We are dedicating the entire month of March to spotlighting voices from across the industry as part of our IWD Voices series. Leaders will share their journeys, experiences, insights, and the lessons that have shaped them.
Next up, we speak with Dhanya Mohan, Account Director, Strategy at TheSmallBigIdea.
In our conversation, Dhanya reflects on what this year’s IWD theme means to her — from closing the gap on legal rights to addressing the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic work that continues to limit women’s careers. She also shares how a brand management class in her MBA first drew her to advertising, and what she discovered about the science behind it during her early career.
She also discusses how her understanding of fairness has evolved from pay parity to include equal opportunity, mentorship, and merit-based environments, and where she believes progress on gender equity in workplaces still falls short — including at the board and leadership level, and on the streets.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” What does this mean to you professionally and personally?
While there has been notable progress in women’s participation in the workforce and a growing number of women in boardrooms and leadership roles, a common limitation across rural and urban India -and across all levels of employment- is the disproportionate burden of domestic work carried by women.
Reports show that women in rural India spend over five hours each day in unpaid labour- often supporting family businesses, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors. Yet domestic responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare continue to remain largely their sole responsibility. As per studies, this is also the most common reason for women to discontinue their careers.
Right. Justice. Action. For all women and girls to me, is to ensure we close the loop, not just in ensuring education, equal opportunities, but a fair chance to utilize those. At present, women globally hold only about 64% of the legal rights available to men. While progress through policies and laws is essential, it remains incomplete without shifting the gender expectations that continue to limit women even today.
What first drew you to your industry, and was there a defining moment that set your career in motion? Was there a role model who influenced you early on?
It was during a brand management class in my MBA, where we were asked to build a complete campaign for a brand, that I first fell in love with advertising. That experience made me realize I wanted to be part of ad-making- especially the backstage, where all the real work happens.
While progress through policies and laws is essential, it remains incomplete without shifting the gender expectations that continue to limit women even today.
I also had the absolute privilege of working with Ambi Parameswaran, sir, very early in my career. Until then, I had mostly seen advertising as creativity- the art of thinking differently and crafting emotional stories. But during my time at FCB, I truly discovered and fell in love with the science behind it: consumer research, market insights, numbers, graphs, and data mining- everything that shapes an idea long before it becomes a piece of art.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
Early in my career, fairness largely meant monetary compensation – being paid in proportion to the value you bring, independent of gender or years of experience. While conversations around pay parity have evolved and strengthened that aspect, my understanding of fairness has also expanded over time.
Today, I see fairness as much more than compensation.
Today, I see fairness as much more than compensation. It is about equal opportunity, having the right platforms to showcase your work, access to guidance and growth opportunities, and the ability to work in an environment that truly functions on merit and merit alone.
As conversations around women and work have evolved, what do you think has genuinely improved—and where do you think more attention and action are still needed?
Early in my career, I remember advertising often being looked down upon. Women working in the industry were sometimes denied rental housing because of late working hours and the social nature of the profession. That has changed now. Also, movements like #MeToo exposed realities, and since then, there has been a visible shift in how women are respected- both within the industry and by society at large.
Another area that urgently needs attention is safety. Our streets must become safer so that girls and women can pursue their academic and professional aspirations without fear.
Some forms of everyday sexism have reduced: assumptions that a woman’s career growth is linked to charm rather than capability, or resistance to working with women leaders, are far less today. However, glass ceilings still exist. We continue to see fewer women as decision-makers at board and leadership levels, and societal expectations around gender roles and judgment toward career-driven women have not evolved at the same pace. Another area that urgently needs attention is safety. Our streets must become safer so that girls and women can pursue their academic and professional aspirations without fear.
Is there a project or initiative you’ve worked on related to women’s empowerment that you’re particularly proud of? What made it meaningful to you?
While not directly focused on women’s empowerment, I’ve been part of several initiatives supporting children, from contributing to education funding to volunteering at government schools to help improve infrastructure and learning environments.
One initiative especially close to my heart was volunteering with an NGO that supported young girls undergoing cancer treatment so they wouldn’t have to give up their education- something girls are often forced to do, especially during long medical journeys. I taught them over a few weekends, but in many ways, they were the ones teaching us about resilience and perspective.
Watching their determination, their refusal to give in to self-pity, and the joy with which they approached life deeply changed how I see life. Seeing them recover, return to their villages, and continue their education with renewed determination has been one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve had.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
Senior leaders have both the authority and the responsibility to create workplaces where employees feel safe, valued, and truly seen. While organisations may introduce multiple policies to promote equity, real change happens when everyday decisions are guided by fairness.
If leaders consciously move beyond gendered perceptions and assign work, opportunities, compensation, and recognition purely based on measurable contribution, there would be no need for enforced policies. It begins with simple but powerful actions – discouraging sexist behaviour or jokes, ensuring equal opportunities and pay, and giving every voice the same respect and space to be heard.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
My generation -millennials- has witnessed both sides – the ways in which society has historically limited women, and the gradual shift toward greater equality. For many of us, our grandmothers were primarily homemakers, while today’s Gen Alpha children are growing up with grandmothers who have had long professional careers as bankers, teachers, doctors, and more. There is a visible shift. The next generation will likely be more aware of their rights and more willing to question casual sexism.
I hope that when they do, they are not labelled “too much” or “entitled.” I also hope to see many more women in leadership across professions, and for family businesses to recognise and fairly value the hours of labour women contribute.
Quick Hits:
A trend you are excited about, or not excited about
Not exactly a trend, but something I struggle with is the glorification of a mother’s selfless love. In India, we are so used to celebrating “maa ka pyaar” that we often fail to notice when it crosses into unfair or even inhumane expectations. A stark example was during the pandemic, when mothers on oxygen support were still cooking because no one else in the family knew how to — and they couldn’t bear to see their grown children go hungry. What we call love should not come at the cost of a woman’s health or identity.
A creative campaign or representation of women that inspired you or made you feel seen
The “Like a Girl” campaign by Always really stayed with me. It made me more conscious of how casually we use phrases like “run like a girl” or “cry like a girl,” and the lasting impact such everyday sexism can have on the next generation.
Another piece – not a campaign but a social performance that deeply resonated with me and many women in India is this:
I’ve grown up in a family with almost no gender roles, which is a privilege. Yet, during vulnerable life stages like motherhood or building a home, I’ve still seen how society feels entitled to dictate what women should do. This piece captures that reality powerfully- the idea that society treats women’s freedom as something granted, rather than something they inherently possess.
A piece of advice that stayed with you longer than expected
That worrying is the biggest waste of mental space. In any situation, think about the worst that can happen – and what impact it will truly have on your life five or ten years from now. Once the worst stops feeling so scary, or seems insignificant in the long run, go ahead and do what you truly want to do. More often than not, the outcome turns out far better than you imagined.
