From AI and fintech to media and grassroots leadership, these women are not just shaping industries but rewriting the rules with their vision and action.
Women across industries are proving that leadership is about action, innovation, and impact. Whether in technology, finance, entrepreneurship, media, or grassroots development, they are breaking barriers and setting new standards.
Women in Finance & Entrepreneurship: Bridging the Gender Wealth Gap
Charu Pahuja (Co-founder, Wise Finserv)
“Financial independence is a necessity, not a privilege. Women have historically been kept out of financial decision-making, which affects their long-term security. At Wise Finserv, we aim to close this gap by ensuring women have access to the right financial literacy programs and wealth management resources. It’s not about just earning, it’s about growing and securing wealth effectively.”
Pallavi Goorha (Founder & CEO, PGCommunication) As the founder of PGComm, I have had the privilege of navigating the dynamic world of public relations and communications for over two decades. Along this journey, I have come to deeply appreciate the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on shaping careers, building confidence, and fostering a culture of support among women.
Women in business, especially in leadership roles, often face unique challenges, balancing professional ambitions with societal expectations, breaking through biases, and securing their rightful place at decision-making tables. Having experienced these hurdles firsthand, I strongly believe in the philosophy of ‘lifting as we rise.’
Mentorship is not just about offering guidance; it is about creating opportunities, opening doors, and being a sounding board for younger professionals. When we share our experiences, both triumphs and failures, we empower the next generation to navigate their careers with greater clarity and resilience.
Apoorva Deep (Co-founder, Itch)
“Women-led startups still struggle for funding and visibility in India’s competitive business landscape. At Itch, we work to change this by building platforms that amplify women entrepreneurs, helping them break barriers and access investors who believe in their ideas. Change starts with visibility, and we are here to make sure women-led ventures are seen, valued, and funded.”
Monisha Mudaliar (Founder, MonZ Media)
“Inclusion isn’t just about making space for women. For too long, the conversation has focused on women ‘fighting for a seat at the table.’ But in 2025, that narrative is evolving. Women are not just in the room; they are leading the dialogue, shaping industries and building legacies. The shift isn’t happening because of token representation – it’s happening because women have proven, time and again, that they bring immense value to leadership. So this Women’s Day, let’s move beyond the stale narrative and focus on creating a world where every individual, regardless of gender, feels empowered to contribute, innovate and redefine success on their own terms. Because in branding, in business and in leadership, inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do: it’s the smartest.”
Rupali Gautam (Leadership Trainer & Corporate Consultant)
“The biggest challenge women face in corporate leadership isn’t competence, it’s perception. Women are often overlooked for executive roles due to outdated biases. Through leadership training, we’re working on dismantling these biases and ensuring women are given equal opportunities to lead. Corporate success shouldn’t be about gender, it should be about capability.”
Women in Film & Media: Changing the Narrative
Alokananda Dasgupta (Music Composer, Sacred Games, Jubilee, Trapped) “Women composers in Indian cinema are rare, and that’s not because there isn’t talent, it’s because the industry still favors men in technical roles. I have had to push through gender bias to get my work recognized, but I believe the only way to change the narrative is by consistently delivering excellence. We need more women in film scoring, music production, and sound engineering to truly break this stereotype.”
Taapsee Pannu (Actor & Producer)
“Don’t judge talent by their social media following. Cast actors in films because of their craft, talent, and ideology, not just because they have a huge follower count. I spend more time nurturing my talent than staying on social media. Trolling doesn’t affect me much because I know my work speaks louder than online opinions.”
Bhumi Pednekar (Actor & Climate Change Activist)
“The way I look at the characters I have played is that they are women in their entirety. They are different shades of what a modern Indian woman is. The common thread in all my characters is that they have agency. When I was growing up, I didn’t see many women in films who didn’t fit into conventional beauty standards. I’m proud that my debut film, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, changed that perception.”
Women in Skilling, Education & Rural Impact: Transforming Grassroots Leadership
Rashmita Panda (CEO, World Skills Centre, Odisha)
“Women’s participation in vocational training has increased, but we need to do more. At the World Skills Centre, we focus on skill-building programs tailored for women to help them achieve financial independence. More women in technical roles will lead to a stronger, more diverse workforce.”
Ragapriya (MD, KSDC, Govt. of Karnataka)
“Vocational education for women needs to be more than just a policy initiative, it has to be a movement. We are ensuring that women across Karnataka have access to quality training in high-demand industries, bridging the skills gap and increasing employment rates.”
Anita Kumari (Entrepreneur, Rajasthan – Beauty & Wellness)
“I always wanted to be financially independent. Even with two master’s degrees, I wasn’t sure how to start. The Beauty and Wellness course through Skill India changed everything for me. Now, I have my own beauty parlor, and I have even hired another woman to help me. It feels incredible to not only support my family but also create opportunities for others.”
Mansha Mohmad (Entrepreneur, J&K – Mobile Repair & STEM)
“I never thought I could repair a mobile phone on my own, but after learning through Skill India, I have fixed my phone myself. The local repair shop mechanic had earlier described my handset as irreparable. That moment changed everything, I gained confidence in my abilities. Now, I am encouraging my cousins and other family members to enroll in courses and learn something new.”
Mohima Mondal (Agritech Entrepreneur, West Bengal)
“Through Skill India, I discovered agricultural technology courses and enrolled in the Kisan Drone Operator course. Now, I dream of starting my own agribusiness. Learning these skills has made me realize that I don’t just have to work for someone else, I can create something of my own.”
Shivani (Vocational Training Teacher, Punjab)
“When I took a WhatsApp marketing course and a Reels Masterclass through Skill India, I realized I could use social media to build my own business. Now, I have a job as a vocational course teacher at a government school, and after work, I run my own tuition center. Digital skills made it possible.”
Hemlata (E-commerce & Digital Business Entrepreneur, Uttarakhand)
“When I was preparing for my MBA placements, I knew I needed an edge over other candidates. That’s why I took Skill India’s digital marketing courses. During my job interview, my employers were impressed with my practical knowledge, and I landed the job. Learning doesn’t stop with degrees, skills are what really matter in today’s world.”
