Mumbai: Business Today, a business news platform, marked the 21st edition of its prestigious Most Powerful Women (MPW) in Business list on November 8, 2024, in Mumbai. The event, which celebrated the achievements of 60 exceptional women leaders from diverse industries, brought together top executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in the world of business.
The grand ceremony was graced by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, who was the Chief Guest at the event. Alongside Kalli Purie, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, Goyal unveiled the MPW Special Issue of Business Today, showcasing the inspiring stories of the women featured on this year’s list.
In his address, Goyal highlighted India’s commitment to empowering women, praising the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s initiatives to support female leadership. He also spoke on India’s resilience to potential challenges from global trade and tariff increases, reinforcing India’s strong partnership with democratic nations.
“This year’s edition of the MPW list marks a major milestone, recognizing women who have demonstrated remarkable leadership across industries,” said Kalli Purie. “As we celebrate their achievements, we also acknowledge the ongoing journey towards creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment for women.”
The 2024 MPW list featured 12 new honorees, reflecting the growing diversity of women in leadership roles across various sectors. Additionally, four returning trailblazers were celebrated for their sustained excellence, while two women were inducted into the prestigious MPW Hall of Fame for their exceptional and enduring contributions to business, having appeared on the list a record seven times.
The theme of this year’s event, “Balance. Work. Life. Safety,” focused on the delicate equilibrium women strive to maintain between their professional commitments and personal well-being. The event provided a platform for dynamic discussions on gender equity, work-life integration, and the evolving role of women in leadership.
Notable honorees included Schauna Chauhan, CEO of Parle Agro; Ananya Birla, Founder & Chairperson of Svatantra Microfinance; Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India); Prativa Mohapatra, VP & Managing Director of Adobe India; Ameera Shah, Executive Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare; and Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder of Indian Angel Network.
The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion where industry leaders shared their personal insights. Prabha Narasimhan emphasized the underappreciation of women’s contributions, stating, “Grit, gumption, and guts are qualities common to both men and women, but women tend to undersell themselves.”
Padmaja Ruparel discussed the societal barriers that women face, particularly the lack of encouragement to take risks in the workplace. “Women often have to fight preconceived notions about their capabilities,” she said. Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss AMC, celebrated women’s natural multitasking abilities, remarking that such skills are integral to leadership roles.
In another session, Shefali Goradia, Chairperson of Deloitte South Asia, and Amisha Vora, Chairperson & MD of Prabhudas Lilladher Group, discussed the importance of self-belief and the need to close the gender gap in corporate leadership. Goradia pointed out that despite growing awareness, there is still a lack of equal representation for women in top corporate positions.
The theme of work-life balance was echoed throughout the event, with speakers like Nirupa Shankar, Joint MD of Brigade Group, and Devita Saraf, Chairperson & CEO of Vu Group, sharing insights on evolving workplace dynamics. Saraf emphasized the importance of setting clear boundaries for mental well-being and productivity.
Since its inception in 2003, the Most Powerful Women in Business list has become an essential platform for recognizing the remarkable women shaping India’s business landscape. This year’s event not only celebrated the outstanding achievements of these leaders but also underscored the pressing need for gender parity and a business environment where women can thrive equally.
For more information on the 2024 honourees and their inspiring stories, visit Business Today’s Most Powerful Women.
