THRIVING WOMEN, THRIVING WORLD

Indian leaders are recognising that having a diverse workforce is good for business. Because, when women thrive, the world does as well.

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The 2025 edition of Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women in Business (MPW) comes at an interesting time. The U.S., under the leadership of President Donald Trump, has recently announced that it would be scrapping investments in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Corporate America is retreating from DE&I. Several companies such as Amazon, Meta, and Uber have scrapped their DE&I policies. The DE&I backlash across the Atlantic is on the pretext that it was being incorporated at the expense of meritocracy. The good news is that India Inc’s commitment to building a diverse, inclusive workforce remains. Indian-run companies as well as mul-tinationals operating in India have reiterated that diverse organisations are good for their business.

“One of our fundamental beliefs is that when women thrive, the world thrives,” says Leena Nair, Global CEO of French luxury fashion brand Chanel. Agrees Nyrika Holkar, executive director, Godrej Enterprises Group. “True meritocracy thrives when diverse talent has equal access to opportunities, support, and the freedom to excel... when we create space for everyone to rise on their merit, we unlock value not just for individuals, but also for business and the community,” she says.