Recognizing Exceptional Women Leaders at the “I AM WOMAN” Awards

An evening of elegance, empowerment, and celebration unfolded at the 5th edition of the I AM WOMAN Awards, hosted by the Karan Gupta Education Foundation (KGEF) and IE University. Held at the Taj Lands End, the event honored the remarkable achievements of women across diverse fields. True to its spirit, I AM WOMAN 5.0 embraced women from all walks of life, creating an inclusive platform for learning, inspiration, and growth.

The evening sparkled with our panelists who stole the show and shared their deep knowledge and experiences. Hosted by famous stars like Madhoo Shah, Zayed Khan, Rohit Roy and Taher Shabbir, the event spotlighted award-winning women and influential leaders from fields such as business, social work, and activism. But before we get into the details, let’s take a look at what the I Am Woman event, KGEF and IE university is all about.

About I AM WOMAN:

The “I AM WOMAN” event organized by the Karan Gupta Education Foundation and IE business focuses on empowering women through various initiatives. It often includes workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at building confidence, education, and professional development among women. They value the impact of women in business and society. The event typically features speakers, panel discussions, and activities that encourage personal and career growth. The primary goals of the event are to:

• Empower women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
• Create a Community where women can support each other.
• Highlight Success Stories to inspire and motivate participants.

About KGEF:

Founded by Dr. Karan Gupta, the Karan Gupta Education Foundation (KGEF) is dedicated to providing education, skills training, and career opportunities to underserved communities. Since 1999, KGEF has impacted over 92,000 students, helping many gain scholarships to prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. KGEF’s mission includes mentoring students even after they begin their studies abroad, fostering long-term relationships and ongoing guidance.

About IE University:

IE University is a world-renowned institution based in Spain, known for its innovative approach to higher education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs, with a focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, and technology. With campuses in Madrid and Segovia, IE University fosters a diverse, global student community and emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and global perspectives. Its cutting-edge programs prepare students for leadership roles in an increasingly interconnected and digital world, making it a top choice for forward-thinking individuals seeking a dynamic and international education.

The Vision Behind I AM WOMAN

Dr. Karan Gupta shared the vision behind hosting the event, stating, “For a long time, we worked in slums, helping underprivileged children. We soon realized that while boys often found support, little girls were left behind. This highlighted the need for focused assistance and inspiration for girls, especially those living in slums. It was this realization that led to the creation of I AM WOMAN—a movement dedicated to empowering and supporting these young girls. That’s how I AM WOMAN was born. IE University, with its commitment to social impact and gender equality, has been a valuable partner in supporting this initiative, fostering leadership and empowerment for women through education and global outreach.”

The most anticipated moment of the event was the panelists sharing their insights on various challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and the advice they offered. The 2024 edition marked the fifth anniversary of “I Am Woman.” The evening featured a series of panels and awards aimed at sparking meaningful conversations and honoring exceptional achievements. This year’s platform addressed diverse topics, including Women in Business, Women’s Safety in India, Social Impact, and Women of Substance. 

Minal Deshpande, one of the awardees, spoke about the significance of the event, stating, “This initiative is crucial for recognizing and empowering girls to succeed in various fields.” She emphasized the importance of educating the girl child, highlighting that education is vital for the world, for businesses, and for overall growth.

Resham Chhabria, another panelist and award winner, praised the KGEF initiatives, stating they are making a fantastic and impactful difference. She boldly asserted that empowering women and fostering individuals not only transforms lives but also creates a ripple effect within communities. Karan Gupta’s foundation, she noted, instills confidence in girls and women, emphasizing that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. His message is clear: education is a fundamental right for every girl, regardless of her background.

Recognizing Inspiring Leaders

The evening honored several women for their exceptional contributions across different fields:

Business Panel Awardees:

– Minal Deshpande – MD, Deloitte

– Suzanne Muthoot – VP, Muthoot Housing Finance

– Resham Chhabria – VC, ABDL

– Nawaz Modi Singhania – Entrepreneur &  Author

Women’s Rights Panel Awardees:

– Mrunalini Deshmukh – Advocate, Women’s Rights

– Dr. Rishma Pai – Pioneer in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Social Impact Panel Awardees:

– Chandini Di, Activist

– Swarnalatha J, Disability Rights Activist

Noteworthy Panels

Several panel discussions, hosted by Bollywood stars, highlighted the night and they are follows:

1. Women in Business Panel: Hosted by Zayed Khan, this panel featured Minal Deshpande (MD, Deloitte), Suzanne Muthooth (VP, Muthoot Housing Finance), Resham Chhabria (VP, ABDL), and Nawaz Modi Singhania (author and fitness coach). 

According to reports as noted, India has seen a remarkable rise in women stepping into leadership roles across various sectors. Currently, women represent about 14% of entrepreneurs in the country, according to the Sixth Economic Census. The panelists discussed the challenges they encountered and how they faced them with a resilient spirit, emphasizing the importance of standing firm and making women aware that their opinions and voices matter, especially in male-dominated environments. They also offered valuable advice to those looking to start or elevate their own businesses.

2. Women’s Safety in India Panel: Moderated by Madhoo Shah, this discussion included Advocate Mrunalini Deshpande, a strong advocate for women’s rights, and Dr. Rishma Pai, a leading expert in obstetrics and gynecology. 

As we know crimes against women in India remain a serious concern, with the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report indicating over 4.45 lakh cases registered in 2022—averaging 51 cases per hour, our award winner and panelist Mrunalini Deshpande addressed the major legal challenges women face and offered guidance on seeking justice for issues like domestic violence and sexual harassment. Whereas, Dr. Rishma Pai, a highly esteemed Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, shared her insights on promoting education and awareness about women’s health, stressing the need for society to empower young women regarding their reproductive health.

3. Social Impact Panel: Led by actors Rohit Roy and Taher Shabbir, this panel featured influential voices like Chandini Di from Voice of Slum and disability rights activist Swarnalatha J. Chandini captivated the audience with her heartfelt account of her work, which provides education, safety, nutrition, and healthcare to those in need. Her inspiring efforts have made her a powerful advocate for slum children, giving them hope for a brighter future.

Swarnalatha, on the other hand, has transformed her personal challenges into a platform for advocacy, focusing on accessibility, empowerment, and awareness. Through her foundation, she leads initiatives that promote inclusion for all. She shared her motivation for advocating for disability rights, explaining how her personal experiences shaped her mission to create accessible spaces. Swarnalatha also discussed the challenges she faced as a disability rights advocate in India and how she overcame them.

The evening concluded with a soulful performance by Swarnalatha, who sang Hindi songs blended with multilingual music alongside actor Taher Shabbir, creating a touching moment that resonated deeply with the audience.

Honoring Women of Substance At I AM WOMAN Awards:

One of the night’s standout moments was when actor and social activist Richa Chadha was honored with the ‘Woman of Substance Award”. Chadha’s contributions to the film industry and her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and social justice made her a shining example of empowerment. Beyond cinema, Richa uses her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and address critical societal issues.

A Night to Remember

The event concluded with an inspiring award ceremony, followed by a meet-and-greet session, a sumptuous four-course meal, and lively conversations with the guests of honor. The room buzzed with excitement as attendees mingled, exchanged ideas, and celebrated the women who continue to break barriers and inspire other women.

The I AM WOMAN Awards not only celebrated the achievements of remarkable women but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and support in the journey toward gender equality. As these inspiring leaders shared their stories, they encouraged attendees to continue advocating for change and empowerment in their communities. The event reaffirmed the belief that when women support one another, incredible things happen, paving the way for a brighter future for all.