s stories to the forefront;
SHE Tales – Empowering Stories of Women is a step towards turning that vision into a meaningful
movement of recognition, reflection and inspiration.
Rooted in the belief that every woman’s journey holds a story worth telling, HER World India seeks to
create space for experiences that often extend far beyond professional milestones, stories of
determination, resilience, ambition, challenges and the courage to keep moving forward. With SHE
Tales, this vision takes a more personal and collective form, bringing women from diverse walks of
life together to share their journeys, learn from one another and inspire the generations that follow.
This spirit of shared experiences and collective progress came alive in Pune on Friday, as women
from science, public administration, entrepreneurship, literature and the arts gathered for SHE Tales.
Organised by HER World India in association with Swarnim Bharat Foundation and Arham
Foundation, the programme highlighted the varied journeys of women who have made their mark in
their respective fields.
Dr. Sharmila Bapat, former Director and Honorary Scientist at BRIC–NCCS, was the Chief Guest. Ms.
Pavneet Kaur, IAS, Additional Municipal Commissioner (General), Pune Municipal Corporation, and
Dr. Parul Ganju, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ahammune Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., were the
Guests of Honour.
Dr. Bapat shared her journey in scientific research and innovation, reflecting on the challenges
women encountered in the field and the perseverance needed to build a career. Ms. Kaur highlighted
women’s role in development and nation-building, encouraging young girls to pursue their
aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr. Ganju emphasised the need for an environment where women’s leadership is recognised across
sectors without gender-based barriers. She expressed hope that, in the future, women’s
achievements would be acknowledged as a natural part of professional and public life, without the
need for separate initiatives to establish their leadership.
The programme also brought together voices from taxation, literature and the arts. Ms. Reshma
Ghanekar shared experiences from her professional journey in tax administration, while Ms. Tejal
Gaekwad, artist and painter, recited a poem reflecting the emotions, experiences and challenges that
shape a woman’s life.
Ms. Asha Gaur spoke about her journey as a writer and the importance of connections and solidarity
among women from different professional backgrounds. Ms. Juby, artist and author, shared insights
into her hand-embroidery work and the encouragement she received in developing her skills. Ms.
Juhi Gupte, entrepreneur, author and literary editor, highlighted women’s contributions to society
through determination and perseverance. Ms. Rucha Limaye also participated in the programme.
A message from Ms. Tejaswi Satpute wishing the event success was read out by Ms. Rakhee Bakshee,
Founder of HER World India. The audience also received a special video message from Lieutenant
General (Retd.) Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar.
Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Bakshee described SHE Tales as a celebration of women’s courage,
resilience and achievements. She emphasised the importance of bringing women’s journeys into the
public domain, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and encouraging the next
generation to dream bigger and move forward with confidence.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Rupa Sinha of Swarnim Bharat Foundation
and Ms. Preeti Pagariya of Arham Foundation. Women and young girls, including students, attended
the event.
As HER World India continues to bring women’s experiences and achievements into focus, SHE Tales
represents an opportunity to take these stories beyond individual journeys and into a wider
conversation about women’s place in society. Its central idea is simple yet significant: when women
are given the space to share their experiences, their stories can open minds, build connections and
inspire others to imagine new possibilities for themselves.
Through SHE Tales, the vision of HER World India finds expression in the voices of women themselves
— their journeys, their achievements and the possibilities they create for those who follow.
