Future Female Forward 2025 Honors Influential Women Shaping India's Future

By: WE staff | Tuesday, 11 March 2025

• Future Female Forward 2025 celebrates influential women who are driving change in India.
• Recognizes groundbreaking achievements by women across various industries and sectors.
• Focuses on empowering women and promoting greater female representation and leadership.

CNBC-TV18 hosted the third edition of HSBC presents Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective, co-presented by Cognizant, on March 10, 2025, at the St. Regis, Mumbai. Under the theme #PathToPeak, this year’s summit focused on advancing representation, leadership, and opportunities for women in the workplace.

The event gone beyond discussions, bringing together influential voices and industry leaders to drive real progress and collective action. A key highlight was launched of the Future Female Forward Close the Gender Gap Charter, a pledge from leading organizations to foster workplaces where women can truly thrive. Complementing this initiative is the Close the Gap Index, powered by Knowledge Partner the Udaiti Foundation, which showcases companies excelling in gender inclusivity in the workplace.

Hema Kumari, the Sarpanch of Pekeru village in Andhra Pradesh, was honored for her transformative leadership in grassroots governance, driving initiatives in rural development, education, and women's empowerment.

Dr. Aanchal Gupta, founder of Netram Eye Foundation, has been a strong advocate for eye care, dedicating herself to offering affordable and accessible eye care services, and restoring sight to thousands across India.

Chef Amninder Sandhu, a culinary pioneer, has transformed the food industry with her innovative low-heat cooking methods and zero-waste approach, establishing new sustainability standards in fine dining.

Group Captain Monica Bijlani, Director of Media and Public Relations at the Indian Air Force, was recognized for her significant contribution in connecting the IAF with the public, excelling in strategic storytelling and defense outreach.

Kaamya Karthikeyan, an exceptional mountaineer, was honored for her record-breaking feats in high-altitude climbing, inspiring young girls to embrace adventure and challenge their boundaries.

Archana Priyadarshini, a prominent venture capitalist, has played a key role in funding and mentoring women-led start-ups, driving innovation and promoting economic empowerment.

Ruchi Kalra, co-founder of Oxyzo and OfBusiness, was honored for her impact in reshaping India's fintech and SME lending sectors, making business financing more accessible.

Vaishali Nigam Sinha, a strong advocate for climate and sustainability, has spearheaded influential initiatives in clean energy, ESG practices, and promoting gender diversity in corporate leadership.

Padmaja Chunduru, a seasoned banking professional and former Managing Director & CEO of the National Securities Depository, has been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion, digital banking, and corporate governance reforms.

Chetna Gala Sinha, a social entrepreneur and founder of Mann Deshi Bank, was recognized for her groundbreaking efforts in empowering rural women with financial independence, helping thousands of them become entrepreneurs.

Dr. Shefali F, a renowned medical expert and New York Times bestselling author, has been a leader in women’s healthcare and reproductive medicine. A pioneer in conscious parenting, she is a global authority in psychology, inspiring millions to break generational patterns and live authentically.

Shanti Ekambaram, Deputy Managing Director at Kotak Mahindra Bank, was honored for her strategic leadership and substantial contributions to India's financial sector.

Ila Arun, the renowned singer and actor, was recognised for her valuable contributions to Indian music and theatre, particularly in preserving and promoting folk traditions.