International Women's Day: Mary Kom Joins Aster DM Healthcare And Amity University In UAE To Empower 'Diva'

In a remarkable celebration of women's empowerment and ambition, Aster DM Healthcare teamed up with Amity University Dubai to host the 5th edition of the Aster Volunteers Diva Programme. This initiative, under the theme "Women of Today: Accelerating Ambition," brought together prominent figures including Indian Olympic Boxer Mary Kom and Aster DM Healthcare's Managing Director and Group CEO, Alisha Moopen.

Mary Kom, celebrated worldwide for her resilience and achievements, shared her personal journey from aspiring athlete to becoming a beacon of hope and perseverance for many. She emphasised the inherent strength of women to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

"Women possess incredible strength and are capable of breaking barriers to achieve their dreams and, in the process, achieve extraordinary things. There is a need for today's women to believe in themselves and their own capabilities and continue pushing forward, undeterred by challenges. Initiatives like Diva create the perfect platform to inspire and empower future generations of women leaders, and I am glad to be a part of this movement."

Aster DM Healthcare has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender inclusivity, with about 60% of its workforce being female and 33% of managerial roles and above held by women. The organization's Aster Elevates Women Leadership Program, concluding in February 2025, saw the successful participation of 14 talented women leaders, underscoring Aster's dedication to nurturing female talent for leadership positions. This initiative is part of Aster's broader effort to ensure women not only contribute but also lead in the healthcare sector.

Alisha Moopen elaborated on Aster's dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace, recognizing the pivotal role of women in society and the global economy.

"In today's world women account for half of our families, the society, and the global population. They are both the consumers and creators of the global economy, and not acknowledging their potential is not an option for any organization or country determined to succeed.

"We are glad to be in a country like the UAE, which leads by example when it comes to empowering women across all walks of life, and we at Aster are committed to strengthening this further by providing the right platform to the right talent to further the cause of gender inclusivity."

The significance of the Diva Programme extends beyond the event, with Seema Sangra, Program Leader of the Media Studies Department at Amity University, highlighting the broader implications for gender equality.

"Development is an inclusive process, and here we are talking about nearly 50% of the world's population. International Women's Day is not just a celebration but a call to action to accelerate progress toward gender equality. We are proud to be part of an initiative that not only recognises the immense potential of women but also challenges stereotypes, celebrates achievements, and builds meaningful partnerships to drive change," she noted.

Aster DM Healthcare's journey towards inclusivity and gender equality is marked by initiatives like Diva 2025, which serve as a testament to the power of empowering women. Through such efforts, the organisation not only celebrates women's achievements but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive future.