The Week That Was: Women Driving Change in Education & Economy

By: WE Staff | Sunday, 8 February 2026

As India welcomes the dawn of 2026, this week encapsulates a powerful wave of renewal, progress, and purpose for women across the nation’s educational, economic, and social sectors. From policymakers setting bold agendas for women’s empowerment in the Union Budget to entrepreneurs carving new paths in retail and technology, women are shaping a future marked by resilience and growth. As women continue to lead transformative initiatives in STEM, entrepreneurship, and community development, their roles are expanding in sectors that men have traditionally dominated. With increased access to resources, education, and leadership platforms, these stories reflect the unwavering determination to balance innovation with inclusivity and ambition with societal impact. This week, the spotlight is on women pushing boundaries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine brings you the key highlights of how women are driving change, creating new opportunities, and positioning themselves as the driving force behind India’s evolving economic and social landscape.

Union Budget 2026 Prioritizes Women's Empowerment & Youth

The Union Budget 2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, places a strong emphasis on empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities through targeted education, employment, and entrepreneurship initiatives. A key highlight is the establishment of girls' hostels in every district, facilitating higher education access for female students. The budget also introduces 'She-Marts', women-led retail outlets offering market access to female entrepreneurs, along with new financing mechanisms to support their growth. Additionally, the creation of a Standing Committee for 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' underscores the government's commitment to inclusive development and creating diverse job opportunities, especially in STEM and services sectors.

Vedanta Appoints Neha Sharma as New Group CHRO

Vedanta has appointed Neha Sharma as the new Group Chief Human Resources Officer, starting February 2026. With over 20 years of global HR experience, Neha brings a wealth of expertise in driving organizational transformation and leadership systems. Previously, she led HR at Unifi Aviation, overseeing a workforce of 40,000 employees across multiple countries. Neha’s strategic vision and experience in fast-paced environments will be instrumental in shaping Vedanta’s people strategy, aligning with its goals in the ever-evolving global marketplace.

Social Organizations in Punjab Unite for Women's Empowerment

In a significant step for women's empowerment, various social organizations in Punjab have joined forces under the leadership of Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Mann, wife of CM Bhagwant Mann. This collective effort aims to combat gender bias and promote women's rights. During a mass marriage ceremony in Chhapar village, the government’s efforts to address gender-based violence and promote self-employment and skill development were highlighted. This initiative showcases a united front to empower women and ease financial burdens through community-driven schemes.

Rotterdam Film Festival to Showcase Women-centric Tamil Movie

The Tamil film "Mayilaa," set to be showcased at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, highlights the struggles of a woman facing domestic violence, poverty, and trauma. Directed by Semmalar Annam, the film portrays a realistic depiction of rural women’s lives, focusing on their resilience and the support they offer each other in times of need. With a predominantly female cast, "Mayilaa" offers a raw and powerful exploration of the challenges women face, shedding light on untold stories and giving voice to the unheard.

TATA WPL 2026: RCB Lifts Second Title with Record Run Chase

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made history by completing the highest successful chase in WPL history to win their second title. Overcoming a formidable 204-run target set by Delhi Capitals, RCB’s top-order duo, Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll, led the charge with a record-breaking 165-run partnership. Despite a tense finish, RCB held their nerve, with Radha Yadav securing the victory with back-to-back boundaries in the final over. This dramatic win solidifies RCB’s legacy in the Women’s Premier League.

Govt Trains 2.94 Cr SHG Women Under National Livelihood Mission

India’s National Livelihood Mission (NLM) has successfully trained 2.94 crore women self-help group (SHG) members, focusing on financial literacy and inclusion. The program, aimed at empowering rural women, has created a network of 56,727 Financial Literacy Community Resource Persons (FL-CRPs) who lead training initiatives, enhancing community-level financial awareness. The initiative is part of the government's broader push for inclusive growth, providing women with the knowledge and resources to make informed economic decisions and participate in cooperative-led economic development.