FICCI FLO, in collaboration with the Financial Express, hosted the 5th edition of the Awards for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) at Four Seasons Hotel, Worli, Mumbai, on March 14, 2026. This award ceremony recognized and celebrated the achievements of women business leaders across India, such as Guneet Monga Kapoor, Priya Krishnan, Anamika Khanna, Ruchi Kalra, Dr. Geetha Manjunath, Neha Bansal, Jayshree V. Ullal, Priya Paul, Zia Mody, Vinati Saraf Mutreja, Rohini Nilekani, and Mariam Mammen Mathew.
The Awards for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) initiative has emerged as a significant effort to spotlight excellence, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by women in business, while reinforcing the importance of inclusive economic growth. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by FICCI FLO and The Financial Express to foster a thriving ecosystem for women-led entrepreneurship in India.
Key Highlights
- Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
The 5th edition of AWE honored exceptional women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in innovation, business growth, and social impact across diverse industries. FLO National President, Ms. Poonam Sharma, delivered a keynote address talking about FICCI FLO’s efforts towards empowering women entrepreneurs at different levels through mentorship, training, and funding access.
- Diverse Representation Across Sectors
Awardees represented a wide spectrum of sectors, including retail, technology, manufacturing, social enterprise, and services, showcasing the depth and diversity of women-led enterprises in India.
- Inspiring Journeys and Leadership Stories
The event highlighted inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing perseverance, creativity, and leadership in overcoming challenges and building successful ventures. Eminent members of the jury, Deepak Parekh, Zia Mody, Preetha Reddy, Mallika Srinivasan & Anjali Bansal shared their collective wisdom during an exciting fireside conversation.
- Platform for Recognition and Visibility
The awards provided a national platform for women entrepreneurs to gain recognition, build networks, and enhance their visibility within the larger business ecosystem.
Key Winners & Honorees
- Lifetime Achievement: Zia Mody (Co-Founder & Managing Partner, AZB & Partners).
- Finance: Ruchi Kalra (CFO, Oxyzo Financial Services)
- Media: Mariam Mammen Mathew (CEO Of Manorama Online).
- Lifestyle: Neha Bansal (Co-founder, Lenskart).
- Legacy Entrepreneur: Vinati Saraf Mutreja (MD & CEO of Vinati Organics).
- FICCI-FLO Award: Preiti Patel (MD Of Raspian Enterprise).
- Social Impact: Rohini Nilekani, (Founder of Arghyam Foundation).
- Health: Dr. Geeta Manjunath (CEO Of Niramai).
Impact and Outcome
The 5th edition of AWE reinforced the importance of creating platforms that amplify women’s voices and achievements and encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence. By honoring excellence and fostering inspiration, the AWE ceremony played a pivotal role in advancing women-led development and shaping a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape in India.