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For Dr Meenakshi Dabral, trade isn’t just business - it’s a bridge. A bridge between countries, cultures, and most importantly, women. Born and raised in Jhansi, India, Dr Meenakshi’s journey has taken her from South Asia to Singapore, Thailand, Paris, and back again. Today, she leads Mandala Spices, a supplier of high-quality spices and Himalayan products to hotels, cafés, and restaurants across Singapore. But behind the spice jars and supply chains is a purpose far greater than profit. The Personal Becomes Political Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN From a young age, Dr Meenakshi witnessed the limitations placed on women in her community - dreams left behind, ambitions quietly erased. “It triggered something in me," she shared. “I want to help women not just survive, but live.” It’s this fire that fuels her work. In addition to running her business, Dr Meenakshi has worked with NGOs in Thailand, collaborated with the UN and UNESCO, and now holds the role of Country Chair for G100 - a powerful global network of women working towards gender parity through its “Mission Million” campaign. Most recently, she spearheaded a Pre-WEF Singapore event in collaboration with South Africa’s High Commissioner, H.E. Charlotte Lobe, where ambassadors and influential women leaders gathered to discuss how women can support one another across industries and borders. Her message is simple: if you’re empowered, empower another woman - because if we don’t, who will? Spices, Social Impact, and Sourcing with Heart Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN At Mandala Spices, Dr Meenakshi is rewriting the rules of trade by working directly with women-led self-help groups in India, particularly in the Himalayan region. “These are women who pack, sort, and prepare everything - turmeric, spices,” she explained. “They deserve to be seen, to be paid fairly, and to have their products recognised internationally.” Balancing ethical sourcing with competitive pricing isn’t always easy. But for Dr Meenakshi, the trade-off is worth it. “Yes, sourcing this way can be more expensive. But what you get is handcrafted, honest, and full of integrity.” She also hopes to extend this model to Malaysia, where she dreams of working with women-led small businesses to bring their products to the Singapore market. “It’s not just about trade. It’s about building dignity and economic independence.” Together, We’re Rockstars Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN While much of the world still treats female leadership as a footnote, Meenakshi is determined to flip the script. “We need to stop competing and start collaborating. Together, we’re rockstars. That’s when real change happens - it ripples.” She credits her time in Thailand for deepening this belief. “Women there are in the driver’s seat: literally and figuratively. It was incredibly inspiring to see.” During her time with a local NGO, she created programmes that brought together expat and local women - from storytime mornings to sourcing meetups. “We used the funds from our community coffee mornings to buy materials from small local producers, creating a beautiful loop of support.” Her Advice: Dream, Rebel, Repeat Image credit: Women Economic Forum ASEAN When asked what she’d tell other women with big dreams, Dr Meenakshi doesn’t hesitate. “Fight for your dreams. We fight for love all the time - why not fight for ourselves? If you have to rebel, do it. Be confident. Trust yourself. You have one life - live it to the fullest.” Watch the full interview to hear more about Dr Meenakshi’s inspiring journey and how she’s bringing women to the forefront of ethical trade: https://youtu.be/Yw7ZkOoVMqU?si4_Czd2CUTSL6a0is Stay tuned as Motherhood Story continues to spotlight the women of the Sheconomy - powering progress, one purposeful story at a time. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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