WTW jury speak: Talent and transformation

For the jury members, the process offered a rare opportunity to step back and assess how far the industry has come in creating space for women and how much further it still has to go.

With more than 100 entries from across the country, the awards revealed an industry in transition. Women are no longer confined to communications and support roles; they are running production floors, driving sustainability initiatives, leading technical projects and shaping business strategy.

Yet the judging process also highlighted the realities women continue to face, from being underestimated and treated as token appointments to the absence of basic infrastructure in factories. At the same time, the jury members shared a common message for young professionals: confidence, curiosity and self-belief are non-negotiable.

The conversations that followed the judging process coalesced around three themes — what stood out at the awards, the challenges women encounter when they enter the workforce, and the advice that today’s leaders would offer to the next generation.

Women are transforming the industry

One of the most striking takeaways from Women to Watch 2026 was the sheer diversity of talent on display.

Shannon Tellis associate editor, Campaign India, said she was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of entries. From sustainable packaging innovations and new print technologies to creative marketing strategies, the submissions demonstrated the depth of thought women are bringing to the sector.

For Hema Java, sales and marketing manager, Java Paper Group, the strongest impression was the number of applicants. More than 100 women put themselves forward, a figure she said underscores just how many women are contributing to the industry. She also treasured the opportunity to connect with fellow jurors, describing those conversations as one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.

Sarah Rajan, partner, Finn Partners said the awards changed the way she thinks about packaging. Everyday products often go unnoticed, but behind each one is a complex process involving technical expertise, operational discipline and strategic thinking. Learning how many women are involved in that process—from the shop floor to the boardroom—was, she said, both surprising and heartening.

Sruti Sajith, lead - growth and strategic projects, Bindwel-Stelda Group was inspired by what she described as a vibrant and enterprising new generation of women entering the industry. Their presence, she believes, will bring fresh perspectives and significant changes to the sector.

For Himali Kothari, author and educator, the most memorable entries were those that quantified their impact. Applications supported by data and measurable results stood out more than those relying on polished language alone. Her takeaway was simple: numbers tell a more convincing story than rhetoric.

Together, these observations painted a clear picture. Women are participating in greater numbers, making meaningful contributions and increasingly shaping the future of print and packaging.

The challenges that persist

The awards also served as a reminder that progress has not eliminated the structural and cultural barriers women continue to face.

Tellis noted that women are often underestimated, even at senior levels. She referred to the “glass cliff,” where women are placed in high-risk roles with limited support and a greater chance of failure. At the same time, she sees reason for optimism in the growing number of women who are mentoring one another and creating informal support systems.

Java spoke about the frustration of being perceived as a quota rather than as an individual. She wants her ideas to be considered on their merits, not because she represents a diversity statistic.

Vasi highlighted the assumptions that still surround technical and decision-making roles. Such positions are often viewed as male territory, requiring women to work harder to establish credibility. She believes this is changing as organisations recognise women’s ability to combine detailed execution with strategic insight.

Sajith drew attention to an issue that is both practical and symbolic: many factories still lack functioning toilets for women. If companies want to attract and retain female talent, basic facilities are a fundamental requirement.

Rajan observed that women often need to be more vocal to gain visibility. Although she believes women are more heard and more respected than before, self-advocacy remains essential.

Kothari identified staying relevant as the biggest challenge of all. In industries being reshaped by automation, sustainability and digital transformation, professionals must constantly update their skills to remain competitive.

The consensus was clear: the environment is improving, but meaningful inclusion requires both cultural change and practical action.

The advice: Build confidence and speak up

When asked to share one piece of advice for women starting out in their careers, the jury members returned repeatedly to the same idea—confidence.

Himali Kothari encouraged women to stop comparing themselves with men and instead set their own standards for success. Different circumstances require different measures of achievement.

Shannon Tellis advised young professionals to stay curious and experiment with different roles. Careers, she suggested, are often discovered rather than planned.

Tasneem Vasi stressed that confidence must be rooted in competence. Women should recognise their abilities and the value they bring to any organisation.

Hema Java said confidence is particularly important in male-dominated environments, where women may need to assert themselves in intimidating situations.

Sarah Rajan reminded women that there are no limits to what they can achieve when they trust their own strengths.

Finally, Sruti Sajith offered a concise but powerful recommendation: be vocal. Unless women ask for what they want, change will be slow.

The overarching message from the Women to Watch Awards 2026 jury is both encouraging and practical. Women are making an increasingly visible impact on the print and packaging industry. The barriers are real, but so are the opportunities. For those just beginning their careers, the path forward is clear: keep learning, quantify your impact, make your voice heard and pursue your ambitions with confidence.