WER Week Wrap: New Frontiers in Women's Leadership and Enterprise

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Friday, 23 October 2026

A woman’s progress can be measured not only by the positions she holds, but also by the choices she can make, the businesses she can build and the influence she brings to decisions that shape society. This week’s WER edition reveals how that progress is unfolding across different arenas. In India, financial assistance and expanding marketplaces are helping women turn entrepreneurial skills into economic opportunities, while rural initiatives are connecting local craftsmanship with wider consumer markets. Corporate appointments and civic milestones reflect women’s growing presence in leadership, even as global programs highlight the importance of mentorship, investment and meaningful representation. Healthcare initiatives bring another dimension into focus, showing why women’s advancement must include safety and access to specialised care. Internationally, women owning businesses in conflict zones highlight economic resilience, and Indian para-athletes receive silver medals for their accomplishments.

WER brings you the latest stories on women's roles in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, sports and society as well as policies, initiatives and opportunities that are accelerating women's progress towards a more inclusive future.

Women’s Progress in Focus: From Everyday Dignity to Economic Independence

Across communities and countries, women’s progress is taking shape through stronger rights, business opportunities, healthcare access and institutional support.

The respect for women should not be limited to Pujas, President Droupadi Murmu said in her Durga Puja greetings on October 19, 2026. Linking the theme of devotion to Maa Durga with social responsibility, she urged the citizens to make women's dignity in personal and public life a reality, highlighting the need for cultural values to manifest in positive action.

In Assam, the call for dignity takes on a real economic hue, as Chief Minister, Sri Himanta Biswa Sarma, spoke about the concept of entrepreneurship as self-reliance in his Vijaya Dashami message. Through the Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan, youth who are educated and eligible can get financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh to start their businesses. Sri Himanta in particular urged young women to develop employment opportunities, not just rely on those that are already available.

BJP State General Secretary Sanjita Dogra emphasized the need to make such opportunities available in Jammu and Kashmir. In a public meeting in Jammu, she encouraged women to avail government schemes, facilities and vocational training and market linkages. She also highlighted handicrafts, food processing, millet-based products and eco-friendly products as means to create sustainable livelihoods and to promote local economies.

However, women's welfare is also reliant on the availability of proper healthcare. In India, Odisha is the first state to have a specific protocol for treatment and care of SCD in pregnant women. The protocol has been prepared in consultation with NHM Odisha and Directorate of Blood Safety and UNICEF Odisha providing clinical guidance to diagnose, monitors, treats and timely refer.

Across borders, financial resilience remains central to women-led enterprise. Ukraine’s Move Forward program has awarded nearly UAH 20 M to 51 women entrepreneurs in conflict-affected frontline regions. Funded by Germany and implemented by GIZ and the National Development Institution, the initiative also provides business consulting. 71% of funded projects were for energy resilience, helping businesses to get ready for the challenges of winter.

From social dignity to business resilience, these efforts demonstrate the interconnected priorities shaping women’s progress across societies.

Women at the Forefront: Corporate Appointments, Civic Milestones and Humanitarian Action

Women are stepping into influential positions across corporate leadership, local governance, and humanitarian initiatives, marking progress across diverse sectors.

HP Telecom India Limited has appointed Dr. Garima Mishra as Chief Executive Officer. With a wealth of over 15 years in the industry spanning defence, FMCG and technology distribution, she will be driving business growth, developing strategic partnerships, driving operational efficiencies and customer experience improvements. Her appointment is part of the company's next phase of development in which governance and shareholder value will be a major focus.

Meanwhile, Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh is preparing to elect its first woman mayor. NDA candidate N Suvarna is contesting against YSRCP candidate Bandi Deepthi, marking a significant milestone for women’s political representation in the historic city. The ruling alliance has strengthened its position, with TDP candidates securing 63 of the municipal corporation’s 66 seats unanimously. NDA MLA Madhavi Reddy has expressed confidence in Suvarna’s prospects while rejecting allegations of coercion during nominations.

In the humanitarian sector, Anca-Maria Verma is appointed to be Ambassador-at-Large of IIMSAM (India International Medical and Health Service Association) for India for a five-year term. She will work on institutional cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders to foster the organisation's activities in the fight against malnutrition, food security and public health.

Across these developments, leadership is emerging through corporate growth, democratic representation, and sustained humanitarian engagement.

From Digital Reach to Business Networks: Three New Pathways for Women Entrepreneurs

A commission-free marketplace, a business-building program and a room full of entrepreneurs exchanging ideas reflect three distinct approaches to advancing women-owned businesses.

India’s jewellery sector is seeing a digital opening as Eternz removes sales commissions for eligible women-majority-owned brands until December 2026. Alongside marketplace access, participating businesses can use logistics, marketing and digital commerce tools to reach customers beyond their existing networks.

The National Bank of Kuwait is currently developing the application for FoundHER, and it is expected that it will be available at the end of October 2026 in Kuwait. The scheme will provide hands-on business training, access to appropriate mentors and networking opportunities, and capital funding for projects of interest. The ventures must be owned by 50% Kuwaiti women and be at least one year old.

Oman’s approach centres on connections. Omantel and Sohar International brought women entrepreneurs together for the fourth Aamali Talks, marking their first collaboration on the initiative. The event was organised for Omani Women Day, and aimed to discuss the importance of mentorship, knowledge sharing and partnerships to help women-led SMEs grow in their journey.

Whether through digital access, financial guidance or shared expertise, these initiatives are creating new pathways for women entrepreneurs to turn business ambitions into lasting growth.

Startup Spotlight: New Platforms and Ecosystems Strengthening Women's Entrepreneurship

Women's progress is emerging in two ways: from bold ideas to businesses, and from leadership to influence.

In Istanbul, Turkiye’s KADEM Foundation has opened an innovation center where women can access mentorship, investor networks, business development assistance, and childcare while building technology ventures. In Malaysia, the 30% Club is pressing companies to move beyond boardroom representation towards stronger female participation in strategic decisions. Women now hold 34.4% of board seats among the country’s top 100 listed companies, while its mentoring scheme has helped 47% of participants gain board appointments.

From startup creation to boardroom influence, the focus is shifting towards opportunities that translate representation into lasting progress.

Social Impact: Community Initiatives Expanding Opportunities for Rural Women

As SARAS Melas are expanding their footprint across India, rural women's businesses are becoming more visible, bridging the gap between local craftsmanship and market consumers.

Vijayawada recently hosted the National SARAS Mela for the first time in a span of 15 years bringing together 1500 women entrepreneurs from 34 states and union territories. The event promotes business growth through exhibitions, training and the eSARAS digital platform. Saras Aajeevika Mela will continue this effort with 70-80 stalls showcasing crafts, textiles and food products from the region and business training and opportunities for business direct sales in Saranagar from October 25.

The initiatives are designed to build local talent into sustainable businesses with expanded market potential.

Sports central: Indian Women Para-Athletes Make Their Mark on the Asian Stage

At the 2026 Asian Para Games, Indian athletes added three silver medals, strengthening the country's overall medal tally.

Thulasimathi Murugesan secured a silver medal in women's singles SU5 para badminton after defeating her top seeded rival Qiuxia Yang of CHN in the final. Bhawna Choudhary and Pooja Jatyan won the silver medals in the women's recurve doubles para archery event from China's duo of Gao Zihan and Wang Xueqian. The successes brought India a total of 91 medals (21 gold, 29 silver and 41 bronze).

Thulasimathi started playing athletics when she was young and then moved to badminton and has competed in badminton at international level and won medals in the past at the 2023 Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International. In addition, Indian athletes were set to take part in para badminton, archery, athletics, swimming, powerlifting and shooting events to pick up more medals.

Awards & Recognition: Celebrating Women's Leadership and Achievements in Business

Business today is honoring women's leadership and accomplishments in business, industry, entrepreneurship and sports during its 23rd Most Powerful Women Awards.

The event, hosted at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), will have Union Minister Nitin Gadkari as Chief Guest, discussing the opportunities for India's infrastructure development and growth. Amisha Vora, Praveena Rai, Suman Mishra, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Nyrika Holkar and other leaders will discuss the financial markets, innovation, business transformation and succession planning. Indian women's hockey players Salima Tete and Navneet Kaur will share perspectives on resilience and performance. The program will conclude with the unveiling of Business Today's Most Powerful Women list and awards ceremony.

Final Note:

Meaningful progress begins when recognition translates into opportunity, access and action. Whether through inclusive leadership, stronger business networks, accessible healthcare or community support, every effort contributes to a more equitable future. Sustaining this progress requires institutions and individuals to ensure women can participate, lead and thrive.