Ladies Who Lead

In the maze of professional aspirations, women face a distinct set of challenges. The statistics regarding women in leadership roles in India are concerning, with only 18% occupying senior positions and 35% represented in the workforce. However, amidst these figures, a powerful source of hope shines through in the form of Ladies Who Lead (LWL).

LWL is more than just a community; it’s a movement aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals through carefully curated networking and mentorship opportunities. With this vision, founder Aabha Bakaya has created a platform that not only addresses systemic barriers but also promotes inclusive leadership.

India's economy and society cannot thrive without the active participation of women. Yet, traditional norms and biases have led to limited representation of women in leadership positions. Despite women excelling in various fields, the lack of access to the right mentors, networks, and professional support stifles many from breaking the glass ceiling.

Networking, mentorship, and peer support are vital components of professional growth. For women, who are often sidelined in traditional business circles, these elements become even more critical. A well-connected community like LWL ensures that women not only find their footing but also flourish in roles that drive change.

Aabha Bakaya’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Her upbringing across 13 schools on four continents exposed her to diverse cultures and perspectives. This global outlook became the bedrock of her professional journey. From hosting financial shows to luxury programs on major Indian networks, Aabha always sought ways to bridge gaps, be it in media or in leadership networks.

During her twenties and thirties, Aabha observed how men thrived within exclusive clubs and associations, while women often found themselves excluded. The existing women’s networks were often restrictive, focusing on narrow criteria like net worth. Recognizing this gap, she envisioned a space where women could come together, collaborate, and lead. Thus, the idea of Ladies Who Lead was born.

What started as intimate gatherings among like-minded women has grown into a formidable network. Aabha and her team hosted leaders from diverse fields, fostering connections that transcended industries and hierarchies. These early meet-ups set the stage for LWL's transformative journey.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought reflection and opportunity. In 2021, LWL formalized its operations under Leading Ladies Network Pvt. Ltd., with the backing of prominent figures like Aditya Ghosh. This period marked the beginning of a structured, scalable model to empower women across India, both online and offline.

LWL stands out by offering personalized networking opportunities tailored to individual aspirations. From finding co-founders to hiring advisors, the platform ensures that members gain access to resources that directly impact their growth.

Aabha’s vision goes beyond industry silos. LWL promotes interactions across sectors, helping women leaders broaden their worldviews and embrace interdisciplinary solutions to challenges.

At its core, LWL envisions a future where women are no longer a minority in boardrooms and leadership positions. By providing access to mentors, tools, and networks, the community aims to dismantle patriarchal norms and champion inclusive growth.

LWL empowers women to rewrite societal expectations. Through their resources, members gain the confidence to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, proving that one need not come at the expense of the other.

As someone who has witnessed firsthand the impact of mentorship and peer networks, Aabha’s journey struck a chord. The commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among women leaders is a powerful reminder that change begins with community.

LWL isn’t just a success story; it’s a call to action. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an established professional, initiatives like LWL demonstrate the immense power of connection, collaboration, and shared goals.

Ladies Who Lead is more than just a platform, it’s a catalyst for change. By addressing systemic inequities and fostering an inclusive leadership culture, LWL is reshaping what professional success looks like for women in India. The journey of its founder, Aabha Bakaya, reminds us that meaningful progress often begins with a single step—transforming a challenge into an opportunity.

For women who aspire to lead and allies who wish to support them, the message is clear: the future will be collaborative, inclusive, and distinctly female.