Background and Rationale
Across sectors - politics, governance, business, civil society, and academia - women have steadily expanded their presence in leadership roles. Yet, their influence often remains fragmented, under leveraged, and insufficiently institutionalised. While individual excellence exists, there is a clear absence of a sustained, high-level platform that brings together experienced women leaders to collectively shape
discourse, inform policy, mentor emerging leaders, and drive systemic change.
The Women Leaders’ Circle (WLC) emerges from this gap. Conceived as a natural extension of the Women Leaders’ Conclave, it seeks to institutionalise leadership, continuity, and collective impact.
The Circle is not envisioned as a network for symbolic engagement, but as a curated body of high-calibre leaders who bring experience, credibility, and a demonstrated commitment to public impact.
Objectives:
- To convene a distinguished cohort of leaders with demonstrated expertise and leadership experience
- To provide a structured platform for high-level dialogue, agenda-setting, and knowledge exchange
- To influence policy, governance, and institutional frameworks through collective insight and advocacy
- To mentor and support emerging women leaders, creating intergenerational leadership pipelines
- To generate thought leadership through conclaves, consultations, and strategic interventions
Composition of the Circle
The Women Leaders’ Circle will comprise a carefully curated group of members who:
- Are recognised experts and visionaries in their respective fields
- Have held significant leadership positions and demonstrated sustained impact
- Represent diverse sectors, including public service, politics, law, academia, development, and enterprise
Membership will be by invitation, based on merit, credibility, and alignment with the vision of the Circle.
Kuwarani (Dr) Ritu Singh - Apex Leader
An eminent educationist and institutional leader, Dr. Ritu Singh has been at the forefront of shaping progressive learning environments and advancing value-based education in India. With a strong commitment to social transformation through education, she brings strategic vision and mentorship to emerging women leaders.
Farzana Mumtaz - Member
Farzana Mumtaz is a Kashmir-based media professional, serving as Treasurer of the Press Club of Kashmir and Founder & Editor of News Kashmir Magazine. She is a prominent voice in regional media and public discourse and her work reflects a deep engagement with grassroots realities and conflict-sensitive journalism.
Rakhee Bakshee - Member
Rakhee Bakshee is a media professional and Founder & Editor of Her World India. She has worked extensively in journalism and public communication, and serves as a Communication Advisor with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), contributing to discourse at the intersection of media, governance, and public policy.
Seema Kohli - Member
Seema Kohli is an Indian contemporary artist, sculptor, and poet whose work spans painting, installation, and performance art. Based in Delhi, her practice often explores themes of mythology, spirituality, and the feminine. She is a recipient of the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award and the B.C. Sanyal Award.
Shobha Gupta - Member
Shobha Gupta is a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India with nearly three decades of legal practice across constitutional, civil, criminal, and human rights law. She has represented major public institutions and served as Senior Standing Counsel for the NHRC. Founder of FLAG and We the Women of India, she is widely recognized for her pro bono advocacy, notably securing landmark justice and record compensation in the Bilkis Bano case.
Sudesh Chawla - Member
A seasoned public relations professional and Founder & CEO of Media Net Works, Sudesh
Chawla has extensive experience in strategic communication and reputation management. She has worked closely with institutions and leaders to shape public narratives and engagement strategies.
Dr. Usha Tickoo - Member
Dr. Usha Tickoo is an academic and Director of Sai Shyam College of Education. She has
been involved in teacher education and institutional leadership, contributing to the
development of training frameworks for educators and strengthening pedagogical practices.
Tenure
- Each member will serve a fixed tenure of three (3) years
- The tenure is designed to ensure continuity, while also allowing for periodic infusion of new perspectives
- Members may be considered for re-engagement based on contribution and institutional requirements
Meetings and Engagement Format
- The Women Leaders’ Circle will convene four (4) meetings annually
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The Circle will be led by a distinguished Apex Leader - an eminent figure with exceptional leadership standing - who will not only chair the meetings but also provide overall leadership, guide the strategic direction, and anchor the long-term vision of the Circle
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Each meeting will be guided by the Apex Leader, who will steer the agenda, anchor discussions, and drive outcomes
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Members are expected to actively participate, with attendance in at least three (3) meetings annually being essential, either in person or through virtual means
- Discussions will aim towards actionable recommendations and strategic outputs
Key Outputs
The Circle will aim to generate tangible outcomes, including:
- The Circle will aim to generate tangible outcomes, including:
- Mentorship frameworks for emerging women leaders
- Policy briefs and recommendation papers
- Knowledge products capturing best practices and leadership insights
- Contributions to national and global discourse on gender and leadership
We are delighted to share that, in recognition of her exceptional leadership acumen and steadfast dedication to the cause,
Kunwarani Dr. Ritu Singh, an eminent educationist, philanthropist, and social reformer, has been appointed as the first Apex Leader of the Women Leaders’ Circle. She has graciously accepted this role, and her leadership will be instrumental in shaping the Circle’s direction and impact in its foundational years.
The Women Leaders’ Circle is envisioned not merely as a forum, but as a force - one that converts experience into influence, and leadership into lasting institutional change. In bringing together some of the most credible and committed voices, the Circle seeks to shape not just conversations around gender equality, but the very direction of gender-equitable leadership in India!