In a groundbreaking launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Global India Dialogues panel took center stage at the World Woman Davos Agenda, featuring influential voices in venture capital, social impact, and technology. Spearheaded by Asha Jadeja, founder of the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, the event brought together experts like Jen Sovada, President, SandboxAQ’, Seema Chaturvedi, Managing Partner, AWE Fund, Aparna Pande, Director of the Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia, Hudson Institute, US, Zubaida Bai, President and CEO, Grameen Foundation to discuss the evolving landscape of India’s global role and the pivotal role women play in this narrative.

The Unlikely Venture Capital Journey:

Asha Jadeja, a civil engineer and student of political science, shared her unconventional journey into venture capital. Breaking stereotypes in 1999 as the only woman of color in Palo Alto’s venture capital scene, Jadeja emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, overcoming fear, and navigating imposter syndrome. Her story echoed a call for women to fearlessly pursue their passions, irrespective of conventional career paths.

The Motwani Jadeja Foundation’s Impact:

Asha Jadeja heads the Motwani Jadeja Foundation (MJF World), a Palo Alto-based family foundation investing in social impact and women-led startups. Jadeja highlighted the foundation’s success in backing ventures that challenge societal norms, citing early investments in Google and the foundation’s involvement in Google’s ecosystem.

Global India Dialogues’ Genesis:

The focal point of the event was the launch of the Global India Dialogues. Asha Jadeja expressed her motivation behind this initiative, emphasizing India’s emergence onto the global stage and the unprecedented opportunities it presents. With India’s youthful population and a median age of 28, Jadeja urged the audience, particularly women, to engage with India’s ecosystem, marking it as a significant part of the future.

Insights from the Panelists:

Dr. Aparna Pande, a thought leader at the Hudson Institute, highlighted India’s geopolitical importance and its growing influence on the global stage. She stressed the need for increased female participation in India’s workforce, aligning with the global average to address inherent biases in cultural systems.

Zubaida Bai, CEO of the Grameen Foundation, shared her journey as a mechanical engineer focused on creating products for women in agriculture and healthcare. She emphasized the foundation’s commitment to transforming systems for women, starting at the household level and working towards dismantling gender biases.

Jen Sovada, President of SandboxAQ at Google, encouraged women to advocate for themselves and shared initiatives supporting women in technology. She underscored the importance of confidence and self-advocacy in the professional realm.

Seema Chaturvedi, Founder and Managing Partner of an India-based venture fund, spoke passionately about the untapped potential of investing in women. Recognizing the business case for gender equity, she emphasized its role in addressing climate change and creating sustainable, impactful change.

The Global India Dialogues event in Davos marked a pivotal moment in recognizing India’s global influence and the imperative role of women in shaping its trajectory. The diverse panel of experts provided insights into the challenges and opportunities, urging women worldwide to actively engage with India’s evolving landscape. As the dialogue continues, it is evident that empowering women will be central to India’s success on the global stage.