While skyscrapers and stock exchanges often capture the headlines, it is the stories of resilience, compassion, and innovation that truly shape the world we live in. In India, women are breaking barriers and leading transformational change, not just within corporate boardrooms but also at the grassroots level through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Their stories echo across continents, proving that the spirit of Indian women knows no bounds.
This year, we celebrate these extraordinary changemakers — leaders who have tackled societal challenges, uplifted marginalized communities, and brought sustainable development to the forefront of corporate agendas. Their journeys are not merely stories of success, but testaments to the power of purpose-driven leadership.
From Boardroom to Bharat: Driving Change Where It Matters
Take the story of Dr. Swati Piramal, Vice Chairperson of Piramal Group, whose dedication to healthcare and education has transformed countless lives. Through the Piramal Foundation, she has championed initiatives addressing maternal and child health, ensuring medical access in underserved regions. Her efforts have impacted over 112 million people across 27 states in India, making a tangible difference in rural healthcare.
Then there’s Nivruti Rai, former Intel India head, who has consistently promoted diversity and inclusion through CSR initiatives in STEM education. She actively supported programs encouraging girls to pursue careers in technology, proving that equitable representation in tech is achievable when opportunities are accessible. Through her efforts, thousands of girls from low-income backgrounds have enrolled in engineering courses, breaking generational cycles of exclusion.
Sustainability Warriors: Women Leading the Climate Fight
Environmental stewardship has found passionate advocates in women like Seema Arora, Deputy Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Her leadership in sustainable business practices has driven the adoption of green initiatives across industries. Through the GreenCo rating system, she has enabled companies to measure and reduce their environmental footprint. Her tireless work exemplifies how CSR can align business growth with ecological responsibility.
Similarly, Chetna Sinha, the founder of Mann Deshi Foundation, empowers rural women entrepreneurs by providing them with access to financial services and mentorship. Through sustainable farming and water conservation programs, she has uplifted thousands of women in drought-prone regions, enabling them to achieve financial independence while promoting environmental sustainability.
Global Impact: Indian Women on the World Stage
Indian women have not only changed the narrative domestically but have also extended their influence across the globe. Geetha Murali, CEO of Room to Read, has led one of the most successful literacy programs worldwide. Her commitment to girls’ education has resulted in millions of children gaining access to quality learning, particularly in marginalized communities. Geetha’s work has been recognized internationally, further solidifying India’s contribution to global educational reform.
Then there is Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who continues to inspire with her advocacy for sustainable business practices and diversity. Her legacy includes groundbreaking initiatives like the Performance with Purpose program, which embedded sustainability into PepsiCo’s operations. She remains a vocal supporter of gender parity in leadership, paving the way for countless women to shatter glass ceilings.
Game Changers: Women in Sports
In the world of sports, Neeraj Chopra may have clinched Olympic gold, but it is women like PV Sindhu and Mirabai Chanu who have redefined resilience. Sindhu, India’s badminton star, not only secured multiple international medals but also inspired millions of girls to pursue professional sports. Similarly, Mirabai Chanu’s Olympic silver in weightlifting proved that determination can overcome even the toughest circumstances. Both athletes actively engage in social initiatives, encouraging young girls to embrace sports.
Another remarkable story is that of Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. Under her leadership, women’s cricket has gained unprecedented recognition. Kaur also promotes grassroots initiatives that offer mentorship and opportunities for young girls in rural India to join professional cricket academies.
Tech Pioneers: Breaking Barriers in Innovation
In the ever-evolving tech world, Debjani Ghosh, President of NASSCOM, has emerged as a torchbearer. She has led initiatives that drive diversity in technology leadership, urging companies to bridge the gender gap. Her commitment to digital literacy has empowered countless rural women through access to education and entrepreneurial opportunities. Similarly, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, has been a pioneer in both corporate leadership and philanthropy. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, she has funded educational programs for underprivileged students. Her vision is to create a more inclusive education system that nurtures the leaders of tomorrow.
Educators and Social Reformers: The Backbone of Change
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for social transformation. Dr. Madhuri Sahni, founder of the Nanhi Kali project, has been instrumental in supporting the education of underprivileged girls. With mentorship and scholarships, she has enabled thousands of young girls to stay in school and pursue their dreams.
On the social front, Sunitha Krishnan, a Padma Shri awardee, has devoted her life to rescuing and rehabilitating survivors of human trafficking. Through her NGO, Prajwala, she has provided shelter, legal aid, and vocational training to thousands of women, helping them reclaim their lives.
The Road Ahead: Fostering Inclusive Growth
While these stories inspire, the road to inclusive development is still long. The involvement of women in CSR not only ensures a more empathetic approach to problem-solving but also leads to holistic and sustainable results. More corporates are realizing that empowering women at all levels — from community engagement to corporate leadership — is a crucial driver of success.
We believe that celebrating these changemakers is not just about acknowledging their achievements but also encouraging others to follow suit. With more mentorship opportunities, policy support, and inclusive leadership, the future will witness an even greater wave of women-led impact.
As we salute these remarkable women, let their stories serve as a reminder that no barrier is insurmountable. Every initiative taken, every life touched, and every community empowered stands as a beacon of hope. Through the continued commitment of these changemakers, India’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth is well underway.
Here’s to the women rewriting the narrative of corporate responsibility — one bold step at a time.
