I’m a supporter in the United Nations’ #HeForShe campaign, and adhere to those core values

 International Women’s Day – March 8th – is day dedicated to celebrating the cultural, social, and political achievements of women around the world. It pleases me endlessly that it feels inappropriate to highlight any singular example of one over another, as I’m overwhelmed with choices of so many extraordinary women, and their inspiring stories. We take this day to also consider the current practices and policies affecting women, and where improvement is needed. It warms my heart that we as a society have built on the shoulders of so many courageous and pioneering women as efficiently as we have. I reflect on women having been historically excluded from the educational system, whether through institutionalized policies or socialized expectations; now women make up 56% of all students enrolled in American colleges and universities. 100 years ago, women were just given the right to vote for the first time; now so many women play such integral roles within the political process and will increasingly continue to do so. C-suite positions held by women at major companies is also the highest it has ever been. The paradox here is that while women participation in various categories is at an all-time high, it still makes up, in many cases, a disproportionately small percentage of total participation. I’m a fan of policies enacted by entities like Goldman Sachs in their effort to further diversity, as they have committed to not underwrite IPOs in the US and Europe of private companies if they do not have at least one diverse board member. It’s a necessary helping hand to accelerate the process of representation, and I both commend them for that, and truly look forward to a time when a policy like that is no longer needed.

How we narrow the gap is incredibly important. I’m a supporter in the United Nations’ #HeForShe campaign, and adhere to those core values. When I think back to my seven-year journey in successfully spearheading the effort that resulted in the issuance of the Forever Diwali Stamp by the United States Postal Service on October 5, 2016, I’m reminded of the countless people, men and women, who were supportive, and enabled that success. As we navigate this difficult road ahead of how to best address current injustices, as well as the results of past injustices, I believe that collaborative efforts, not competitive efforts, will be our guiding light.

(Ranju Batra is Chair, Diwali Foundation USA Inc)