Women Company Secretaries Driving the Business Engine of India

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Monday, 21 July 2025

In 2024, Indian women made significant strides in leadership roles across various sectors, demonstrating their growth recognition of their talent and leadership capabilities. According to Quantum Hub and LinkedIn reports, the percentage of women in senior leadership roles in India has increased from 16.6 per cent to 18.7 per cent in 2023.

The Companies Act, 2013, by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, mandates certain companies to have at least one female director on their board. Another report shows, that there has been a rise in number of women on board and currently there are nearly 11.6 lakh women directors in public and private companies in India.

The rise in number of women in leadership reflects a strides India is taking towards gender parity. The move will pave a future where women are integral to decision-making and business progress.

Women have long been integral to India’s business growth and company secretaryship has always been a sector conducive to women’s growth. Company secretaries often are the backbone of any company, driving compliance and corporate governance.

In this month’s special edition of Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine, we highlight some of the most promising women in company secretaryship. Driven by passion and skill, these women are the secret engine driving business growth in India.

One such name is Leela Bisht-Gupta, Aarvi Encon Limited. With a strong background in corporate governance and legal compliance, the key person excels in guiding strategic decisions and ensuring regulatory adherence. A dedicated professional, she plays a pivotal role in managing investor relations and overseeing legal documentation at Aarvi Encon.

Another shining example of excellence in the aforementioned sector is Vibha Shinde, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, Vishnu Chemicals. Vibha completed her schooling at St. Joseph’s Convent, Bhopal, and earned her undergraduate degree from Bhopal University. She pursued a law degree in Bhopal while simultaneously enrolling in the Company Secretary (CS) course at ICSI Delhi, building a strong foundation in corporate law and compliance. Her expertise extends to international corporate structuring, having facilitated company incorporations in Dubai and the U.S. Before Vishnu Chemicals, she managed mergers, due diligence, and equity dilution at Optimus Group.

These women are role models of the heights women can reach if they dare to dream.

Read on and do let us know your thoughts.