"Power comes with self-confidence and with the earning of trust. It can be earned but it can be lost too.
Power gave me a voice, a platform and the privilege to influence corporate behavior. In my role as Founder of Community Business I have influenced companies across Asia to put diversity and inclusion on their agenda. I successfully lobbied the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to have Hong Kong listed companies report on diversity, introduce inclusion for LGBT staff at work and employ people with disabilities. Through influence, my work became visible, I received countless accolades and awards and this gave me greater agency.
Power gave me an education– and led to many other Indian families allowing their daughters to follow suit with tertiary education too. With my power, other women received power too. And this power gives us freedom to not marry young, to choose our future and be who we want to be."
Shalini Mahtani, Founder, The Zubin Foundation