Why 40 Over 40?
In April 2024, during the Mumbai edition of SheThePeople Exclusive, 40 Over 40 Awards, Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople and Gytree reiterated our drive, "People often cannot imagine that there can even be a 40 over 40. Back in 2019, we became the first platform in the world to launch this and I'm very happy that this is spreading into a movement. We are particularly delighted that we can see so many women take on the digital realm, which most people believed that it is meant for the 18-23 age group."
The awards acknowledge women who have touched numerous lives with their impactful work, challenging existing dynamics and ushering in a positive change in their fields of choice. Their work- past and present- needs to be celebrated as they not only brought their unique gaze to their field but also encouraged other women to follow their dreams by helping them overcome inhibitions of age, gender and other social stigmas.
Our past winners include actor-presenter and producer Mini Mathur, house-help turned comedian Deepika Mhatre, painter and internet personality Manjri Varde, proffesor and social media stereotypes-breaker Susan Thomas, hair stylist and entrepreneur Adhuna Bhabani, writer-director Alankrita Shrivastava, doctor and medical director at Gytree Dr Sudeshna Ray, actor-presenter Mandira Bedi, author-journalist Meghna Pant, sex-positive influencer Seema Anand and renowned celebrity saree draper Dolly Jain among many others.
Why Recognition Like This Transcends Families
In a society where women's lives are intertwined with their famiies, it goes without saying that any support that helps them go after their dreams is both crucial and empowering. We witnessed one such story at our last edition of 40 Over 40 when actor turned entrepreneur Addite Shirwaikar Malik earned a recognition for her achievement, and her husband, actor Mohit Malik, proudly flaunted her hardwork and impecaable journey.
Self-Acceptance Beyond Age
Speaking to SheThePeople about chasing dreams after the age of 40, an awardee Shweta Bhatia, a renowned fitness expert and entrepreneur, expressed, "We need to redefine what 'unstoppable' is. It doesn’t come at the cost of losing yourself." She also threw light on the physical challenges that women go through after 40-- hormonal changes, perimenopause, underrepresentation of women in healthcare.
Actor and producer Mini Mathur also spoke unabashedly at the Mumbai edition after receiving her award. She spoke about embracing oneself in all their perfections and flaws. "I think we need to collectively not be embarrassed about taking up space in a room. Use the word-- I'm perimenopausal. I'm menopausal. If someone's uncomfortable about that, that's your problem.
A previous awardee Subjashree Basu expressed that life does not stop after a certain age, contrary to what we are conditioned to believe. "When I was growing up and was in class 6, I used to look at class 12 students as adults. Then when I was in my 20s, I looked at people in their 30s as if their lives were over," she confessed.
However, not everyone in society understands that, making it hard for women to follow their path. "The glass ceiling still exists, companies are all superficial," she stated. Basu added, "Support at home always helps. The kind of people you surround yourself with is most important. A good circle of friends, male and female is very important."
The lively atmosphere at SheThePeople's 40 Over 40 Awards all these years is not just an acknowledgement of grand achievers but also a celebration of women redefining society's restrictive trajectory. It served as a much-needed testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of women who dare to defy societal expectations.
As an entity that has grown to become India’s biggest platform for women, we recognise and acknowledge all women, everywhere - those in the limelight, and those who remain away from it. With this 40 Over 40 event, our selection of 40 Women spans several criteria featuring age, professional categories, association across and within our network communities, and an editorial standard requirement. We applaud all women over 40 who are making strides like no other and as a platform committed to recognising changemakers, we aim to organise and launch several events all year through to continue bringing forward more women to the spotlight.
The official venue partner SheThePeople 40 Over 40 Delhi Edition is Drama, Connaught Place.
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