As conversations around women’s leadership and well-being continue to grow, the realities of modern womanhood are also changing. From managing careers and businesses to caring for families and communities, women today handle increasing responsibilities in a fast-moving world. The focus is no longer just on talking about empowerment, but on building real support systems that help women grow, lead, and maintain their well-being.
Speaking candidly during a panel discussion at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO), Miheeka Daggubati addressed the mental well-being challenges women face today. She said women have always been exceptional multitaskers, whether working professionals or homemakers, managing households and families long before social media amplified expectations.
She observed that today’s pressures go beyond performance. “The pressure to look a certain way, be socially relevant, be successful in your career, raise your kids in a certain way, and make it all look effortless has increased tremendously,” Miheeka noted. She added that schools have become far more demanding on parents than ever before.
On identity, Miheeka shared, “Public identity changes how other people see you. As long as you stay true to who you are, keep showing up authentically with your morals and ideas in place, that’s what sustains you. If you don’t have substance, it fades very quickly.”
She also remarked on the spirit of the organisation, noting that even after 20 years, members continue to display the same passion and enthusiasm they had on day one. Recalling meeting a doctor who barely finds personal time but still makes it to YFLO events, she observed that it speaks volumes about the strength and commitment within the organisation.
The grand celebration, held at Park Hyatt Hyderabad on Monday, marked two decades of YFLO shaping women leaders, creating entrepreneurship, and strengthening community networks. Over the years, YFLO has evolved into a powerful platform nurturing changemakers across business, governance, healthcare, education, arts, and social impact.
Under the leadership of Chairperson Pallavi Jain, the evening reflected on the organisation’s journey from a leadership forum to a dynamic movement. Meanwhile, National Vice President Kamini Saraf delivered a message on behalf of FLO National President Poonam Sharma.
The event honoured past chairpersons and featured a distinguished panel moderated by Anjum Babukhan (Education leader & Philanthropist), bringing together eminent women leaders including Swati Lakra, Mahima Datla (Pharmacy & Healthcare), Swapna Dutt (Cinema & Creative Vision), Dr. Manjula Anagani (Women’s Health & Innovation), Dr. P. Sindhura Narayana (Education & Leadership), Jayanti Reddy (Craft & Couture) and Miheeka Daggubati (Art & Mental Health).
The discussion shared practical insights on leadership, resilience, and innovation, highlighting how women are playing a bigger role in shaping India’s social and economic growth. With voices from governance, healthcare, entrepreneurship, fashion, cinema and mental wellbeing, the panel discussed how collaboration can lead to more inclusive growth.
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