ICUNR Commends Women Leaders at International Women’s Day Panel & Awards
10th March 2025, New Delhi: Leher Sethi (Secretary – ICUNR & Founder – Something Creative) & Neeraj Kumar (CEO – Le Magnifique Events) hosted an afternoon to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, 7th March 2025 at Le Meridien, New Delhi in the presence of Chief Guest, Hon’ble Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Mr. Harish Rawat.
The panelists Ms. Diane Jegam, Ms. Elena Barman, Ms. Roopam Gupta, and Ms. Priya Hingorani held up discussions on “Women and the Burden of Unpaid Labour,” moderated by Ms. Sanjukta Basu.
UN delegates, Embassy Heads, Select Diplomats, and esteemed guests graced the event with their presence. Women achievers from all walks of life were felicitated with praise and accolades for their exceptional contributions in their respective domains.
The event’s Associate Partners were Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust and Nuthin while Le Meridien was the Hospitality Partner. The awardees were gifted with products by Kairali, Pink-Knots, and 9 Muses.
The guests were greeted with a Welcome address by Mr. K.L. Malhotra, Secretary General, ICUNR, followed by a keynote address by Ms. Madhuruchi Lamba, CEO, of Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust. The speeches were followed by the panel discussion and awards ceremony. The soiree witnessed some powerful acceptance speeches by the Awardees, followed by inspiring and encouraging words from the Chief Guest. Abha Singh, in her acceptance speech, stressed the need for the media to focus on the public’s issues instead of focusing on lifestyles and wedding-related reporting of the rich and famous.
Abha Singh, Activist & Advocate, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. The other awardees of the ICUNR International Women’s Day Awards included:
- Adyasha Mohanty for Public Policy & Strategy
- Anika Sarin for Design Research & Practice
- Diane Jegam for Indo-French Relations
- Elena Barman for India-Russia Relations
- Dr. Geeta Grewal for Beauty & Wellness
- H.E.Ambassador Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche for Public Diplomacy
- Kaveri Rana for Animal Rights Activism
- Khushbu Sharma for Art
- SI Kiran Sethi (Delhi Police) for Law Enforcement
- Neera Sareen for Spiritual Transformation
- Preeti Gupta for Real Estate Management
- Priya Hingorani for Law
- Ruhi Ganguly for Entrepreneurship
- Saru Sharma for Human Resources
- Shilpi Gupta for Craft Revivalism
- Sujata Sengupta for Customer Service in Hospitality
Beyond He & She Awardee: Naaz Joshi
In the words of Mrs. Leher Sethi, Secretary – of ICUNR, “Empowered women empower the societies. We should appreciate their success and achievements while addressing the need for equal opportunities. We should consistently work to encourage a positive change for a more inclusive and equitable environment.”
Mr Neeraj Kumar of Le Magnifique Events said, “Women are not just resilient but beautiful souls who efficiently balance both personal and professional responsibilities. This Women’s Day lets us come together to celebrate every woman who has made sacrifices to bring a meaningful change in society.”
Women investors surge 20% YoY, drive stability in India’s crypto market
Hyderabad, 10 March 2025: Women investors have entered the Indian crypto market at an unprecedented pace and participation surged 20% year-on-year (January 2024 to January 2025), according to Giottus, a leading crypto exchange in the country.
Women now contribute to 15% of the total trading volume, according to Giottus’ latest analysis. Women investors are seen to be favouring long-term investments and stable assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This signifies more than just increased representation—it is also indicative of a balanced, cautious investment approach in a traditionally volatile market.
This surge is driven by increased financial literacy, digital awareness, and the perception of crypto as a viable investment avenue.
Contrary to the perception of crypto as primarily youth-driven, the analysis notes the dominant role of those in the 36-50 age group. This segment contributes 32% of total traders. This demographic, characterized by higher disposable incomes and mature investment outlooks, complements the cautious trading style often adopted by women investors.
Women from smaller cities are also contributing to India’s shifting crypto dynamics. Women from tier-2 and tier-3 cities account for a major chunk of trading volumes.
Giottus anticipates the trend of rising female participation to continue. Increased women’s participation will entail a more stable, strategic, and inclusive crypto investment landscape, the analysis notes.
FedEx Accelerates Women Entrepreneurs’ Growth with Saksham
Mumbai, March 10, 2025: Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”), the world’s largest express transportation company, continues to champion inclusive entrepreneurship in India through the ‘Saksham’ initiative for the fourth conservative year. This year, Saksham has empowered over 270 women entrepreneurs and nearly 160 LGBTQIA+ community members. These entrepreneurs received customized Saksham kits containing essential business resources, as well as mentorship and industry-specific training. The initiative has supported small businesses across sectors such as tiffin services, tailoring, handicrafts, food services, and beauty—providing them with the tools needed to scale and succeed.
“The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) highlights, if there is a sustained and concerted effort to help women start and grow businesses at the same rates as men, USD 5 to 6 trillion of new global economic output could be added,” said Suvendu Choudhury, vice president, India Operations, FedEx. “With 2.2 crore[1] women-owned MSMEs in India, their potential is vast. However, barriers to capital, business knowledge, and market access persist. Through ‘Saksham,’ FedEx, in collaboration with United Way, aims to bridge this gap, enabling women entrepreneurs to establish stronger businesses and contribute to economic growth.”
Since its inception in 2021 in collaboration with United Way Mumbai, ‘Saksham’ has achieved significant milestones. In 2024 alone, 38% of beneficiaries who previously had no income now earn an average of ₹61,176 annually. Additionally, 19% of those earning under ₹15,000 annually have increased their income to an average of ₹66,782. These numbers highlight the direct economic upliftment the program has fostered*.
As part of its broader commitment to inclusive growth, ‘Saksham’ also supports the LGBTQIA+ community. Before joining the program, 45% of these participants were unemployed. Post-enrolment, 90% have either secured jobs or started their own businesses. Among them, 68% now hold private-sector roles earning ₹14,000–₹15,000 per month, while 23% have launched successful enterprises in cultural performances, beauty services, and tailoring*.
“At United Way Mumbai, we believe that economic empowerment is key to building resilient communities. Through Saksham, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of access to resources, mentorship, and market linkages on women and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. The success stories emerging from this initiative are a testament to the power of inclusive entrepreneurship in driving sustainable economic growth. We are grateful to FedEx for their support to this partnership,” said George Aikara, CEO, United Way Mumbai.
For the women entrepreneurs benefiting from this initiative, Saksham represents more than just business growth—it is a transformative journey. Mamta Gawali, a program beneficiary and beauty services entrepreneur, shared: “Before Saksham, sustaining my business was a constant struggle, and expanding seemed impossible. But with the Saksham Kit, which provided essential tools, products, and equipment’s, I enhanced my services and attracted more customers. The financial management training taught me the importance of saving, and today, I have a bank account and a clear plan to grow my business—ensuring a better future for my children.”
As FedEx continues its journey as a responsible corporate citizen, initiatives like Saksham reinforce its commitment to fostering an inclusive and economically empowered India. By taking tangible actions under #AccelerateAction, FedEx is strengthening the foundation for women entrepreneurs to thrive, creating a ripple effect that uplifts communities and drives economic progress.
Nespresso Welcomes Coffee Aficionados with Its First Boutique in New Delhi
New Delhi, March 10, 2025 – Nespresso, the pioneer in premium portioned coffee, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first boutique at Select Citywalk Mall, Ground Floor, Saket, New Delhi. This launch marks a significant milestone in Nespresso’s global expansion following its initial entry into India in late 2024.
The new boutique offers coffee enthusiasts an immersive experience, showcasing Nespresso’s iconic range of high-quality coffees and state-of-the-art machines. Consumers can explore and savor a variety of coffee blends, receive personalized recommendations from trained coffee specialists, and learn about Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability.
Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nespresso, said: “The launch of the Nespresso boutique in Delhi is a testament to our commitment to the growing coffee culture in India. I’m very proud of this important milestone, which will help us bring Nespresso’s unforgettable taste to Indian coffee lovers. We believe that every cup of Nespresso coffee tells a story of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. With this new space, we invite coffee lovers to immerse themselves in an unparalleled sensory journey, where they can explore our diverse range of exceptional blends and innovative machines.”
Speaking on the expansion, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, stated: “Coffee culture in India is evolving rapidly, and we are delighted to bring our globally renowned expertise and the premium and unique experience of Nespresso. Launching Nespresso in India reflects our quest for excellence and commitment to deliver world-class coffee experiences to Indian consumers. As India’s coffee culture continues to develop, we are excited to introduce an aesthetically befitting space where coffee connoisseurs can savor the brand and discover the extraordinary.”
Nespresso and Nestlé India are pleased to announce that its official distribution partner in India is Thakral Innovations Pvt Ltd, covering the full range of Nespresso coffee products across all channels.
Nespresso has been sourcing high-quality green coffee from India since 2011 and collaborates directly with around 2,000 coffee farmers in the country through its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. This initiative focuses on improving coffee quality, farm productivity, and sustainability, reflecting Nespresso’s commitment to creating a positive impact throughout the coffee value chain.
Coffee lovers are invited to visit and discover the world of Nespresso and embark on a journey of exceptional taste by visiting the new Nespresso boutique at Select Citywalk Mall and can also visit our online boutique: https://www.nespresso.com/in/en/.
Colors Queen Launches WomenThatInspire Campaign for IWD 2025
National, March 10, 2025 – Colors Queen, a homegrown Indian beauty brand established in 2014, is proud to launch its latest campaign, #WomenThatInspire — “Embrace Every Chapter: Your Story, Your Strength, Your Beauty.” This campaign is a tribute to the resilience, individuality, and achievements of women, aligning with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action.’
For over a decade, Colors Queen has been more than a beauty brand; it has been a symbol of inclusivity, self-expression, and confidence. This Women’s Day, the brand takes its mission a step further by honoring the unique journeys of women who inspire through their strength and individuality. From breaking barriers and starting new ventures to celebrating personal milestones, every story deserves to be heard and this campaign amplifies those voices.
“Beauty is not just about appearance. It is about confidence, strength, and the journey you embrace. At Colors Queen, we believe every woman’s journey is remarkable in its own way. With #WomenThatInspire, we aim to create a space where women feel seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s about embracing every chapter of their story with pride and inspiring others in the process,” said Mr. Dilip Motwani, Co-founder of Colors Queen.
The campaign invites women across the country to share their personal stories of inspiration and empowerment, creating a platform where real voices take center stage. As part of this initiative, Colors Queen also launches the #QueensThatInspire movement, encouraging women to inspire others by sharing their stories on social media. Complementing this celebration of strength, the brand introduces a special Women’s Day collection featuring bold, vibrant makeup shades that reflect the energy and spirit of today’s women.
Mr. Nitin Panjwani, co-founder of Colors Queen, said, “For more than ten years, Colors Queen has been dedicated to making beauty meaningful. This campaign is not just about makeup—it’s about fostering self-belief, recognizing the challenges women overcome, and celebrating their unique journeys. We want to remind every woman that her story has the power to inspire others, and we are honored to be a part of that journey.”
With a strong presence both in retail stores and online platforms, Colors Queen continues to make high-quality, affordable beauty accessible to every woman. The brand’s products are crafted to suit Indian skin tones and everyday needs, ensuring that every woman finds something that resonates with her personality and lifestyle.
“A woman’s beauty is not just defined by how she looks, but by the strength she carries and the resilience she embodies. #WomenThatInspire is our way of honoring that strength and amplifying the voices of women who uplift others through their journey. We are proud to be part of a movement that goes beyond beauty and embraces the power of self-expression,” added Ms. Chetna Kochar, AGM, Sales & Marketing
As Colors Queen continues its mission to break beauty stereotypes and foster confidence, the #WomenThatInspire campaign stands as a call for action, encouraging every woman to own her story and inspire the world.
Zydus Welcomes USFDA Nod for Ketoconazole Shampoo, Strengthening Portfolio
Ahmedabad, India, 10 March 2025: Zydus Lifesciences Limited (including its subsidiaries/ affiliates, hereafter referred to as “Zydus”) has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture Ketoconazole Shampoo, 2% (USRLD: Nizoral® Shampoo, 2%).
Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal medication used to treat dandruff, fungal infections, and other skin conditions. Ketoconazole shampoo will be produced at the Group’s topical manufacturing site at Changodar, Ahmedabad.
Ketoconazole shampoo had annual sales of USD 68.89 mn in the United States (IQVIA MAT January 2025).
The group now has 418 approvals and has so far filed 483* ANDAs since the commencement of the filing process in FY 2003-04.
International Women’s Day 2025
1. Ennoventure
Radhika Subramanian, Director of Finance at Ennoventure, Inc..png
Radhika Subramanian, Director of Finance at Ennoventure, Inc. – “The theme ‘Accelerate Action’ calls for urgent and meaningful steps toward gender equality, recognizing that progress is only possible when women are empowered as leaders, innovators and changemakers. Studies consistently show that organizations embracing gender diversity are more resilient, forward-thinking and successful. A report by the World Economic Forum highlights that closing gender gaps in economic participation could boost global GDP by $28 trillion by 2025, making it an undeniable testament to the power of inclusive growth.Women bring unique perspectives that drive innovation, encourage collaboration, and create lasting impact. Their leadership is not just beneficial; it is essential for sustainable progress. At Ennoventure, Inc., we believe that accelerating action means creating real opportunities for women to thrive, breaking barriers, and championing equitable access to leadership and growth.
This International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender parity, promoting an environment where women can lead with confidence, and inspiring collective action to build a more inclusive, prosperous future for all.”
2. Pantherun Technologies
Tiffany Chan, Co-Founder and COO, Pantherun Technologies – “Women have always been resilient, strong, and capable of shaping the world around them. It’s inspiring to see more women today pursuing their interests fearlessly, breaking outdated stereotypes, and driving progress in every field. While we’ve made meaningful strides toward gender equality, the journey continues.
This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,’ is a powerful call to push forward with bold, decisive steps. By challenging bias, dismantling barriers, and creating more opportunities, we can foster a future where women thrive, in all fields including technologies like cybersecurity and data protection, where diversity strengthens innovation.
At Pantherun Technologies, we believe that true progress comes from action, not just intention. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, championing mentorship, and ensuring that talent—not gender—defines opportunity. Our focus on gender equality isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more secure digital world where diverse perspectives drive meaningful breakthroughs.”
3. Onebeat
Sevonne Eliyahu, Chief Revenue Officer, Onebeat – “Women have always been a driving force in the retail industry, making up 60% of its workforce. Despite their significant presence, few hold leadership roles, limiting their influence on decisions that shape a key consumer base – women. Increasing female representation in decision-making positions will bring diverse perspectives to the table and help retail tech companies address intricate consumer challenges across all genders.
As technology and AI reshape the industry, bridging the gap between businesses’ perception of consumers and their actual needs is more critical than ever. Globally, women make up just 22% of the AI workforce. Given their pivotal role in retail and tech growth, advancing women into leadership is not just about inclusivity —it will also drive consumer-centric innovation and industry-wide progress.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to address these gaps. In line with this year’s theme of unlocking equal rights, power and opportunities, intentional efforts must be made to uplift women. Policies focusing on tech upskilling, training and mentorship can drive meaningful change, leading to better consumer-centric practices and a more equitable future.”
4. Visionet Systems
Suvarna Nikam, Global HR Head, Visionet Systems – “Progress on gender equity and inclusivity demands more than intent—it calls for fast-paced action, clear goals with measurable impact, committed tracking, and above all, an unapologetic drive to learn and grow. We must start early, cultivate strong internal sponsors and champions across our teams and organization, and foster a culture of shared learning.
At Visionet, we believe the most powerful inspiration comes from within. Through platforms like Women of Visionet, we provide a safe space for our people to share their stories—stories that are often more impactful, relatable, and actionable than those seen across the larger industry. By learning from one another, we accelerate progress and drive meaningful change. Real change happens when we lead by example, transforming ambition into decisive action and tangible outcomes. This International Women’s Day, let’s not just celebrate—let’s accelerate action!”
Canadian Wood Secures Spotlight with Innovative Luxury Designs at INDIAWOOD 2025
March 10, 2025, Delhi NCR: Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt. Ltd. (FII India) a crown corporation of the government of British Columbia (B.C.), popularly known as Canadian Wood in India, participated at the IndiaWood 2025 in Delhi NCR. The well-attended expo took place from March 6th to 9th at the India Exposition Mart Ltd (IEML), Greater Noida showcased a stunning array of the brand’s responsibly sourced timber applications for high-end interior and exterior applications.
Canadian Wood one sixty square meter island space has a striking three-side open design concept creating a draw for attendees, highlighting the beauty and versatility of its five distinct species from B.C. Canada – namely Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF). This year, the booth focused on showcasing high-end luxury home interiors and outdoor demo spaces. The booth attracted a high level of footfall due to the various applications showcased within the space highlighting the strength, aesthetics, and versatility of Canadian Wood species. The pergolas and outdoor decking demonstrated durability and aesthetic appeal for outdoor living, and furniture showcasing the interiors of a home including a bedroom, living room, and dining room was integral to the booth space. Ceiling rafters highlighted the structural integrity and design possibilities. Doors, windows, and frames illustrate elegance and functionality in architectural elements.
Canadian Wood collaborated with leading Indian manufacturers who showcased their craftsmanship using B.C. species at the booth. Companies included Sumitra Woodcraft, Buildkraft India and Artius Interior Products. This highlighted the synergy between the lumber from B.C. Canada and Indian craftsmanship.
The booth attracted relevant stakeholders, including prominent architects, interior designers, manufacturers, and timber merchants.
Representatives from B.C. lumber companies were part of the space, fostering valuable connections and exploring potential business partnerships with the Indian stakeholders.
Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director and Dr Jimmy Thomas, Assistant Director, Technical services participated as speakers during the tradeshow at the fourth edition of Wood+ in Architecture and Design (WAD) conference that takes place during the Indiawood show.
Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, said, “India Wood has been instrumental in driving the conversation around sustainable wood sourcing in India. It serves as a crucial platform where the woodworking fraternity, industry professionals, and woodworkers come together to explore innovations and solutions. At Canadian Wood, we actively leverage such forums to highlight the importance of responsibly sourced wood and how our sustainably managed forest products align with India’s growing preference for eco-friendly materials. As we move forward, the increasing adoption of Canadian Wood species in furniture and structural applications signals a promising future for B.C. Softwood species in India”
INDIAWOOD is a prominent annual trade fair for the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry. It serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the latest technologies, machinery, raw materials, and finished products related to wood processing, furniture production, and allied sectors.
FII largely promotes five wood species in India that are sourced from the sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These five species, namely Douglas, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), are recommended for different applications. They are available in 23 cities across India through a strong network of 40+ stockists.
Serine Loh Commends Women’s Impact in the Workplace on International Women’s Day
By-Serine Loh, Head of Culture & Talent, APAC, Qlik
March 10,2025:I am writing to you on behalf of Qlik, about the International Women’s Day (IWD) quote by Serine Loh, Head of Culture & Talent, APAC, Qlik. Request you to kindly consider incorporating the below input into any story you plan to work on for IWD.
“At Qlik, equity isn’t just a goal—it’s a commitment we uphold every day. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where women from all backgrounds have the support, opportunities, and resources to thrive. Through initiatives like Women in Technology, equitable pay policies, mentorship programs, and our Diversity Scorecard, we hold ourselves accountable for building a more balanced and fair workplace.
Women are a cornerstone of growth and innovation in companies worldwide, yet systemic barriers persist across industries. We remain committed to driving meaningful action toward gender equity, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to grow. According to the World Economic Forum, the global gender gap has narrowed marginally by just 0.1 percentage points—from 68.5% to 68.6%, this progress demands greater urgency and action. Achieving true equity requires continuous effort—ensuring women have a seat at the table, their voices heard, and their contributions valued. At Qlik, we take pride in championing gender equality by creating leadership pathways, supporting working caregivers with flexible policies, and collaborating with global organizations to drive lasting change.
This International Women’s Day, we are not only envisioning a more inclusive future – we are taking action to make it a reality.”
Unveiling Excellence: A Celebration of Luxury and Performance at Central Park Estates
Gurugram, 10th March 2025: Central Park Estates, a leading Gurugram-based real estate developer owned by the Bakshi Group of Enterprises, in collaboration with Ducati New Delhi, hosted a private soirée at Bellavista Residences – one of Central Park Resorts’ most prestigious addresses. The evening marked a milestone in luxury automotive experiences with the first-ever private showcase of the 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 for the elite audience of Delhi NCR.
Guests were welcomed into a world where contemporary opulence met the exhilaration of high-performance excellence. The evening unfolded with an exclusive, invite-only showcase of the Bellavista Residences, a testament to sophisticated living, boasting impeccable design, world-class amenities, and bespoke hospitality. The much-anticipated unveiling of Ducati’s latest masterpiece, an epitome of precision and power, further heightened the evening’s aura of exclusivity and prestige.
The experience was elevated by a spectacular live jazz performance, setting an enchanting rhythm for the night’s indulgences. A meticulously curated gourmet spread, inspired by the rich flavors of European and Italian cuisine, complemented the evening’s theme, allowing guests to revel in a symphony of taste and melody. Every detail, from the crafted selection of spirits to the seamless orchestration of hospitality, was designed to immerse attendees in an atmosphere of unmatched sophistication.
Speaking about the event, Mr. Vikram Singh, President – Central Park Estates, said, “For us, luxury transcends fine living—it is about curating extraordinary experiences. Just as Ducati represents precision, power, and timeless craftsmanship, Bellavista Residences embodies sophistication, exclusivity, and bespoke living. This exclusive preview of the Panigale V4 is a celebration of that shared philosophy—where performance meets elegance, and luxury knows no limits. As we continue this season of exclusive events, tonight stands as yet another embodiment of our vision to redefine luxury living.”
Mr. Sanjeev Oberoi, Dealer Principal – Ducati North Star Automative remarked, “The launch of the Ducati Panigale V4 at Central Park Resorts is a celebration of performance, passion, and precision. This stunning property perfectly complements Ducati’s legacy of excellence, offering an unparalleled experience for enthusiasts. Central Park Resorts’ luxurious ambiance and breathtaking surroundings provide the ideal backdrop for an iconic machine like the Panigale V4.”
This evening was a true testament to Central Park Estates’ vision of crafting immersive, world-class experiences that go beyond luxury residences. With the perfect blend of hospitality, entertainment, and iconic brands, Bellavista Residences continues to raise the bar for refined living, offering its patrons a lifestyle that is nothing short of extraordinary.