Kiran Bedi: 'A stronger workforce needs more women, who bring empathy and drive to deliver'

Former IPS officer Dr Kiran Bedi has urged the women workforce in the country to stay committed to learning, leading with empathy and connecting with people by listening and understanding. She highlighted the importance of having a clear purpose in life, of showing up with integrity every single day, and of recognising that the choices one makes at work ripple far beyond our immediate environment. Addressing around 1,000 participants in a town hall meeting at Vedanta Aluminium's Jharsuguda plant in Odisha, Bedi shared her experience with the women workers and emphasised the inclusion of more women in the workforce. The first woman IPS officer of India also urged women to work with purpose, take ownership, and build a sense of belonging. She said that recognition will follow meaningful work.Addressing the participants, Dr Kiran Bedi said, "The nation needs more institutions like Vedanta that use resources responsibly and drive growth with purpose. Women must stay committed to learning, lead with empathy, and connect with people by listening and understanding before correcting. A stronger workforce needs more women, who bring a steady mindset, empathy, and the drive to deliver."The former Lt. Governor of Puducherry addressed over 1000 participants at a town hall meeting and spent time with women entrepreneurs and professionals. Dr Bedi drew from her own experiences, from years of direct public service. Another important point that she made was how prioritising inclusivity and equity could lead to fresh possibilities for meaningful change.Dr Kiran Bedi is not only India's first woman IPS officer, but she is also the first woman appointed as UN Civilian Police Adviser, and is a former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. She has the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in her name, which is bestowed in recognition of her remarkable efforts in establishing better policing practices and undertaking substantial prison reforms in India.