WIIN Launches India’s First Insurance Accelerator for Women, Redefining Leadership and Equity

Women in Insurance India (WIIN), a purpose-led movement under the House of Grit Association, has launched a pioneering initiative that promises to reshape the future of leadership in India’s insurance sector. The WIIN Accelerator Program, unveiled at WIIN’s Second Annual Event, is the country’s first industry-focused accelerator designed specifically for mid-career women professionals in insurance.

Targeting women in the 5–12-year career phase, the program offers a structured, 12-week virtual journey that blends live workshops, simulations, case studies, and self-paced learning. It is facilitated by a distinguished faculty of academic experts, industry leaders, financial advisors, and domain specialists, and extends its impact far beyond the classroom. Participants benefit from six months of post-program mentorship, elective development pathways, and access to a powerful peer network that continues to support them long after completion.

Building Space for Growth

Co-founder Soni Srivastava emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting that while the insurance sector has long been a story of resilience, women’s visibility tends to fade as they reach mid-career. “The WIIN Accelerator is building the space to nurture their potential, empower their growth, and create a lasting impact on the industry,” she said.

Her fellow co-founder Eima Azim added, “WIIN is committed to transforming the insurance industry by developing future-ready leaders. Through the Accelerator, we equip women with the skills, networks, and strategic mindset to drive measurable growth, lead with impact, and reshape the industry landscape with equity and excellence.”

Voices of Inspiration and Influence

Acclaimed actor Shefali Shah, who delivered the Celebrity Keynote, inspired attendees with her reflections on authenticity and empowerment. “Empowerment is not about changing who you are, it’s rediscovering the strength, worth, and truth you’ve always held,” she said. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing WIIN’s mission to foster leadership rooted in self-awareness and resilience.

The event also featured over 150 CXOs, policymakers, founders, and sector leaders, who participated in rich conversations across WIIN’s signature platforms:

• WiiNTalks: Amplifying the voices of changemakers, this segment featured thought-provoking insights from Dr. Lavanya Mundayur (CMD, Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd), Priyanka Uppal Anand (Zee Business), Sai More (Zurich Kotak General Insurance), and Shivani Burman Sharma (MediAssist Insurance TPA).
• WiiNTech Panel: Titled Leadership Reloaded: Women Who Build, Scale, and Disrupt with Tech, this panel explored how women leaders leverage technology to architect sustainable growth and drive meaningful disruption. Moderated by Ryan Singh (Co-Founder & COO, Loop Health), it featured Dr. Sujata Seshadrinathan (Basiz Fund Services), Galveen Kaur (Connect and Heal), Suguna Jayaraj (MIC Global), Anu Chaudhuri-Ghosh (Star Union Dai-ichi Life), and Bhakti Dama (Protector IQ).
• WiiN CXO Panel: Under the theme From Leader to Builder: Executive Responsibility in Shaping Industry and Societal Impact, this panel examined how senior leaders influence public trust, policy, and social equity. Moderated by Ms. Mandakini Balodhi (Director, DoFS, Ministry of Finance, GoI), it included Ms. Girija Subramaniam (CMD, New India), Shefali Sehwani (CEO, Lloyd’s India), Surbhi Goel (Munich Re India), Ashish Parakh (Marsh India), and Kunal Khanna (EDME Insurance Brokers).

A Movement of Equity and Excellence

The launch of the WIIN Accelerator Program was accompanied by the felicitation of WIIN Ignitors and a celebration of the WIIN community—volunteers and professionals whose dedication continues to propel the movement forward.

WIIN’s approach is not just about leadership—it’s about reshaping industry culture. By championing equity-driven innovation, WIIN is making the insurance sector more inclusive, future-ready, and responsive to the needs of women professionals.

About WIIN India

Founded by visionary leaders Soni Srivastava and Eima Azim, WIIN is radically transforming the insurance industry through uncompromising equity-driven leadership and inclusive innovation. The movement positions insurance as a career of choice for women, empowering them at every stage through bold leadership frameworks, targeted mentorship, and strategic growth opportunities.

The flagship WIIN Accelerator Program is a game-changing initiative that equips mid-career women with the skills, networks, and confidence to lead boldly, drive innovation, and redefine the future trajectory of the insurance sector. WIIN is not just shaping leaders—it’s reshaping an entire industry culture where women lead with purpose, influence, and lasting impact.