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 Navamita Mukherjee, Director of Marketing and Communications at Humane World for Animals India.
In our conversation, Navamita reflects on what this year’s IWD theme means to her — centering on the act of asking as a fundamental claim to space — and how her lived experiences, from growing up with dogs in an area with limited veterinary infrastructure to working as a nonprofit communications professional, shaped her career path.
She also discusses how her understanding of fairness has deepened with seniority to include equity, gender, and the often-overlooked agency of animals, and what she hopes the next generation of women will bring to the workplace: self-worth and conviction.
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?
It means to me the ability for all women and girls to “ask” for things they want and deserve. I believe we just haven’t asked enough!
By asking, you are already claiming your space. It is a fundamental act to make yourself heard, seen and matter—a vital precursor to securing rights, justice, and action. Versus when you do not ask, you lose the very possibility of making yourself out there.
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 believe our lived experiences and external circumstances shape our personal and professional decisions well—they carry both an intuitive and objective edge. It is also important to place yourself at the center of an issue and ask, “What role am I to play to solve this jigsaw puzzle?”.
Growing up with dogs in an area lacking veterinary infrastructure first sparked my drive to protect animals. Through my journey from volunteer to full-time nonprofit professional, I identified a recurring disconnect: the community’s desire to help is often hindered by a lack of guidance. My lived experiences have become my primary role model—as a communications professional, I now serve as a conduit, bridging the gap between awareness and action.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
Yes! I perceive fairness at a granular level now. For instance, how fair should a leader act in striking a fine balance between what is said and done? Do discussions of fairness, regardless of gender, consider equality and equity? Also important to consider whether, in our discussions of fairness, we are intentionally addressing animals who are often perceived as lacking agency and are increasingly overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream development sector narratives.
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?
Financial independence has fundamentally transformed our lives. From urban entrepreneurs running their cloud kitchen to rural Pashu Sakhis (friends of animals), women are reclaiming their narratives through the security of self-earned income which also brings a sense of self-conviction.
While the journey toward pay equity remains an uphill battle, it is important to honor the significant milestones already achieved. By nurturing self-belief, women carry the ability to demonstrate their limitless potential.
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?
There cannot be just one initiative! Standing up for women, in whatever capacity we can, should be an everyday act. This is the true essence of celebrating women. I believe women are inherently powerful, though many have yet to fully realize it. This is why female allyship is crucial—we must reflect each other’s potential back to one another.
True empowerment is built through small, meaningful gestures: a supportive “nudge,” to your sister, a pep talk for a colleague, or teaching financial literacy to your domestic help. These quiet, daily acts of solidarity are what truly define progress.
And why not advocate for non-human species too? At Humane World of Animals India, we work every day to push for higher animal welfare standards, for egg-laying hens and sows that continue to suffer under cruel intensive confinement for commercial purposes. These ongoing efforts hold significant meaning to me.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
To keep an open eye and introducing self-correcting mechanisms to break systemic biases is a necessary approach leaders should embrace. Beyond organizational policies, true change demands leaders to be authentic, practice active listening and leverage their influence to bridge the opportunity gap, ultimately building a fairer workplace.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
I hope to see young women bringing their sense of self-worth and conviction in the workplace. It is important to believe in yourself before someone else can make you aware of it.
Quick Hits
A trend you are excited about, or not excited about:
I’m not a fan of any or all beauty ads, no matter how progressive they are, that bracket the definition of beauty.
A creative campaign or representation of women that inspired you or made you feel seen:
Following the Instagram page @women_at_leisure inspires me to self-reflect and value my worth. There is immense power in being “just be”.
A piece of advice that stayed with you longer than expected:
“Try not to control the outcome of your efforts, place your trust in the process instead.”
