International Women’s Day 2026 at Dista was a celebration of women’s camaraderie and discussions that made us reflect on how far we have come and how much further we can go together. Distans came together to mark the occasion with thoughtful activities, cheerful moments, and expressions of appreciation. Here’s a glimpse into how the day unfolded.
Beginning the Day with Appreciation
The morning began with personalized notes, wishes, and words of appreciation to the GoD+eSS community (Girls of Dista + Extended Social Sphere) from peers across the floor. These messages reminded women of their unique quirks and individuality, all of which are worth celebrating.
What followed was an all-girls session to bring together women from across teams for connection, conversations, and reflections.
Sharing Voices, Stories, and Perspectives
The session began with a welcome address by Shishir Gokhale, who expressed his appreciation for the women at Dista and acknowledged their contributions to the organization. He was joined by Chinmoy Bhagawat, Senior Vice President – People Experience, a strong ally who has consistently supported initiatives that promote inclusivity in the workplace.
The highlight of the session was a panel discussion with Women in Leadership, which brought together women from managerial and senior roles across the organization. The panel was thoughtfully selected so that participants could gain insights into “a day in the life” of colleagues from different departments, including teams that are predominantly male.
The conversation covered a range of topics around building a more inclusive workplace. Discussions touched on subjects such as period leave policies, women returning to work after major life events, and navigating emotions in professional spaces.
The panel also highlighted the importance of making everyone across the floor part of these conversations, so that gender-related challenges are understood collectively and addressed through mutual understanding and acknowledgement, rather than relying solely on empathy.
Among the many insights shared during the session, one message stood out: the importance of asking for help without hesitation. The discussion encouraged women to move past the hesitation that often comes with seeking support in professional environments.
Another important part of the session was the GiveToGain discussion that aligned with this year’s IWD theme. Participants reflected on what each person can contribute toward building a more inclusive workplace and what they hope to gain from an environment rooted in support, respect, and camaraderie.
What made the session particularly meaningful was that it did not feel like a one-way talk. Instead, the leaders shared honest reflections on how they continue to walk the talk.
Carrying the Momentum Forward
While Women’s Day may be a single official day of celebration marked on the calendar, the hard work and talent of the women at Dista never go unnoticed. The celebration was just a small way to bring smiles and express gratitude to the women who contribute to the organization every day.
The celebration was also supported by the DEI-sta committee, consisting of leaders and employees who have volunteered to build Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Dista.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the committee remains committed to conducting workshops that help employees identify the gender biases we often pass casually in everyday conversations and workplace interactions.
At Dista, the journey toward a more inclusive workplace continues, one conversation, one initiative, and one celebration at a time.
