Women: The Power That Holds Us Together

At Toonz, we believe that progress is driven by diversity, inclusion, and the boundless strength of women. Since our inception in 1999, women have played a defining role in shaping our journey—leading with creativity, resilience, and vision. From pioneering artists and storytellers to strategic decision-makers, women have been at the heart of our evolution, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the animation industry.

In a male-dominated sector like animation production, we have consciously taken a stand to create opportunities for women and foster an environment where they can thrive. Today, we are proud to share that 18% of our workforce is made up of women—nearly double the industry average of less than 10%. This is not just a statistic; it is a testament to our belief that diverse perspectives drive innovation, enrich storytelling, and elevate our collective success.

Our journey has been shaped by extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark on Toonz. One of our earliest pillars of strength was Ms. Cathy Peza, our first Studio Manager, who played a pivotal role in setting up our production pipeline and heading our studios for nearly five years. Her contributions laid the foundation for the seamless, world-class animation workflows that we continue to build on today.

This legacy of women in leadership continues to thrive at Toonz. Rekha Menon, a trailblazing media professional, built our Corporate Communications framework, setting a precedent for excellence. Our CFO, Subbalakshmi Venkitadri, steers our financial strategy with precision. Lijimol, who leads our Legal and Business Affairs division, manages the intricate legal and commercial aspects of our operations with remarkable skill and expertise, ensuring the company’s interests are well-protected and aligned for growth.

Suriya Thomas, our Vice President of Development, is not only a driving force behind groundbreaking projects but also our front-end warrior, forging strong relationships with domestic and international broadcasters for our own IPs. Swapna, a cornerstone of our administrative team, has been the steady force behind our operations for over 13 years.

At Toonz, women have also made significant strides at the director level, helping shape the creative and strategic direction of the company. Manjula and Anuja Balan, two of our esteemed women directors, continue to inspire with their leadership, driving key initiatives and contributing to the company’s long-term vision. Akhila, who heads our Corporate Communications division, ensures that Toonz maintains a strong and influential presence in the global animation industry.

Women bring an unmatched depth of commitment, discipline, and creativity to the workplace. Their diverse perspectives fuel bold storytelling, challenge conventions, and inspire a more inclusive and dynamic industry. Their empathetic leadership fosters collaboration, while their ability to navigate challenges with resilience and grace continues to set new benchmarks of excellence. By championing women, we are not just strengthening our company—we are shaping a future where talent and potential know no gender.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we proudly align with this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action.” Now is the time for bold, decisive steps toward true gender equality—not just in our industry, but across all sectors. While progress has been made, we recognize that there is still work to be done.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering women, breaking barriers, and fostering an environment where every individual—regardless of gender—has the opportunity to shine. At Toonz, we move forward together, stronger, more united, and more determined than ever to redefine the landscape of animation.