Though International Women’s Day is behind us, we are continuing to spotlight voices from across the industry as part of our IWD Voices series, with leaders sharing their journeys, experiences, insights, and the lessons that have shaped them.
Next up, we speak with Lakshika Verma, Strategic Communications Advisor and Public Relations Consultant.
In our conversation, Lakshika reflects on what this year’s IWD theme means to her personally and professionally, and traces the storytelling instinct that first drew her to public relations.
She also discusses the responsibility senior leaders carry in building equitable workplaces, and the one shift she hopes the next generation of women will benefit from.
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?
Professionally, this theme is a reminder that communication is not just about visibility—it’s about responsibility. As a PR consultant, I see it as my role to ensure that brands and narratives don’t just celebrate women symbolically but actively advocate for inclusion, fairness, and equal opportunity. Personally, it reinforces my belief that empowerment must be accessible to every woman, regardless of her background. It’s about turning intent into impact—ensuring that rights are protected, justice is pursued, and action is consistent.
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?
I was always drawn to storytelling—the power it has to shape perception and influence change. Public relations felt like a natural extension of that passion. A defining moment for me was realizing how strategic communication can elevate not just brands, but voices that need to be heard. Early on, I was deeply inspired by women leaders who built their own paths in communications and entrepreneurship. Their resilience and clarity showed me that it’s possible to create space for yourself while opening doors for others.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
Earlier, fairness felt like equal treatment. Over time, I’ve come to understand that true fairness is about equity—recognizing that different people need different kinds of support to thrive. With experience, I’ve also realized that fairness requires active participation; it doesn’t happen by default. It’s about questioning biases, creating inclusive opportunities, and ensuring that merit is not overshadowed by systemic barriers.
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?
There has been a visible shift in how openly we discuss topics like pay equity, leadership representation, and work-life balance. More women are stepping into leadership roles, and organizations are becoming more conscious of inclusivity. However, there’s still a gap between conversation and consistent action. We need to focus more on implementation—especially when it comes to mentorship, flexible work environments, and creating safe, supportive spaces for women at all levels.
There has been a visible shift in how openly we discuss topics like pay equity, leadership representation, and work-life balance.
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?
Through my startup, I’ve had the opportunity to work on campaigns that highlight women entrepreneurs and changemakers. One initiative that stands out involved amplifying the stories of women-led businesses, giving them a platform to reach wider audiences. What made it meaningful was not just the visibility it created, but the confidence it instilled in these women to own their narratives and grow their ventures.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
Senior leaders have a responsibility to lead by example. This means actively mentoring, advocating for fair opportunities, and creating an environment where diverse voices are genuinely heard. Equity is built through everyday actions—how decisions are made, how teams are supported, and how accountability is maintained. It’s about embedding inclusivity into the culture, not just the conversation.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
I would like to see workplaces where ambition and well-being are not seen as trade-offs. The next generation of women should feel empowered to pursue leadership without compromising on their personal priorities. A more empathetic, flexible, and inclusive work culture would make a significant difference.
Quick Hits
A trend you are excited about, or not excited about
I’m excited about the rise of purpose-driven branding—where companies align their messaging with meaningful action. It’s encouraging to see authenticity becoming more valued than perfection.
A creative campaign or representation of women that inspired you or made you feel seen (please share a link to a video or image)
The “Like a Girl” campaign by Always has always stood out to me. It challenged stereotypes in a simple yet powerful way and redefined confidence for young girls.
A piece of advice that stayed with you longer than expected
“Don’t wait for permission to take up space.” It’s a reminder I carry with me every day—both personally and professionally.
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