Women & their Trailblazing Innovations Scripting Future of the Indian Pharma & Life science Industry

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Monday, 2 June 2025

Gender diversity is a prevalent issue across various industries in India and the pharmaceutical industry is no different. Mercer India report concluded that only 11% of India’s 49.5 million-strong pharma workforce was females.

But gradually change is being made and a major role has been played by successful women leaders in the Indian pharma and life sciences sector. Indian women have strong role-models from the industry who have carved a niche for themselves in the largely boy’s club.

Be it Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director at Wockhardt Hospitals, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw ¬ Founder and Chairperson of Biocon Limited, Namita Thapar, Executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Samina Vaziralli, Executive Director of Cipla or Anjula Masurkar, Clinical Director at ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, these women have impacted the industry significantly. At WER magazine, our mandate is to highlight the stories of inspirational women leaders who have made a name for themselves in their respective industries. In keeping with our vision, the current edition of WER shines the spotlight on successful Women leaders from the India Pharma & Lifesciences sector. Read through indepth interview as we delve into the inspiring stories of success of these women leaders.

Featured on the cover is the inspiring story of Aswini C, Managing Director; Prarthanaa K, Chairperson, the duo who co-founded Winpra, a healthcare company rooted in purpose, aiming to make high-quality medicines and nutritional supplements affordable and accessible in underserved communities. Their story is a powerful reminder that big impact often begins with small steps.

In this edition also read about the success story of Sharvari Kulkarni, Chief Technology Officer, BDG LifeSciences. With a strong academic background, including a Master’s in Biotechnology, she has over a decade of experience in academia, research, and leadership, empowering professionals and students globally through innovative learning initiatives.

From the world of pharma compliance, we highlight a trailblazer, Dr Rupali Paranjape, Founder, Blue Ocean Compliance. Dr Rupali is on a mission to help pharmaceutical industries reduce the cost due to non-compliances while helping them qualify the regulatory inspections with no observation. Dr Paranjape is a TEDx speaker, an international best-selling author of her book “Blue Ocean of Compliance” with 14 honours and awards. She helps pharma professionals to transform, increase their competencies, and help them live life with legacy, fulfilment, and abundance.

Another inspirational woman leader featured in this month’s magazine edition is Aparna Krishnan, the Co-founder and CEO of Durva Life, a company established in 2024 that focuses on providing holistic solutions for complex health concerns, particularly women's health issues like PCOS and menstrual irregularities. With a background in biomedical research and HealthTech investing, she, along with her team's 130-year-old Ayurvedic legacy, developed effective and safe formulations to enhance women's wellness.

These women, their journey and their contributions to the Indian pharma and life science industry is beyond valuable and must be commended. Read on and let us know your thoughts.