Empowering Women in Leadership: Inder Hanzra

6th March, 2025

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International Women's Day celebration with woman and flowers

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For International Women’s Day, we had the pleasure of catching up with Inder Hanzra, a dedicated and passionate General Manager with 16 years of experience in the care home industry. A valued leader at Hallmark Care Homes, she now brings her expertise and commitment to excellence to Hallmark Lakeview. With a background in pharmacy and a master’s in international business, she combines clinical expertise with strong leadership. A proud mother of two, Inder’s journey brought her to England to pursue her aspirations, and she has since become a driving force in championing Excellence, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) at Hallmark.

Beyond her professional achievements, Inder thrives on pushing boundaries. From completing the Three Peaks Challenge and a 26-mile walk through London to trekking the Himalayas and walking on fire, she embraces every challenge with resilience and determination. Her commitment to personal growth and inspiring those around her is a testament to the values at the heart of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) holds great significance as it celebrates the achievements of women and champions gender equality.

 

Women have made remarkable contributions across various sectors, shaping societal progress. In politics, Malala Yousafzai continues to inspire through her advocacy for girls’ education, while leaders like Jacinda Ardern set exemplary standards in governance. In science, Marie Curie’s ground-breaking research revolutionized modern physics and medicine. Women have also excelled in business, with trailblazers like Indra Nooyi leading global corporations to new heights. Meanwhile, in literature, J.K. Rowling has captivated imaginations worldwide with Harry Potter. It is important to celebrate these accomplishments, inspire future generations, and nurture a society where every voice is heard and valued.

Who is a woman you look up to and why?

My mum, my HERO – my unwavering pillar of strength. Despite facing numerous challenges in her life, she always persevered and stood strong for her family. I deeply admire her selflessness in helping others and her unwavering faith in God. If I possess even half of her patience, gratitude, and faith, I will consider myself truly successful.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

As an Asian woman, I have encountered challenges in both my personal and professional life, often influenced by cultural and societal perceptions. I had to make a concerted effort to overcome the stereotype that Asian women are passive, submissive, or lacking assertiveness. Anyone who knows me today can confidently say that I am the complete opposite – I am sure you would agree!

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers?

Be confident, resilient and embrace the challenges in your career. As Oprah Winfrey said – “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”