Apra Kuchhal

The year 2000, the turn of the century, proved to be a landmark in many ways. The world did not end, as it was predicted. With the arrival of the internet in the 1990s, unverified news and hoaxes were doing the rounds. One claim held that the year, nicknamed Y2K, would witness a “millennium bug” that would cause chaos globally. Planes were expected to fall from the sky, computers were to reset themselves and missiles were to fire on their own.

We are at the cusp of history. This is a defining moment for the world and especially for the women. I have always believed that we can take charge of our own destinies if we have the courage to demand and lead change. I have been fortunate to meet with women who have had a formidable will to fight for the progress of their communities. For most of them it is an ongoing battle. These visionary leaders — young and old — have derived their strength from within.