The Week That Was: Reports, Leadership Appointments & Workforce Shifts

By: WE Staff | Sunday, 28 December 2025

Indian women continue to expand their footprint across the country’s economic, industrial, and leadership ecosystem, reflecting a steady shift toward inclusion and opportunity. From large-scale manufacturing floors and corporate boardrooms to sports leadership, skilling programmes, and grassroots entrepreneurship, the past week underscores how policy support, private sector intent, and institutional initiatives are converging to create meaningful change. These developments underscore women’s increasing participation in traditionally male-dominated spaces, alongside strengthened efforts to equip them with the necessary skills, capital, and leadership platforms. Together, these stories reinforce the role of women as central drivers of India’s evolving growth narrative, shaping industries, communities, and aspirations for the future.

Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine brings together key stories from the week that spotlight achievements, initiatives, and milestones by women who are shaping impact across various sectors.

Foxconn Hires 30,000 Female Workers at Bengaluru iPhone Plant

Foxconn’s rapidly expanding iPhone manufacturing facility near Bengaluru has emerged as a significant symbol of India’s growing role in global manufacturing, while also marking a major milestone for women’s workforce participation. Over the past 8–9 months, the facility has hired close to 30,000 workers, with women comprising over 80 percent of the workforce, primarily first-time job holders aged between 19 and 24. As Apple increases iPhone production in India to reduce reliance on China, the Devanahalli plant is expected to scale up employment to nearly 50,000 people at full capacity. Beyond manufacturing, Foxconn is developing the site as a township-style campus with housing, healthcare, education, and recreation, offering free lodging, meals, and training to female employees. The facility’s focus on exports further strengthens India’s position as a global production and export hub.

Purnima Kumar Appointed EVP of HR & Total Rewards at JioStar

JioStar has appointed Purnima Kumar as Executive Vice President, Human Resources (Digital, Sports), and Total Rewards, expanding her leadership remit across the company’s digital businesses and sports assets. In her new role, she will lead people transformation initiatives while continuing to oversee compensation and total rewards functions. The appointment reflects JioStar’s focus on aligning people strategy with the rapid expansion of its streaming and sports offerings. Purnima has previously served as HR chief for JioStar’s digital and sports operations and has held leadership roles spanning total rewards, talent acquisition, people programmes, and joint venture integration. With prior experience at The Walt Disney Company and over 16 years at Accenture across global HR roles, her promotion underscores confidence in her ability to scale talent and reward frameworks across media and sports ventures.

Delhi Capitals Name Jemimah Rodrigues Captain for WPL 2026

The Delhi Capitals have named Jemimah Rodrigues as captain for the Women’s Premier League 2026, signalling continuity and confidence in a proven performer. A part of the franchise since its inaugural season, Jemimah steps into leadership as the team seeks to convert three consecutive runners-up finishes into a championship win. The 23-year-old has been a consistent presence in the Capitals’ batting line-up, scoring 507 runs in 27 WPL matches at a strike rate of 139.67 and featuring in all three finals. At the international level, she has enjoyed a strong year, including a standout unbeaten century in the ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal against Australia. With extensive experience across T20Is and ODIs, her appointment reflects a strategic shift toward player-led leadership built on consistency and performance.

HPWWI Hosts Convocation for First Women Woodworking Batch

Hettich Poddar WoodWorking Institute (HPWWI) marked a landmark moment by hosting the convocation of India’s first all-female woodworking training batch, signaling progress in a traditionally male-dominated trade. Held in Faridabad, the ceremony honoured 108 graduates, including 50 women trainees who completed HPWWI’s Short-Term Training programme within three months. The women were recognised with the ‘Ice Breaker’ award, celebrating their entry into technical roles in the woodworking, furniture, and fittings industry. Supported by NSDC and FFSC-recognised certifications, the initiative reflects HPWWI’s commitment to inclusive skill development and sustainable employment. With participants from multiple states and representation from disadvantaged backgrounds, the programme aligns with Skill India and CSR goals, while industry partners highlighted the importance of formal training and women’s growing role in technical trades.

India's Retail Sector Boosts Focus on Female Workforce

India’s retail sector is increasingly positioning women as a key talent pool across store-level, supervisory, and middle-management roles, recognising their impact on customer experience and business growth. While women dominate lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and cosmetics retail, their representation remains limited in electronics, consumer durables, and the FMCG field roles due to mobility and infrastructure challenges. However, targeted investments such as safe transport, hostels, training programmes, and flexible work models are improving retention. Reports from TeamLease and V5 Global indicate rising participation driven by flexible working patterns and gig roles, particularly in e-commerce and customer service. As India’s retail market is projected to grow to nearly $2 trillion by 2030, several companies are actively working toward balanced workforces, signalling a gradual but meaningful shift toward gender diversity across the sector.

Assam CM Launches MMUA Fund to Support Womenpreneurs

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the distribution of funds under the Mukhiya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), aimed at strengthening women’s financial autonomy through entrepreneurship. Under the initiative, the first installment of ₹10,000 has been disbursed to over 43,000 women across the Chabua-Lahowal and Makum constituencies, supporting small business ventures in both rural and urban areas. The Chief Minister described the initiative as the beginning of a large-scale movement to empower women entrepreneurs, noting that over 15 lakh women across 55 Assembly constituencies have already received assistance. With strong participation from state ministers, MPs, MLAs, and the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, the programme underscores the government’s commitment to grassroots entrepreneurship and women-led economic growth in the state.