New Delhi, India – In a decisive move to tackle gender disparity in corporate India, Winpe, a non-profit organization focused on gender diversity, has unveiled its “Women on Boards” programme. Announced on June 17, 2025, this initiative aims to increase female representation on corporate boards across India, particularly in companies backed by private equity and venture capital.
The programme seeks to create a robust pipeline of board-ready women professionals and actively connect them with private equity and venture capital companies. With only 18% of board seats held by women in India, according to a 2023 EY report, Winpe aims to address this imbalance through a comprehensive strategy that targets both the supply and demand of women directors.
On the demand side, Winpe has garnered commitments from its member base of global and regional private equity and venture capital firms. These firms, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in enhancing governance and decision-making, have pledged to prioritize the appointment of qualified women to their boards.
To bolster the supply of qualified women, Winpe plans to identify and nurture women professionals poised to take on board roles. The initiative includes building a database of senior women professionals, encompassing entrepreneurs, advisors, and senior functional leaders. Key components of the programme include a board of advisors, training for first-time directors, a screening committee, and a panel of mentors. Additionally, Winpe will conduct knowledge sessions and facilitate peer networking among women already serving on corporate boards.
Nupur Garg, Founder of Winpe, stated, “We believe that by building a strong ecosystem to support both companies seeking diverse board members and women ready to lead, we can drive better governance and economic growth. Real diversity starts when women hold multiple or equal seats at the table and are included for their experience, knowledge, and leadership, not just for legal reasons.”
The programme is supported by British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution and impact investor. BII’s backing will enable the expansion and scalability of Winpe’s efforts, building on key findings from BII’s report on the positive outcomes associated with gender-diverse leadership.
Shilpa Kumar, Managing Director and Head of India at BII, expressed, “Supporting women in accessing board opportunities is not just about representation; it is about strengthening the foundations of governance, decision-making, and long-term value creation. Our partnership with Winpe reflects our commitment to enabling systemic change by supporting platforms that address structural barriers and unlock leadership opportunities for women.”
The advisory board for the “Women on Boards” initiative includes notable figures such as Deepak Kapoor, former Chairman and CEO of PwC India; M Damodaran, Chairperson of Excellence Enablers; Naina Lal Kidwai, former Chairperson of HSBC Group; and Zia Mody, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of AZB & Partners. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving gender parity in corporate governance and enhancing the overall inclusivity of boardrooms in India.
