Women Empowerment Speakers in India

Priyanka Chaturvedi is a distinguished Member of Parliament representing the Rajya Sabha. Currently serving as the Deputy Leader and National Spokesperson for the Shiv Sena, she holds key positions in parliamentary committees, reflecting her commitment to public service. Priyanka is an active participant in the Parliament Standing Committee on Commerce, the Select Committee on External Affairs, and the Parliament Committee on Women Empowerment. Her multifaceted role demonstrates her dedication to shaping legislative initiatives and advocating for significant issues. With a strong voice and a strategic leadership approach, Priyanka Chaturvedi is a dynamic force in Indian politics, contributing significantly to national discourse and governance.

Sudha Menon is an author, a columnist and a writing coach, and spent over 20 years as a journalist with leading newspapers. She is the author of three non-fiction books. A writing coach, Sudha is the founder of ‘Get Writing! , a writing workshop that helps people kick start their writing journey and ‘Writing In the Park’, an initiative that she started to get people to spend time in the outdoors, exploring their creativity while writing with her in public parks and gardens. Sudha is also a motivational speaker who has conducted numerous inspirational workshops and women’s leadership sessions for various corporates, educational institutions and NGO’s across the country. She was also a speaker at TEDxPune 2013 edition.

Shruti is a Ph.D. in Psychology and Life Coach. She combines a passion for contributing to the transformational journey of people with her proficient skills in international training, workshops, counseling, and coaching. She comes with significant experience of over 18 years of working in mental health and education industry with her past associations to include World Health Organization, New Zealand High Commission, Institute of International Education and Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), Lady Hardinge Medical College in significant areas like Behavioural Issues, Parenting, and more.

The expert is a 1996 batch DANIPS officer having served in NCR and Andaman and Nicobar Island. Presently, she is posted as DCP- Training and Principal, Police Training School. She was earlier working as Dy. Commissioner of Police in Special Police Unit for Woman and Children, a nodal unit of NCR Police on women and children issues. She is a strong advocate of women rights and has also worked as Sub-Divisional Officer in the Crime against Women and in Anti-Corruption Units. As an additional deputy commissioner, she is in charge of the Delhi police's special unit for women and children.

Chetna Gala Sinha is a pioneering Indian social entrepreneur and changemaker dedicated to empowering rural women through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. She founded Mann Deshi Mahila Bank, India’s first rural women’s bank, and Mann Deshi Foundation, which collectively serve over 500,000 women. Her initiatives provide access to capital, business training, and skills development to women earning as little as INR 40 a day, helping them become financially independent entrepreneurs.

Chetna has received numerous accolades, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest civilian award for women’s empowerment. She served as a Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum, Davos 2018, and has spoken at prestigious platforms such as TEDxGateway and TED 2018. A Yale, Schwab, and Ashoka Fellow, she also launched India’s first business school for rural women entrepreneurs. Her leadership continues to transform the landscape of rural development and women-led enterprises in India.

Saachi Soni had already achieved extraordinary feats in the realm of mountaineering when she was only 23. Scaling peaks across continents, including the formidable Mount McKinley and Europe's highest, Mount Elbrus, making her the first Indian to conquer it, showcasing her exceptional resilience and adventurous spirit. Introduced to mountaineering, hiking, and skiing at the age of seven by her father, Saachi has become India's trailblazing woman selected for an Everest expedition by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Her triumphant ascent of Mt. Everest in 2013 marked a historic milestone. Through her teenage years, she conquered challenging Himalayan peaks, demonstrating unwavering determination. Saachi's involvement in Adventure Mountaineering courses, interviews, and contributions as a Citizen Journalist for CNN IBN exemplifies her commitment to adventure and resilience. Invited as a panelist for Narendra Modi's Chai Pe Charcha on International Women’s Day, Saachi continues to inspire through her indomitable spirit.
 

With 18 years in Sales Analytics and Consulting as a Data Scientist, Hema's journey resonates with problem-solving, rooted in her early dreams of being a doctor or detective. At Schneider, she spearheads AI and Generative AI initiatives, innovating processes and bridging business needs. Previously, she led diverse portfolios including People Analytics and HR Applications, managing a team of 170+. Passionate about mentoring, she thrives on challenges and fosters a culture of inclusion as chairperson of a DE&I initiative. Her drive for excellence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion underscore her impactful contributions to Schneider's growth and innovation.

Sonia Kararha, an Executive & Leadership Coach and Corporate Trainer, brings over 18 years of diverse industry expertise. With a Professional Certified Coach accreditation from the International Coach Federation (ICF-PCC), she has delivered 500+ hours of coaching to CXOs and various management levels. Her role as a Certified Career Coach from ICCC USA involves guiding individuals, from students to professionals, in defining career paths, fostering growth, and navigating transitions. Recognized for her impactful work, Sonia received the Women Economic Forum's 2022 award for "Iconic Women creating a better world for all" and was honored as the 40Under40 India's top Corporate Wellbeing Influencer by BW BUSINESSWORLD in 2021 for her transformative coaching and training solutions.

Geeta Phogat, an Indian wrestling trailblazer, shattered barriers in a male-dominated sport. Her journey, depicted in the film "Dangal," showcases her dedication and triumphs, becoming the first Indian woman wrestler at the Olympics. A recipient of Arjuna Award and Padma Shri, she's an inspiration to aspiring athletes. Geeta's relentless pursuit of excellence propelled her to gold at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Wrestling Championships. With an unwavering spirit and pioneering achievements, she continues to empower women and foster change in the wrestling arena, leaving an indelible mark on India's sports landscape.

Dr. Meeran is an Indian Police Service Officer (Maharashtra Cadre-1981 batch). She was the Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Director General of National Crime Records Bureau, Chief of Maharashtra Prison Department, Commissioner of Police in Pune, Chief of Crime Branch Mumbai and also the Deputy Commissioner of Police Mumbai. She also worked in Economic Offences and Anti-corruption wings of CBI. The first woman District Police Chief in Maharashtra (Aurangabad-Satara districts), Dr. Borwankar received her Doctorate in Organizational Management from Pune University and is a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow from University of Minnesota USA. A Law graduate, she was an Independent External Monitor (IEM) for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Gas Authority of India and Air India. Currently she is IEM for the Union Bank of India (UBI) and National Aluminum Company Ltd. (NALCO). As an empowered woman, she is on a mission to motivate and empower women.

Dr. Swati Popat Vats is a globally recognized educator with over 35 years of expertise in early childhood education. She is the Founder-President of the Early Childhood Association (India) and the Association for Primary Education and Research. As President of the Podar Education Network, she leads over 500 Podar Jumbo Kids and Podar Prep centres across India and the UAE. Dr. Vats is also the National Representative and Planning Committee Member of the World Forum Foundation and a global Think Tank member of KidZania. She pioneered TATASky’s Actve Whiz Kids channel, co-founded EuroKids, and launched ‘Born Smart’—the world’s first video-based parenting site. She developed the first early childhood coding and robotics curriculum used across 498+ centres. A prolific author and child rights advocate, she also heads Podar’s teacher training and is a Lead Assurer for the UK’s CACHE program. Dr. Vats continues to transform early education globally.

Dr. Charu WaliKhanna is a leading women’s rights lawyer, former Member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), and Executive Member of the Supreme Court Bar Association. With over two decades of experience in gender justice and legal reform, she currently serves as Group 'A' Panel Counsel for the Union of India in the Supreme Court. She holds a Ph.D. in Law and has been nominated by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to its Core Group on Women. A nationally recognized expert on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, she advises government and academic institutions on policy and compliance. She began her career in advertising before founding the Social Action Forum for Manav Adhikar (SAFMA), an NGO with UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. As an advocate, author, and speaker, she continues to advance women’s rights and inclusive legal frameworks in India.

Gauri Kacherikar is the Head of Public, Customer Experience India team from Business Applications, Digital Consulting services atTietoEvry. Value for Business: A people person, relationships have always been at the core of what she does. This innate love and thrill of networking makes her an Insightful Global Leader with strong business acumen and extensive experience in leading global teams. 
As a Coach, she brings an uncanny ability to nurture, coach people so that they achieve their goals and advance on their career paths. Gauri's mission as a Business Coach is to empower women to grow as successful entrepreneurs.

Neeraja Ganesh is a distinguished TEDx speaker, renowned for her captivating talks at prestigious forums worldwide, including Lean In, IEEE, PMI, TIE, NASSSCOM, CII, SWE, and Womentech Network. With signature programs like "Networking for Results" and "How to tell your Story," Neeraja inspires audiences globally. She has been featured on chat shows and podcasts, sharing her leadership insights. Neeraja's influence extends to book reviews, book launches, and jury panels for innovation competitions, including MIT Sloan School of Management's Inclusive Innovation Challenge. Recognized as one of the "Magical 40 @ 40" women, Neeraja mentors across platforms and conducts leadership and behavioral training programs, leaving a profound impact.

Ethel is an accomplished Lifestyle Journalist, Media Entrepreneur, Public Relations, Marketing, Brand Management, Content and Communications Expert with a diverse media career of over 30 years. She has received several accolades for her work and is the Founder-CEO of Think Geek Media, a renowned media company. She established Think Geek Media in 2003. Her extensive media background includes prominent roles such as Regional Editor Femina and Editor-Goa Plus at The Times of India Group, as well as Programming Head & Station Director at Radio Mirchi 98.3FM in Goa. As the Founder & CEO of Think Geek Media, she successfully manages media, PR, fashion, and lifestyle content and communications projects across India, the UAE, Bangkok, and more. She has also authored two books, "Eve's Revenge: Stories of Nemesis" in 2008 and "The Stiletto Foodie - A Blog Binge in Malaysia" in 2021, with a sequel in progress titled "Eve's Light: Stories of Passion."

Sutapa Banerjee boasts over three decades of professional expertise, notably spending 24 years in esteemed financial institutions like ANZ Grindlays, ABN AMRO, and Ambit. As a visionary leader, she pioneered and led successful ventures in Wealth Management, earning global recognition as one of the 'Top 20 Global Rising Stars of Wealth Management' by Institutional Investor Group. She further cemented her leadership as CEO of Ambit Private Wealth, clinching 'Best Private Bank in India' in the 2013 AsiaMoney polls. With an illustrious career, Sutapa now serves on the boards of diverse companies, including Zomato Limited and Godrej Properties, and contributes as a visiting faculty at prestigious institutions like IIM Ahmedabad and IICA. A gold medalist in Economics from XLRI and an advocate for gender parity, she continues to influence decision-making and corporate practices globally.

Sutapa Sanyal is an international speaker, writer and advisor on issues of diversity, gender and women in leadership. She is the former Director General of Police in Uttar Pradesh, where she was the highest-ranking woman I.P.S. officer. She has been awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Services, Police Medal for Long and Meritorious Service, Hindustan Times International Women's Day Award, and the FICCI-FLO Outstanding Police Women Award. Her work for women and child empowerment has been highly appreciated by the Govt. of India, the Govt. of UK, INTERPOL and the US Department of State.

She has been awarded the Indian Express Devi Award, MSME/BRICS Women's Leadership Award, FICCI FLO Outstanding Police Woman Award, WEF Iconic Women Award & the HT International Women's Day Award. Ms. Sanyal is a former Member of the Advisory Committee of CARA (WCD Ministry) and works as an independent consultant to Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation

Barkha Dutt is a pioneering Indian journalist with over 23 years of experience in television and digital media. She rose to national prominence with her frontline coverage during the Kargil War and is widely recognized for her expertise in conflict reporting, especially in Jammu & Kashmir and India-Pakistan relations. As the former host of iconic shows like We The People, The Buck Stops Here, and Democracy Live on NDTV, she became one of India’s most trusted voices. A Padma Shri awardee and India’s only Emmy-nominated reporter, she has earned several international accolades, including the AIB Award for Journalist of the Year and the Asian TV Award. Barkha holds degrees from St. Stephen’s College, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Columbia University. She is currently Founder-Editor of Mojo Story and a columnist for The Washington Post, frequently appearing on CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

Ruchi was the Recruitment Branding Leader at IBM and has over a decade of Corporate HR work experience in Talent Management. She has earned the Most Valuable Ambassador award at IBM for Digital Transformation. In 2018, she won 40 under 40 HR Leader award. She has been honoured as Top 10 HR Influencer by SHRM India, Top 50 Women to follow in Asia, Top 10 Sheroes Mentor, Top 30 Feminist by ShethePeople, Top 100 Future of Work Influencer. Her articles have been published in reputed journals, newspapers and magazines. She has given guest lectures at IIM Rohtak, OPJindal University, GLBajaj.

This expert is a senior management professional with Ennoble IP, and Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation (STEP UP 360). She is mentor, evangelist, wealth manager, advisor and guide to many tech-based start-ups and SMEs, and is actively involved in supporting women-based ventures. She provides specialized techno-legal and innovation consulting services to help inventors/start-ups/SMEs in building strong intellectual property for long term strategic benefits and competitive edge.

Gunjan, an accomplished Human Resource Management Professional, excels in driving HR initiatives to achieve organizational goals and enhance employee engagement. With expertise in Organization Development, Employee Lifecycle Management, and Business Partnering, she ensures optimal resource utilization and profitability. Recognized as a top 50 CHRO and recipient of HR excellence awards, Gunjan leads HR teams to align strategies with business objectives while fostering collaboration and high performance. Her ability to cultivate strong stakeholder relationships yields results in talent management, employee engagement, HR tech, and diversity and inclusion. Committed to continual improvement, Gunjan strives to drive success for her organization and support colleagues' growth and development.

Dr. Gurpreet Singh is a dynamic entrepreneur, life coach, business coach, motivator, and educationist. As the founder of "Script Your Life," she empowers individuals in parenting, relationships, life, and business growth. With a mission to foster a clearer mindset regarding goals, responsibilities, and relationships, Gurpreet focuses on building self-esteem & stronger relationships and advocating for women's empowerment in society. She has trained over 100,000 teachers and school heads on transformational leadership and provides business coaching to companies like Degree 360 India Pvt. Ltd. and Silverlining Finance. Gurpreet holds certifications from the International Coach Federation and is trained in programs by industry leaders like Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, and Rajiv Talreja. Her sessions on relationship building add immense value to the audience and has been creating successful relationships, health, and wealth.

Sudha Muthaiah, a seasoned educator, guides individuals towards fulfilling career paths with zeal. With 15 years in the edtech industry, she's impacted 30,000+ young learners, instilling confidence in career decisions. Sudha's support extends to 10,000+ professionals securing placements and mentoring 500+ edtech experts, fueling industry growth. Hailing from Ambasamudram, Tamilnadu, she blends rural roots with urban aspirations, adept at adapting to diverse challenges. Passionate about education and technology, Sudha thrives on empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Her journey reflects a commitment to bridging gaps and fostering success in an ever-evolving landscape.

Lakshmi Seshadri, an engineer, mother of three, and former Mrs. India Universe, ignites global empowerment for mothers. Through Mompower360, she fosters holistic transformation, enabling mothers to embrace confidence and self-assurance. Lakshmi's annual conferences and webinars cultivate a nurturing space where mothers thrive collectively. Beyond, as the visionary behind The Joybox project, she channels societal surplus to those in need, showcasing profound compassion and impactful generosity without monetary donations. As a motivational speaker, Lakshmi shares insights on Mindful Motherhood, Work-Life Balance, and Making a Difference, inspiring audiences worldwide with authenticity and actionable wisdom. Her blend of expertise and empathy renders her an irresistible force for positive change.

Deepa is a seasoned Career Acceleration Expert, Leadership Facilitator, Keynote Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Coach, and Delivery Specialist, boasting 25 years of industry experience. She has guided corporate leaders from top-tier organizations such as Microsoft, GE, Wipro, and Infosys to overcome career obstacles and ascend to next-level leadership positions. Deepa's expertise extends to workshops and keynote sessions on various topics including Branding for Success, Time Management, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Development, and Interpersonal Skills. She has collaborated with esteemed institutions like General Mills and BNP Paribas, delivering impactful workshops and keynote addresses, contributing significantly to the professional development landscape.

Neelam Tewar, founder of Maven Magpie Consulting is a published poet, a two-time TEDx speaker and strategy consultant to impact-focused corporations, conscious entrepreneurs, creators, educational institutions and High Networth Individuals (HNIs) globally. Her areas of focus are leadership, personal branding, social media & digital strategy, health & mental wellness, ethical entrepreneurship, and personal development which is delivered through self-study + licensed courses, bespoke training, speaking events and seminars globally. Neelam's organization YouthMojo works on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, skill development initiatives with government, policy makers and educational institutions. She is the creator and host of 'words and voices' podcast where she talks with people impacting the world in their own way.

Dr. Sonali is a medical doctor with a diverse background in clinical practice and multinational companies. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with as many people as possible through this forum. Dr. Sonali offers support to healthtech startups as an advisor and consultant, guiding them from ideation to brand planning and launch. She has been a speaker at multiple forums and has strong leadership experience, holding key positions in medical societies and associations. Additionally, she provides career guidance and assistance to aspiring medical professionals, helping them reach their full potential.

Guru is a highly motivated, performance-oriented, and results-driven business coach, HR strategist, and industrial entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience. He has successfully led a startup manufacturing home utility products and offers strategic consulting and business coaching for SMEs and startups. Guru is also a sought-after motivational speaker for entrepreneurs and management professionals across Tamil Nadu. His resilience, combined with a rational and enterprising philosophy, helps SMEs scale new heights through strategic leadership coaching and a unique blend of performance, process, and practice consulting. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades and awards from reputable sources.

Soumya Dabriwal is a passionate social entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Project Baala, a mission-driven initiative addressing menstrual hygiene challenges across India, Ghana, and South Africa. Inspired by her development work abroad, she founded the organization after witnessing how inadequate menstrual protection disrupted girls’ education in underserved communities.

Through Project Baala, Soumya delivers sustainable menstrual solutions, drives awareness, and empowers adolescent girls and women with dignity and choice. Her vision is to positively impact 2 million girls and create 5,000 women-led jobs by 2026.

Soumya’s efforts have earned her several prestigious recognitions, including the Yash Entrepreneurs Award, Acumen Fellowship, and Youth Co:Lab Winner title. She is also a Swedish Institute Gender Advocate and a TEDx speaker, frequently sharing insights on gender equality, menstrual equity, and women’s empowerment. Soumya’s work exemplifies purpose-driven leadership and innovative problem-solving at the intersection of health, education, and gender rights.

Nidhi Banthia Mehta is a visionary entrepreneur who transformed her passion for dance and fitness into a global brand. Leaving her role at McKinsey & Co., she founded BollyBeatz.com from her Silicon Valley garage, now an internationally recognized Bollywood dance fitness company with classes worldwide. A dynamic keynote speaker, Nidhi shares inspiring insights on entrepreneurship, motivation, leadership, team building, and customer service. Known for her energy and innovation, she empowers individuals to excel both professionally and personally, fostering a brighter, collaborative future.

Deeksha Khera is a leadership coach and talent strategist with over 18 years of experience in people development and women’s empowerment. She has collaborated with global organizations such as LinkedIn, Accenture, and Amazon, leading initiatives to nurture talent and build inclusive workplaces. As the founder of The Power Pivot, Deeksha is dedicated to empowering women at every stage of their personal and professional journeys, helping them uncover their potential and make impactful, authentic choices.

An ICF-accredited life and leadership coach and certified NLP practitioner, Deeksha combines her expertise in human behavior with a passion for leadership to create tailored programs that inspire confidence and authenticity. Through her work, she equips women to lead with purpose and resilience, driving transformative change in their lives and organizations. Her innovative approach makes her a trusted guide for individuals striving to realize their full potential.

Major Nithi CJ is an awarded Army Veteran with over a decade of experience in Military Intelligence and Leadership. As a Leadership, Behavior, and Well-being Mentor, she has delivered her insights at TEDx and trained over 500 students and professionals across India's top institutions. Her expertise spans diverse leadership concepts, including Belonging, Inclusion, and Resilience.

With deep experience in non-verbal communication, Major Nithi understands that leadership isn’t about templates but about adapting one's unique qualities to different scenarios. As a graphologist and non-verbal communication specialist, she specializes in body language profiling, behavioral analysis, and facial expressions, helping leaders refine their styles.

Beyond leadership, she equips professionals with resilience tools and coping mechanisms for a healthy work-life balance. The warrior in her ensures that every individual she mentors emerges stronger, more aware, and ready to lead with confidence.

Aditi is a Customer Strategist, who works with CEO’s and founders and enables companies to communicate brand stories to their customers. She is also a global speaker, a visiting faculty at a reputed Mumbai college and a consultant and a social scientist.

She has   experience across different domains of Customer centricity such as Customer Insights, Experience design, Trends & innovation, Experience design. She was responsible for designing best practices in Customer Centricity for TATA group companies and media strategy for Clients at Denstu group.

She effectively converted  business problems to consumer-led solutions in Quantum CS, AC Nielsen, 9dot9 Media and then consumer solutions to brand success at Reliance, TATA Sons and Dentsu group.

A certified foresight analyst, a certified design thinker and a certified Customer experience professional, she advises companies both B2B and B2C on developing their customer strategy. Her bestseller workshop is on Thought leadership for B2B companies.