Breaking the illusion of the Glass Ceiling

Director Blogs

Breaking the illusion of the Glass Ceiling

Dr. Paramjit Kaur Director

Dear All,

Does the glass ceiling truly exist, or is it just a figment of our imagination? This so-called ‘glass ceiling’ is the invisible barrier often described as holding back individuals—particularly women—from achieving the highest positions of power and influence. But does it really exist or is it a self-imposed mental barrier?

As we look at the journeys of remarkable women who have shattered stereotypes and defied every limitation, and redefined what’s possible, the answer begins to unfold.

Sunita Williams broke barriers by venturing into space, proving that even the sky isn’t the limit. Indra Nooyi, led PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest corporations with her vision and resilience, showing that leadership knows no gender. Kiran Bedi, India’s first woman IPS officer, walked into a world dominated by men and redefined bravery and service.

Consider Malala Yousafzai, who dared to demand an education under the shadow of threats and violence.

Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady” of Britain, didn’t just break the glass ceiling—she shattered it with such force that her legacy still echoes in politics today.

These women—and others like Kamala Harris, the first woman Vice-President of the United States; Priyanka Chopra, a global icon in entertainment – have shown us that the glass ceiling is only real if we believe in it. The true limits are often the ones we place on ourselves.

What if each of these women had let the doubts, of “you can’t do this” stop them? They would have remained in the shadows, their potential untapped, and their dreams unrealized. The world would have missed their brilliance, their impact, and their light.
But they didn’t stop. They pushed on—not because the path was easy, but because they believed that their dreams were worth fighting for.

The glass ceiling, if it exists, is just a thought, a myth, an obstacle in our minds. Yes, there may be challenges and resistance, but these are hurdles to be overcome, not barriers that hold us back. Each of us has the power to rise above, to push through, and to create a world where everyone can reach their true potential. Once we realize this, we become unstoppable.

Greatness isn’t confined by gender, race, or background—it belongs to anyone who dares to chase it.

After all, we are stronger than any ceiling and greater than any boundary.