New Delhi, Mar 18th: The Women Entrepreneurship Committee of PHD CHamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) felicitated 11 women leaders and entrepreneurs from different walks of life on the occasion of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 every year throughout the world. The Chief Guest on this occasion was Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, who presented the awards along with Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal, Chair, Women Entrepreneurship Committee, PHDCCI; Ms. Archana Aggarwal, Co-Chair, Women Entrepreneurship Committee, PHDCCI; and Ms. Shalini S. Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI.

The awardees included Ms. Rekha Mody, Founder & Chairperson, Streeshakti – ‘The Parallel Force’, and Ms. Nitya Pathak, Executive Convenor, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, recognised for Social Impact & Community Leadership; Ms. Shallu Jindal, Chairperson, Jindal Foundation & Chancellor, O.P. Jindal University, and Dr. Ileana Citaristi, Odissi & Chhau Danseuse and Founder, Art Vision, for Art, Heritage & Culture; Ms. Ankita Sheel Gupta, Founder & Chief Mompreneur, NewAgeMompreneurs Community, and Ms. Tanvi Loond Chopra, CEO, Inrole Technologies India Private Ltd., for Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Ms. Manjaree Chowdhary, Senior Executive Officer & General Counsel, Maruti Suzuki India, and Ms. Adyasha Mohanty, Director, AQUILAW, for Law & Legal Affairs; Ms. Anisha Singh, Founder & Managing Partner, She Capital, for Financial Inclusion & Economic Empowerment; Ms. Monica Saxena, Former Captain, Indian Women’s Polo Team, for Sports & Youth Leadership; and Mrs. Radha Bhatia, Chairperson, Bird Group, for Lifetime Achievement.

Chief Guest, Dr. Rashmi Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi delivered a thought-provoking address highlighting that empowering women at all levels—from grassroots to leadership—remains central to achieving inclusive and equitable growth and development. Reflecting on the power of purpose-driven leadership, she remarked that impact is measured not in years but in the lives we touch.

She celebrated the spirit of generational leadership on display at the event and emphasised that barriers today are not just physical, but also emotional and societal. To drive real transformation, she called for action built on three pillars—Speed, Scale, and Sustainability—while stressing the importance of collaboration and co-creation among institutions, networks, and individuals.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal, Chair, Women, Child Development & Entrepreneurship Committee, PHDCCI, in her theme address emphasised that the initiative goes beyond celebrating achievements to recognising the journeys, resilience, and contributions of women across sectors. She further underscored that women’s empowerment is a collective journey—driven by families, men, and communities alike—and introduced “WE POWER” as a platform rooted in unity, where “WE” symbolises both togetherness and women entrepreneurship built on collaboration.

Mrs. Anuradha Goel, Chairperson, PHD Family Welfare Foundation, in her special address reflected on her 52-year journey in welfare work, drawing a compelling parallel between social work and entrepreneurship—both requiring fundraising, strategic planning, team management, and sustained growth. Highlighting the extensive work of the PHD Family Welfare Foundation, she spoke about its 35 skill development centres across India, empowering over 70,000 women to become self-reliant.

The Inaugural Session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. Archana Aggarwal, Co-Chair, Women, Child Development & Entrepreneurship Committee, PHDCCI, who expressed appreciation to all dignitaries and participants. The session was expertly moderated by Ms. Shalini S. Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, ensuring a seamless and engaging flow of discussions.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Women in Leadership & Entrepreneurship – Breaking Barriers, Driving Innovation, and Building Lasting Impact,” featuring Ms. Rekha Mody, Founder & Chairperson, Streeshakti – ‘The Parallel Force’; Ms. Shallu Jindal, Chairperson, Jindal Foundation & Chancellor, O.P. Jindal University; Ms. Shikha Rai, Senior Vice President, Canon India Pvt. Ltd.; and Ms. Kavita Ayyagari, Country Director, Girl Effect India. The discussion emphasised mentorship, inclusive leadership, innovation, and the role of technology in expanding opportunities for women.

The felicitation ceremony was followed by the release of a souvenir and a curated walkthrough of the WE POWER Exhibition, showcasing innovative women-led enterprises and providing a platform for greater visibility and engagement. The event concluded with engaging interactions and networking among participants.

PHDCCI extends sincere appreciation to its partners, including BMW Deutsche Motoren as the Luxury Mobility Partner; Abhey Oswal Group, Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery, Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, and Le Magnifique; along with New Age Mompreneurs, the Community Partner, for their continued support.