The Week That Was: Grassroots Wins, Policy Signals & More

By: WE Staff | Sunday, 11 January 2026

Across India’s social, economic, and sporting landscape, the past week highlighted how women continue to shape progress at multiple levels. From grassroots entrepreneurship empowered by government-backed livelihood programmes to high-profile leadership and advisory roles in global brands, these developments reflect a widening spectrum of opportunity. Policy deliberations ahead of Budget 2026 signal a sharper focus on women-centric financial inclusion, while women’s sports both on and off the field witness growing commercial confidence and fan engagement. Together, these stories underline how institutional support, private sector participation, and individual determination are collectively strengthening women’s role in India’s growth narrative. Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine curates the key stories from the week that capture impact, momentum, and meaningful change across sectors.

Mansha Devi from Gorakhpur Turns Lakhpati Didi in One Year

Mansha Devi from Gorakhpur has emerged as a powerful example of grassroots entrepreneurship, becoming a Lakhpati Didi within just one year of joining a Self-Help Group under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission. Earlier, without a stable livelihood, Mansha found opportunity through the Safe Mobility Programme, where she now works as a Samuha Sakhi. Earning ₹20,000–₹30,000 monthly, she has also helped over 60 women access training in driving, licensing, and entrepreneurship. Supported by Mudra funding and block-level assistance, Mansha is now set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on January 26, marking a milestone in her transformative journey.

Sania Mirza Joins Lotto as Brand Ambassador & Chief Advisor

Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has deepened her long-standing association with Italian sportswear brand Lotto by joining as its Brand Ambassador and Chief Advisor for Women’s Sport. Building on a partnership that dates back to the start of her professional career, Sania’s new role extends beyond endorsements. She will help shape Lotto’s women’s athleisure and sportswear strategy, bringing insights from her experience as a global athlete. The collaboration reflects shared values of authenticity, confidence, and community engagement, with Sania aiming to influence how women connect with sport and physical activity beyond competitive arenas.

Budget 2026 May Expand Jan Dhan & Jan Suraksha Schemes

Ahead of Union Budget 2026, the government is considering several women-focused financial policy measures aimed at improving access to credit and insurance. Proposals include expanding Jan Suraksha schemes, introducing women-tailored credit cards and loans, and enhancing insurance flexibility for policyholders. NITI Aayog is reviewing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana with a focus on reviving inoperative accounts and deepening credit penetration. These measures align with the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, seeking to strengthen financial inclusion, support self-help groups and rural enterprises, and ensure that social security-linked financial products remain accessible and effective for women.

Brand Support Grows for WPL After India's World Cup Win

The Women’s Premier League is set for its most commercially successful season yet, driven by rising interest in women’s cricket following India’s World Cup triumph. New sponsors, including Lakme, L’Oréal, De Beers, and PC Jeweller, have joined the WPL ecosystem, reflecting growing confidence among brands. Industry estimates suggest combined team and central sponsorship revenues could reach ₹120 crore this season. Viewership has more than doubled since the league’s inception, touching 325 million in 2025. With strong advertiser demand and diversified audiences, WPL 2026 marks a key moment in the commercial scalability of women’s sport in India.

Freshworks Appoints Kady Srinivasan as Chief Marketing Officer

Freshworks has appointed Kady Srinivasan as its new Chief Marketing Officer, strengthening its leadership team as it scales global operations. With over 15 years of experience in SaaS-focused companies, Kady has led marketing transformations across product-led growth, inbound, and enterprise models. Reporting to Chief Integrated Customer Growth Officer Mika Yamamoto, she will oversee Freshworks’ international marketing strategy. Previously, Kady served as CMO at You.com and Lightspeed Commerce, and held senior leadership roles at Klaviyo and Owlet Baby Care. She also advises high-growth AI startups, aligning with Freshworks’ AI-driven service vision.

TATA WPL 2026: RCB Stun MI in Thrilling Season Opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their TATA WPL 2026 campaign with a dramatic last-ball victory over defending champions Mumbai Indians at DY Patil Stadium. Making her RCB debut, Nadine de Klerk delivered a match-winning all-round performance, claiming 4/26 and later anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 63. Mumbai posted 154/6 after key contributions from Sajeevan Sajana and Nicola Carey. RCB stumbled to 75/5 before de Klerk steadied the innings under pressure. Needing 18 from the final over, she sealed the win off the last ball, earning Player of the Match honours.

TATA WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants Win 404-Run Thriller vs UPW

Gujarat Giants kicked off their TATA WPL 2026 season with a thrilling 10-run win over UP Warriorz in a high-scoring afternoon clash in Navi Mumbai. Batting first, GG posted an imposing 207/4, built around a commanding half-century from captain Ashleigh Gardner and a confident debut performance by Anushka Sharma. In response, UPW fought back strongly, led by Phoebe Litchfield’s impressive 78, but fell short at 197/8. Georgia Wareham’s impactful all-round display earned her Player of the Match, as Gujarat held their nerve in a 404-run spectacle to secure an opening victory.