Ladies Who Lead (LWL), a members-only platform co-founded by Aabha Bakaya and Aditya Ghosh, is dedicated to advancing women leaders across various industries and is quickly expanding its reach across India. The organization is deepening its presence by developing localized communities and enhancing its mission to foster an inclusive ecosystem for women in leadership. Following a significant investment from Rainmatter, the impact fund of Nithin Kamath, LWL is now poised to extend its network of women leaders to more cities throughout the country. The events aim to cultivate meaningful connections, share insights on leadership, and strengthen LWL’s role as a prominent pan-India movement for empowering women’s leadership.
The platform addresses issues such as pay disparities, limited networking opportunities, access to mentorship, and work-life balance by providing workshops, mentorship, skill development, and events. It creates inclusive environments for women professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders across various fields. Aabha Bakaya, Co-founder of LWL, emphasized that the expansion is about more than just growth; it reflects a commitment to connect, mentor, and inspire diverse women leaders across different regions. These curated events are designed to create momentum for significant changes in leadership at all levels. LWL is dedicated to ensuring that every woman aspiring to lead has the support and platform necessary to achieve her goals.
The event schedule includes: ● Chandigarh – August 20: Networking Mixer, LWL’s inaugural event in Chandigarh aimed at connecting local women leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs through a night of networking, knowledge sharing, and community building. ● Kolkata – August 27: Exclusive Conversation with Kalyani Saha Chawla, a Kolkata native and notable figure in the luxury fashion industry, who will share her leadership journey, entrepreneurial insights, and inspiration for women leaders. ● Bangalore – August 28: Leadership Pop-Up with Kalyani Saha Chawla, marking a new phase of engagement as LWL strengthens its presence in the city. This event offers members a unique chance to engage with distinguished figures like Kalyani (Actress and Founder of Rezon Luxury Silverware).
Over the past year, leaders such as Shruti Shibulal (CEO, Tamara Resort), Shubhra Chadda (Co-Founder, Chumbak), and Nithin Kamath (CEO, Zerodha) have actively participated in the network, with an upcoming session featuring Suresh Narayanan (Former Chairman & MD, Nestlé India). These interactions delve into inspiring themes like leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of impactful careers. Established in 2021 by journalist Aabha Bakaya and entrepreneur Aditya Ghosh, Ladies Who Lead now connects over 1,400 women leaders across more than 50 industries nationwide. The platform empowers its members by offering mentorship, tailored development opportunities, and exclusive experiences aimed at tackling the significant barriers women face in leadership.
Earlier this year, Ladies Who Lead received a vital investment in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Rainmatter, signaling investor confidence in LWL’s vision to forge an inclusive leadership ecosystem for women throughout India. This funding is expected to expedite the platform’s expansion into new cities, enhance member experiences, and scale initiatives that empower women leaders through mentorship, curated events, and professional development opportunities. Ladies Who Lead continues to build a national footprint, establishing a robust ecosystem where women can connect, learn, and lead across various industries.
