Mukesh Ambani Calls on Corporate India to Build a Stronger Support System for Working Women
Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani has called on corporate India to collectively strengthen the ecosystem supporting working women and working mothers, emphasizing that India's next phase of growth must create greater opportunities for women to lead.
Speaking at the launch of the Hindi edition of former SBI Chairperson and Salesforce South Asia President and CEO Arundhati Bhattacharya's memoir, Indomitable: A Working Woman's Notes on Work, Life and Leadership, Ambani highlighted the importance of creating an environment where women can continue their careers, take on leadership positions and contribute fully to India's development.
From Women's Development to Women-Led Development
Ambani emphasized a broader shift in India's development journey—from women's development to women-led development.
According to his remarks, women should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of economic progress. They are increasingly becoming architects of progress, contributing across business, science, sports, the armed forces and communities.
He called on fellow business leaders to collectively develop an effective initiative that strengthens the support system available to working women and mothers in corporate India.
Supporting Women Beyond the Workplace
The conversation goes beyond simply increasing the number of women in organizations. A stronger ecosystem can help address the practical and professional challenges that working mothers often face while building long-term careers.
Ambani encouraged accomplished women, including Bhattacharya, to help guide such an initiative. He also said that Reliance Foundation would participate alongside other organizations in the effort.
The Leadership Power of Empathy
Another important theme in Ambani's remarks was the value of emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership.
He highlighted the contribution women can bring to complex business and real-life situations through what he described as a strong "empathy quotient." He argued that the business world needs more women in leadership positions and that leadership today requires more than technical or intellectual capability.
Arundhati Bhattacharya's Journey as an Inspiration
Ambani described Bhattacharya's professional journey as an inspiration for working mothers and women around the world. Her memoir, Indomitable, reflects on work, life and leadership and was presented at the event as a story of perseverance, leadership and overcoming challenges.
Her journey also reinforces a broader message for organizations: talented women need opportunity, support and an environment that enables them to rise.
Building the Future of Indian Leadership
For corporate India, the message is significant. Creating more inclusive workplaces is not simply a social responsibility—it can also strengthen leadership pipelines, broaden talent pools and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
As India moves toward its vision of Viksit Bharat, empowering more women to lead businesses, institutions and communities could become an increasingly important part of the country's growth story.
The challenge now is to turn the conversation into practical action—stronger workplace support, meaningful leadership opportunities and an ecosystem where working women and mothers can build successful careers without having to choose between professional ambition and personal responsibilities.
