#ClearHerPath: More women who are blazing a trail in South Asia

When a woman is empowered economically, the possibilities are endless. She can build businesses, create jobs, strengthen communities, improve a family's prospects and drive real economic progress. That's why the World Bank Group is working with countries and partners to prioritize actions that break down barriers and create opportunities for women to reach their potential

In the third part of our three-part series, trailblazing leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators across South Asia show what happens when you #ClearHerPath.

Sairee Chahal, Entrepreneur and Founder, Manila Money, India

I build digital ecosystems that bring women closer to the economic mainstream. I founded SHEROES, driven by a belief that women with access to community, opportunity, and learning reshape their lives and economies.

From that emerged Mahila Money, a platform for women entrepreneurs to access loans, financial education, and a peer network. These platforms have connected millions of women to income, credit, and confidence. Today, through Appreciate Capital, I invest in women-led businesses.

Watching women informal earners become employers and investors remains the most rewarding part of my journey.

I've navigated systems that weren't built with women entrepreneurs in mind. Early on, there were few role models, limited capital for women-led ventures, and questions about credibility. Building in spaces that intersected gender, technology, and finance meant redefining norms.

What cleared my path was community, women who believed in the mission, mentors who opened doors, and teams that shared my vision of creating change. Collective progress is potent. When one woman moves forward, she takes others along with her.

Access remains the biggest game-changer in terms of capital, networks, and belief. Women need financial systems that see them as participants.

Mahila Money shows that a loan or a financial learning circle unlocks potential. Confidence with money, changes how women negotiate, invest, and imagine their futures.

To clear the path, we must normalize women leading businesses, owning assets, and building wealth. When inclusion becomes an integral part of infrastructure, young women won't just join the workforce. They'll shape it.

Sakia Haque, co-founder Vromonkonna Travelettes, Bangladesh

I co-founded Vromonkonna Travelettes when I was a student. I wanted to travel, but societal attitudes suggested that women should not travel alone. Creating this organization brought women travelers together, allowing them to explore the country and beyond.

It was never just about travel. We visited all 64 districts on a motorcycle, arranged workshops in schools, discussed reproductive health, and promoted gender equality. Our community has grown to more than 90,000 women. I believe we have contributed meaningfully to the empowerment of women in Bangladesh.

There were numerous obstacles along the way. As women traveling across Bangladesh and challenging social norms, we faced hostility-from online harassment to aggressive threats intended to intimidate us. There were also institutional barriers: people questioning our credibility, our safety, and even our right to occupy public spaces.

What carried us forward were friends, mentors, fellow travelers, and women in our community. Their encouragement and support cleared the path-emotionally and practically-so I could continue both my medical career and my work on Vromonkonna.

Gender equity is the only way. Along with it one has to move towards her passion. Just ask, are you doing the right thing? If yes, move forward.

Dr. Melita Mehjabeen, Academic and Governance Professional, Bangladesh

I remember having a board meeting at a listed local textile company, which didn't have a female washroom or a prayer room. It spoke volumes about how few women had been there before me. In many rooms, I've been the only woman.

I didn't have a roadmap. I learned by observing, by asking questions, by being prepared every single day. Every step forward required proving that I belonged. Being well-prepared and proactive is the truest form of respect for your work.

I hope to make it easier for the next generation of women to find their place at the table. I want to make sure the door stays open for others. Real difference is made by achieving something and making space for others to do the same.

My parents cleared my path. My professor father taught me that knowledge gains meaning when it's shared. My mother, a government official, broke through barriers with persistence. She supported my journey, caring for my children and even traveling with me to the UK during my PhD. She showed that women can thrive with the right support and determination.

The biggest difference comes from seeing someone who has already walked the path. Seeing a woman at a board table or in the C-Suite, leading a team, teaching a class, or running a business, gives young women permission to dream. Representation matters.

We need systems that make women's journeys possible, from safe transport and supportive workplaces to policies that promote inclusion and balance. These structures determine whether women can truly thrive.

Hazrath Rasheed Hussain, Director Legal & Company Secretary, Dhiraagu, Maldives

I joined Dhiraagu in 2010, after supporting post-tsunami livelihoods recovery at UNDP Maldives. Witnessing the tsunami's devastation opened my eyes to how critical connectivity is for the Maldives and drew me to the telecom sector.

Stepping into senior leadership in a technology driven industry without a technical background was intimidating. But Dhiraagu's inclusive and supportive culture encouraged me to ask questions. Colleagues helped me navigate complex technical areas. That mentorship and openness showed me how workplace culture can empower women.

Opportunity and support play a role in women's professional growth. It is rarely the lack of ability that holds women back, but rather limited networks, exposure and access to mentorship.

Mentorship programs, networking platforms, supportive workplace policies can give young women confidence, visibility and connections early in their careers. Safe and reliable childcare is the foundation that allows working mothers to balance career and caregiving.

Family encouragement has also been crucial in my journey. When women are supported, they are empowered to aim higher and pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach.

When opportunity, mentorship, and understanding come together, women lead, innovate, and transform their workplaces and communities.

Aarti Rana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Laxmi Sunrise Bank, Nepal

Over the years, I have witnessed inclusive finance transform communities and industries--whether it's by enabling entrepreneurs through access to credit, or supporting clean energy.

Growing up, gender was never a limitation. My parents gave me freedom to pursue education and a career of my choice. That foundation shaped everything.

Banking is a performance-driven profession, but women often have to work harder to prove themselves. Mentors, along with family support, kept me resilient.

What truly clears the path for young women is not just opportunity, but support from families, institutions, and society. For many women, the barrier is access to mentorship, flexibility, and environments that allow them to grow. Policies are important, but culture that values empathy, inclusion and growth is transformative.

When I gave birth to my daughter, maternity leave was 45 days. Today, maternity leave is over 90 days. At Laxmi Sunrise, we've built a supportive ecosystem for women with mother-care rooms and flexible hours.

Women flourish when there is support from families, from institutions that provide enabling environments, and from societies that recognize women's contributions. If we can build homes, workplaces, and communities that nurture courage, celebrate competence, and support learning, every woman will be able to define her own success.

Moushumi Shrestha, Director, Shreenagar Agro Group, Nepal

I'm beacon of innovation and social entrepreneurship, particularly in Nepal's critical agricultural sector. My journey, deeply rooted in rural Nepal and a fervent commitment to community empowerment, the power of strategic vision and hands-on dedication.

Internal emotional barriers --including my fear of societal judgment and the ingrained tendency to prioritize family above my personal aspirations-have been a significant hurdle. Emotional strength, gaining knowledge through continuous learning and practical exposure to build competence helped me face the world with confidence.

A powerful personal network supported my journey. My parents provided the best education and exposure. My husband challenges me to strive for perfection and instilled a results-oriented, accountable approach. My children reinforce my belief that "nothing is impossible." My mother and mother-in-law's helping hands enabled me to balance demanding professional responsibilities with family life.

Self confidence clears the path for young women to work and build their careers. Unless and until you build on it yourself, it is impossible to be a change maker.

Family support plays an important role. Broader societal and cultural change must shift the perception of women from being secondary players to decision-makers. Supportive policies are essential, not just to give women a voice, but to involve them fully and make them responsible for implementing activities. This hands-on engagement builds confidence and competence. Self-belief, coupled with robust family support and social progress, paves the way for young women to thrive and lead.

Ashcharya Peiris, Fashion Designer and Advocate for Inclusive Futures, Sri Lanka

After losing my sight in a bomb blast, I chose to rebuild. I left Banking and discovered new parts of myself.

In my darkness, shapes, patterns, and colors formed in my imagination. I described these designs to seamstresses and artisans, touching the models they created until every fold and line matched what I imagined.

I create clothing for all backgrounds, shapes, and skin tones. I also travel across Sri Lanka as a speaker and mentor to youth, women, and people with disabilities. I help others rediscover hope.

The obstacles I faced were deeply structural.

As a woman with a disability, society decided what I could and could not do. But I refused to let my disability define my limits.

We must build systems that see women's potential. For women, especially those with disabilities, accessibility is dignity. We need transportation, workplaces, schools, and public spaces that include everyone. A young woman cannot pursue a dream she cannot physically reach.

When girls see women leading, creating and innovating they begin to believe in their own possibilities. Representation has power. Many dreams die because they are discouraged at home. When a family believes in a girl's potential, that gift of belief becomes a lifelong engine.

Nevindaree Premarathne, Founder and CEO, The Makers Global, Sri Lanka

Because of the awareness we're creating across Sri Lanka, people now understand why STEM matters for the future workforce. When young people learn to think creatively, critically, and compassionately, they can drive a country forward.

We grow up seeing perceptions, traditions, and expectations placed on women. So even when you want to make a bold decision, your own mindset stops you.

My father never limited me because of my gender. If he saw potential in me, he let me explore it. That kind of environment gives you wings. My mentors were the same. They respected my intellect, my performance, and what I brought to the table.

Clearing the path for women starts with teaching them how to dream big.

Building women's confidence is everything. Even simple things like letting women express themselves can make a difference.

Visible role models are important. More women sharing their stories shows what's possible.
Mentors who understand women's experiences can change everything. We also need to normalize women taking part in networking events and opportunities that happen after hours. We need safe environments, but we also need to encourage women to take chances. Exposure is another huge factor. Women need to know what opportunities are out there. And of course, there are structural things that need to change: policies, workplace cultures, organizational setups. We need better systems around maternity leave and creating flexible pathways.

We need to help young women embrace the value they bring. Diversity brings better ideas, better innovation, and better outcomes. When we create an inclusive environment, everyone benefits.