Ritika Wadhwa was born into a traditional Indian family over 40 years ago, where women were often discouraged from pursuing careers, she defied the odds and forged a path that transformed her life and inspired countless others.
From an early age, Ritika’s father stood out as a progressive figure. Unlike many in the community, he championed her aspirations and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. He envisioned her becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, expressing unwavering faith in her intelligence and capabilities. Tragically, her father passed away in an accident when she was just 17, leaving a profound impact on her life. His belief in her potential instilled a lasting confidence that propelled her forward. “That was one of the main reasons I kept pushing,” she recalled.
Ritika’s determination was further fuelled by her observations of the status of women in India. She recognised that financial independence was vital for women to gain control of their lives. Witnessing the struggles of financially dependent women who faced domestic abuse and societal limitations motivated her to seek an independent, free life. “I wanted to work, to make an impact, and to contribute meaningfully to the world,” she explained, underscoring her desire to travel and explore beyond the confines of India.
When Ritika moved to the UK, her perspective regarding her identity as a woman changed. “In India, women aren't technically a minority, but the way they are treated, especially in terms of gender, makes it feel like they are,” she reflected. Arriving in the UK, she felt a sense of liberation and for the first time, she could walk down the street without the fear of harassment or judgment, feeling safer and more accepted in a new cultural landscape.
However, the transition was not without its challenges. Ritika encountered the realities of being labelled a “woman of colour,” grappling with discrimination based on her accent and cultural background. “As an immigrant 20 years ago, things were much different than they are today,” she noted. She faced constant mockery regarding her pronunciation of English words and was often told she lacked UK work experience, making it difficult to secure employment. To navigate these obstacles, Ritika found herself engaging in code-switching, attempting to fit into a predominantly white environment. “I started to shed the core of my Indian identity just to survive and fit into the culture around me,” she admitted.
Despite these challenges, Ritika's perspective on her journey remains optimistic. She recognises that every woman’s experience is unique, and while many South Asian women may face significant struggles in the UK, her own transition felt like a breath of fresh air. “It’s important to share this perspective,” she emphasised, acknowledging the varying realities of women around the world.
Driven by her experiences, Ritika founded Prabhaav Global, an organisation focused on making an impact in diversity and inclusion. The name "Prabhaav," meaning "impact" in Hindi, reflects her commitment to creating meaningful change. Her approach to leadership is grounded in the belief that impact matters more than intent. “People might say, ‘We didn’t intend to make you feel bad,’ but the impact speaks louder,” she explained. Through her work, she supports leaders to navigate the complexities of a diverse world and hold themselves accountable for fostering inclusive environments, by cultivating cultural intelligence. She aims to address the gaps in the market concerning accountability in diversity training and leadership. “What happens after the training?” she asked, advocating for tangible changes in behaviour, rather than just awareness.
As a successful woman and inspiring figure, Ritika's message to young women embarking on their journeys is to “Embrace and own your identity fully and wholeheartedly.” She encourages women to appreciate their unique backgrounds and experiences rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Ritika’s story is one of strength found in embracing one’s identity, the importance of financial independence, and the necessity of creating inclusive spaces for all. “Don’t let the world dictate your identity; instead, define it for yourself,” she urged, emphasising the power of authenticity.
