The second SAHIT Annual Conference and Awards was recently held in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to advance women’s workforce inclusion. The event featured the release of the SAHIT Knowledge Report and the felicitation of women achievers by Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.

The report highlighted a significant economic opportunity, estimating that closing the gender gap in the formal labour force could increase India’s GDP by 27 per cent. It also revealed that while 57 per cent of women benefit from workplace inclusion policies, fewer than one-third have adequate awareness of such initiatives, underscoring the need for improved communication within organisations.

During the ceremony, 17 women and eight organisations were recognised for their contributions to addressing barriers to inclusion. The SAHIT Icon Awards honoured leading figures across science, policy and industry, reinforcing the importance of visible role models in inspiring future generations.

Dr Subi Chaturvedi, Founder of SAHIT, emphasised the need for greater representation of women in decision-making roles, while industry stakeholders highlighted collaboration across government, academia and business as key to advancing equitable workforce participation.