In a significant stride for gender empowerment in India’s business sector, Aishwarya Bansal — Co-founder of Smartworld Developers — has announced her role as a mentor for the IJN Women’s WEPs Initiative. The announcement comes as India reinforces its focus on gender equality and entrepreneurship in the lead-up to International Women’s Day 2025. Today’s development is not only a testament to Aishwarya’s growing stature but also highlights the evolving role of Indian corporates in supporting women through impactful mentorship programs.
Setting the Stage: Why This Matters
Aishwarya Bansal is known for transforming the real estate landscape with Smartworld Developers. Her entry as a mentor in the IJN Women’s WEPs Initiative—linked to the globally recognized Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) supported by UN Women—represents an intersection of leadership, social commitment, and the private sector’s growing responsibility towards inclusive growth.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
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Aishwarya will actively mentor a select group of emerging women leaders, drawing from her experiences as a chief executive and entrepreneur. She aims to guide mentees in leadership skills, industry know-how, and practical strategies for real-world challenges.
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The initiative is closely allied with the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), which provide a framework for advancing gender equality within the private sector, including fostering leadership, promoting training and education, and facilitating career advancement for women.
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Aishwarya is recognized for advocating women’s inclusion in industries like real estate, which have historically seen limited female leadership. Her mentorship is expected to inspire a new generation of women professionals and entrepreneurs.
Aishwarya Bansal’s Role and Impact
Aishwarya will be involved in various planned activities such as masterclasses, direct mentorship sessions with young women, and panel discussions on entrepreneurship, financial independence, and personal branding. Drawing from her own journey—navigating challenges, creating business blueprints, and excelling in a competitive sector—she will provide insights on strategic networking, breaking social barriers, and building businesses that carry both economic and social value.
Industry Context: India’s Push for Women’s Empowerment
2025 marks 15 years of WEPs, and India’s participation has grown with over 11,000 signatories globally, signaling strong momentum for corporate gender equality.
The government and private sector have ramped up support for women-led businesses through financial inclusion programs, access-to-market schemes, and public-private mentorship collaborations.
Initiatives like WEP, the ‘Award to Reward’ platform, and the EmpowHER Biz program have created a nurturing environment for women to gain entrepreneurial knowledge, finance, and guidance.
What Sets the IJN Women’s WEPs Initiative Apart
The program connects mentees with industry leaders like Aishwarya for hands-on learning.
Mentorship goes beyond theory, emphasizing skill-building in leadership, digital strategy, finance, and resilience.
It aligns with the 2025 International Women’s Day focus: rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls, catalyzed by prominent women guiding and uplifting others.
Aishwarya’s View on Women in Leadership
Aishwarya Bansal continues to emphasize that progress is driven by empowering those historically underrepresented in leadership. Her commitment highlights the belief that mentorship transforms potential into achievement, and that empowering women in business is critical for a sustainable and inclusive economic future.
Source: BW Business World, Instagram
