Women in Philanthropy

Weaving A New Narrative: Women Shaping The Philanthropic Landscape in India - a new publication conceptualised and produced by SAWF IN and authored by Neelima Khetan, spotlights how women are shaping the field of philanthropy in India. The publication showcases the philanthropic journey and work of ten Indian women philanthropists who have steadily resourced initiatives on promoting gender equality, led by women and gender non binary persons. These inspiring stories bring out what trust based, responsive funding looks like in practise and by doing so, also offer key insights on the ethics surrounding philanthropy.

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This publication fills a crucial gap by centreing the often-invisible stories of women philanthropists who are redefining giving in India. Rooted in a tradition of generosity found in our heritage, the stories in this publication shine a spotlight not just on the act of giving, but on the motivations and values—fairness, justice, equality—that shape transformative philanthropy. By capturing diverse journeys of women across backgrounds and geographies, the publication highlights the unique ways women use philanthropy to challenge social hierarchies and advance gender justice.

This documentation is vital in a context where women’s contributions remain under-recognized, despite their significant impact. The publication aims to inspire more inclusive and intentional giving, motivate resource flows towards gender equity, and foster a wider movement for resource justice—making it an essential read for anyone interested in social change and the power of empathetic, engaged philanthropy.

Contents

  1. Showing up in ways that matter - Inspiring journeys of women philanthropists ~ SAWF IN
  2. A Different Kind of Inheritance ~ The Story of Aparna Piramal Raje
  3. A Devotion Beyond Loss: A Journey of Giving ~ The Story of Bhuvaneswari Younus
  4. Standing Steady: A Journey of Resonance and Resolve ~ The Story of Deepika Mehra
  5. Lighting New Pathways with Grace and Grit ~ The Story of Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad
  6. Building Bridges, Weaving Change ~ The Story of Meenakshi Ramesh
  7. In the Time It Takes to Listen: The Making of Avaazein ~ The Story of Nandini Rao
  8. The Quiet Architect of Possibility ~ The Story of Priya Paul
  9. The Calling of a Compassionate Heart ~ The Story of Radhika Bharat Ram
  10. A Tapestry of Care and Hope ~ The Story of Rati Forbes
  11. Atoms to impact, one woman’s revolution ~ The Story of Valli Arunachalam
  12. Learning From the Road Less Travelled ~ Neelima Khetan

Weaving A New Narrative: Women Shaping The Philanthropic Landscape in India Copyright © SAWF IN 2025 (Publication Not For Sale)

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South Asia Women Foundation India (SAWF IN) is a national women’s fund, committed to supporting demand-driven, women and LBTQIA+ people led initiatives for social justice. SAWF IN facilitates the flow of continuous, long term and high-quality resources - financial and non-financial – towards initiatives led by women and gender non-binary communities. We engage with and influence philanthropy to commit long-term, need based and responsive support to collectives and organisations working to end gender inequality and discrimination.