The Week That Was: Uma Kanjilal Appointment, Thrid Phase of Subhadra Yojana, Chess Prodigy & More

By: WE Staff | Saturday, 26 July 2025

From boardrooms to battlegrounds, stadiums to startups, Indian women are breaking barriers and redefining leadership across every industry and sphere. Whether it's historic appointments in politics and administration, landmark victories in sports, pioneering roles in science and tech, or entrepreneurial success stories, the empowerment of Indian women is no longer a movement; it's a nationwide transformation. Their achievements are not only reshaping societal norms but also inspiring generations to aim higher and dream bigger.

The WER Team has been closely following and celebrating these milestones throughout the week. Here’s a glimpse into the stories that are shaping India’s women-led future.

Uma Kanjilal Appointed IGNOU's First Woman Vice Chancellor in Four-Decade History

In a historic appointment, Professor Uma Kanjilal has been appointed the first female Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) after four decades of its establishment. With more than 36 years of exemplary service in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Uma comes with long years of academic leadership, digital innovation, and institutional experience to the position. She has been in the role of the Acting Vice Chancellor and was the Pro Vice Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024.

Odisha Reviews Subhadra Yojana to Include 1.88 lakh More Women, Says Deputy CM

In a major move prior to the third phase of Subhadra Yojana, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida declared a review process to cover 1.88 lakh women who had not been included in the scheme so far.

The review process was inaugurated formally at Bhubaneswar's Sunny Vihar Anganwadi Centre, with the support of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur and Women & Child Development Department (W&CD). Under this drive, input will be taken from approximately 22,000 women spread across various regions of the state during the coming month. NSS volunteers and other social welfare organizations will assist in data collection.

Divya Deshmukh Scripts History, Becomes First Indian Woman in FIDE Women's World Cup Final

Divya Deshmukh, a 19-year-old Indian chess prodigy, made history by defeating former World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semifinals of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025. This victory secured her first Grandmaster norm and a spot in the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament. Divya's impressive performance included wins over top seeds Zhu Jiner and Harika Dronavalli, cementing her status as India's rising chess star.

NHRC Urges Odisha to Tackle Crimes Against Women and Children with Sensitivity

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted an open hearing and camp sitting in Bhubaneswar on July 21–22, considering 144 cases of human rights violations in Odisha. The Commission suggested compensation of around ₹28 lakh to the victims.

NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian and Members Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani conducted the hearings in the presence of NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal, Registrar Joginder Singh, high-level Commission officials, representative of the state government, and aggrieved persons.

LIC Signs MoU with Rural Development Ministry to Aid Women in Rural India

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, in order to spread its women-targeted Bima Sakhi Yojana nationwide through rural India. The MoU was signed in the course of National Conclave on Financial Inclusion, "Anubhuti," organized in Goa from July 8 to 10.

Honda Targets More Women Riders in India's Two-Wheeler Market

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) aims to capture 30 per cent of the Indian two-wheeler market by 2030, up from 27 per cent. This aligns with Honda's global goal of achieving 50 per cent of global two-wheeler sales, including electric models. Honda views the rising participation of women in the workforce and their empowerment as a significant growth opportunity, and plans to tailor its products and outreach to serve female customers better.