Right from developing software to creating smartphones, exploring the depths of the ocean to flying in space, 21st-century women have managed to successfully become powerful and influential, proving every cliché about them wrong.
A women’s success is not only limited to the world of technology and science, but also in every step of their lives.
Top 35 powerful & influential women-
KK Shailaja
The 62-year-old Kerala Health Minister is renowned and credited worldwide for her compelling strategy to fights against Covid-19 in the state. Her exceptional efforts to control the pandemic have been recognized by the United Nations as well.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra
She was featured on the Forbes list of most powerful women 2020, and is the chairperson of IT giant, HCL Technologies.
“Growth and comfort do not coexist.” – Ginni Rometty
Dutee Chand
Despite facing many disparities, India’s first openly gay athlete, Dutee Chand has been a strong advocate of female athletes’ rights over their sexuality and body. She was also rewarded with the prestigious Arjuna award this year.
Ritu Karidhal
The director of the mission for Chandrayaan 2, Ritu Karidhal is also famously known as the ‘Rocket Woman of India’.
Mithali Raj
Receiver of Padma Shri and Arjuna Award, Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and the only female cricketer to exceed the 6,000-run mark in women’s ODI.
“Lean in, speak out, have a voice in your organization, and never use the word, ‘sorry’.” – Trish Bertuzzi
PV Sindhu
She received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna along with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan- the highest sports honour in India. She also made it to the Forbes list of highest-paid female athletes in 2018 and 2019.
Lt. General Madhuri Kanitkar
A perfect example of an all-rounder- A teacher, doctor, and soldier! Lt. She is the third female Lieutenant in the history of India. By achieving this position, she has shattered all the clichés and stereotypes against women.
Bala Devi
She is the first Indian woman football player to procure a contract with a foreign club, that is, Scottish giant’s Rangers F.C. in January, and wore the number 2 jersey. Additionally, adding a prominent feather to her cap, Bala Devi also serves with the Manipur Police Department.
Ankiti Bose
She is co-founder and CEO of Zilingo, an MNC start-up in the e-commerce space, a platform for fashion retailers. Along with being featured in the Forbes Asia 30 under 30 and 40 under 40 magazine, Ankiti is also the first woman co-founder of a $1 billion start-up.
Anuradha TK
The Geosat programme director at ISRO satellite centre, Anuradha believes that there’s nothing stopping women for science and technology. Here’s an advice from Anuradha to all aspiring women rocket scientists – “Make arrangements!”.
“The most successful entrepreneurs I know are optimistic. It’s part of the job description.” – Caterina Fake
Divya Gokulnath
A teacher, and a businesswoman, Divya is the co-founder of the extremely famous educational app- “Byju’s- the learning app”. She is the wife of the founder of Byju’s, Byju Raveendran, and now their business is worth over $3 Billion.
Ameera Shah
The MD of Metropolis Healthcare, a multinational chain of pathology labs that is present in more than seven countries, Ameera is in the list of Forbes’ Asia’s list of powerful businesswomen 2020.
Manasi Joshi
She is an Indian para-athlete and the current para-badminton world champion. Manasi was ranked second in the world in SL3 singles by Badminton World Federation. Joshi was also listed as the “Next Generation Leader” by Time Magazine.
Hima Das
The daughter of a humble rice farmer near the town of Dhing in Assam, Hima has become a national phenomenon at the young age of 18. She is the first Indian athlete (sprint runner) to win gold at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championship in 2018, held at Tampere, Finland. Later, she went on to win gold and silver medals at the Asian Games held in Jakarta. She currently holds the Indian national record in 400 meters, with a timing of 50.79s.
Mary Kom
Known for pursuing her love for boxing, even after pregnancy, Mary Kom is the only woman to achieve the coveted No. 1 position in the International Boxing Association (AIBA) after becoming the World Amateur Boxing champion for a six times record. Kom is also the only woman boxer to have won a medal in all seven world championships, making it a world record.
Avani Chaturvedi
Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi, a young Indian Air Force officer, became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to fly the ‘MiG-21 Bison’ solo. The MiG-21 Bison is known for its highest take-off and landing speed in the world at 340 kmph. Avani inspired many young women by making her mark in a field dominated by men.
“Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don’t let any one person’s opinion move you; listen, but be confident.” – Amanda Kahlow
Komal Mangtani
She is hailed as one of the world’s most influential female software engineers and heads the Business Intelligence Team at Uber. Her team ensures safe rides to customers, smooth communication, and fraud prevention. Her meteoric rise at Uber scored her a spot in the Forbes list of America’s Top 50 Women in Tech.
Arunima Sinha
She is the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. She achieved the feat in 2013, two years after she lost her leg when pushed from a running train by thieves. Arunima is also the world’s first female amputee to conquer Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica.
Sudha Balakrishnan
She became the first-ever CFO of RBI in May 2018. Before taking over as CFO, she was avice president with the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), India’s first and largest depository.
Seema Rao
She is the first Indian woman commando trainer. Breaking into the male-dominated sphere, Seema has trained over 15,000 soldiers in a close quarter battle. She is also a qualified medical doctor and has an MBA in crisis management. She is one of only 10 women in the world who is trained in Bruce Lee’s developed martial art form of Jeet Kune Do.
Bhakti Sharma
The first Asian woman and the youngest to set a record in open swimming, Bhakti Sharma is an inspiration to all the women who wish to embark upon a road less travelled, with minimal resources at their disposal.
Dr. Kiran Mazumdar
Dr. Kiran is an Indian billionaire entrepreneur. She is the chairperson and MD for Biocon Ltd., Bangalore. She has been also awarded the Padma Bhushan award for her cherishable contributions to society.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi is one of the most popular professional tennis players from Japan. She is the first Asian to hold the top ranking in tennis singles. She is four-time winner of Grand slam singles and a good motivation for women.
“Be an amateur. Not everything you do has to be good, especially at first.” – Ann Handley
Vandana Luthra
Vandana is one of the most renowned Indian entrepreneurs and also the founder for VLCC, a beauty and healthcare limited. She has been felicitated by the Padma Shri award for her dedicated contribution to trade and industry.
Ritu Kumar
Ritu Kumar is an Indian Fashion designer and owns a brand in her own name – Ritu Kumar. Since 1969, Ritu Kumar with her designs on ancient traditions and ideas, have gained a massive respect in India and international events. She has been also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by NIFT, 1998.
Sharmila Nicolett
Sharmila is the youngest Indo-French professional golf player from India. She is was the youngest woman to qualify for the Ladies European Tour.
Upasana Taku
Upasana is the co-founder and director for MobiKwik – India payments network. She is one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in India.
Sabina Chopra
In the list of successful Indian women, Sabina Chopra has a sweet spot. Sabina is the co-founder for Yatra, a travel company. She is also an active philanthropist and supports girl child through NGOs. A true inspiration for many aspiring business women.
Radhika Ghai
Radhika Ghai makes India proud by entering the Unicorn club as the first woman from the nation. She is also the co-founder for Shopclues, an online marketplace.
Nirmala Sitharaman
Well known by us, Mrs. Nirmala is the current finance minister of India. She has been ranked 41st among most powerful women in the world in 2020.
“Your value will be not what you know; it will be what you share.” – Ginni Rometty
Renuka Jagtiani
Renuka Jagtiani is the chairwoman and COO for Landmark Group, a multinational consumer-based company. In 2020, Forbes had listed Renuka at 98th position among 100 most powerful women on the world.
Nandini Harinath
Nandini was the Deputy operations manager for the Mars orbiter mission. It makes her proud to be an important part of the ‘Mangalyaan Mission’. For Nandini, her biggest achievement was to see government recognising the project by putting Mangalyaan’s photo on the Indian Rs. 2000 notes.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah is a popular philanthropist and talk show host in America. She runs a show on American TV in her name – The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is one of the most influential women and inspirational for females who ought to achieve big feet on their own.
Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II has been ranked 46th among most powerful women 2020 by Forbes. Queen Elizabeth has served the monarch for the longest and gained a huge respect all over the world. She has contributed a lot towards opportunities for youth and preservation of wildlife & nature.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner is an American media personality and popular business woman. She is majorly known and praised for her young age achievements. In 2017, Jenner was listed in Forbes Celebrity 100 making her the youngest in the list till date then. She is accredited as one of the most influential females in fashion industry.
A Woman is to Wow-Man!
This was a list of 50 powerful and inspirational women for 2021 ft. Pocket HRMS team. Want to share your thoughts on this Women’s Day with us? Connect us at sales@pockethrms.com
