100 Women Changing Status Quo In India’s Amrit Kaal

India’s ranking in the global gender gap report from World Economic Forum (WEF) is not as it should be but changes are afoot and several names are driving it.

The year gone was tough on all counts. Whether it was caution in spending, austerity in investing or global uncertainties wreaking havoc, leaders in India were faced with unprecedented challenges yet once again.

Despite this, more and more took up the challenge and women leaders drove their businesses, their teams and their mandates forward against all odds. Many bucked the trend and grew their businesses. Many found newer ways to connect and engage with consumers. Many took on seats, so far occupied by men, and brought transparency and new processes to the fold. 

BW Businessworld’s Most Influential Women 2023 takes a look at these leaders who have not only positively impacted their companies but also communities at large, inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.

The list has been arrived at after gauging more than 700 senior leaders’ profiles and their contributions in the last year. Apart from those leaders who have consistently moved forward, this year also features new names in the list. These leaders have grown their businesses exponentially in the last year and have become the new faces of inspiration for a new generation.

Apart from established entrepreneurs and pioneers in their fields, sectors such as technology and the startup ecosystem feature in the list this year. Women leaders are increasingly giving more confidence to organisations and external stakeholders in these sectors.

Representing that political empowerment is strong in India, many leaders from the governments and regulatory bodies are among the Most Influential Women as well.

As Indian leaders become multifaceted, investing in businesses and setting up companies, names from the media and entertainment sector make it to the list too.

Nearly 100 names, up from 75 last year, follow the growth of women in leadership roles and taking new charges. These are some of the leading faces of those who changing India’s business and economic landscape, contributing positively to growth and leading India’s decade.