History

WOI has been at the forefront of
the most critical social movements for more than 160 years —
from women’s empowerment and civil rights, to affordable housing and pay equity,
to violence prevention and health care.

The Vision Begins

The journey of Women of India began with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a platform dedicated to uplifting women in all spheres of life. The founder, Sudha Choksi, inspired by her own life experiences and a deep passion for social welfare, envisioned a future where women could access equal opportunities, support, and guidance.

In the early years, Sudha dedicated herself to understanding the struggles faced by women across various communities in India. Through research, meetings, and deep engagement with women’s issues, she established a roadmap to create a meaningful and lasting impact.

2000 - 2005

Foundation of the Network

In these years, the groundwork for Women of India was laid. Sudha and a small but dedicated team began to organize events, workshops, and training programs aimed at providing women with critical skills. The focus was on education, health, and awareness-building, helping women understand their rights and roles in society.

This period also saw the formation of partnerships with NGOs and social organizations, which helped expand the network and reach more women across the country.

2006 - 2010

Growth & Expansion

By this time, Women of India had grown into a recognizable force within India’s social landscape. Sudha’s vision began to take shape as the initiative reached several major cities, bringing in hundreds of women into the fold.

The organization expanded its services to include financial literacy, entrepreneurship programs, and emotional well-being sessions. Sudha’s belief in empowering women through education and financial independence became the cornerstone of the movement.

This period also saw the first national conference on women’s empowerment hosted by Women of India, which brought together thought leaders, social workers, and women from various backgrounds to share ideas and experiences.

2011 - 2015

Strengthening Impact

With a growing base of supporters, volunteers, and contributors, Women of India was able to widen its reach to rural and underserved communities. The launch of online platforms, workshops, and digital training programs helped create an ecosystem where women could access resources remotely.

Sudha’s emphasis on mental health during this period marked a significant milestone. Recognizing the psychological toll many women face, Sudha introduced programs aimed at improving mental resilience, confidence-building, and self-love.

2016 - 2018

Advocacy & Empowerment in Action

During this phase, Women of India gained considerable recognition for its advocacy work. Sudha became a prominent voice for women’s rights, appearing at various forums and media outlets to raise awareness on issues like gender equality, violence against women, and economic independence.

The organization launched empowerment hubs in several cities, providing women with access to resources like legal aid, career counseling, and healthcare services. Sudha's tireless efforts began to pay off, as more women were empowered to take charge of their lives, leading to a growing number of success stories.

2019 - 2022

Present: A Global Movement

Today, Women of India has become a global movement with a strong presence in both India and international communities. The organization’s reach continues to expand, thanks to its online platform, international collaborations, and grassroots initiatives. Sudha’s mission remains unchanged: to ensure that women are given the space and support to rise above societal challenges.

The Women of India network has empowered thousands of women to become leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and activists. Sudha’s continued focus on holistic empowerment ensures that the future of women in India is bright, sustainable, and full of possibilities.

2023

Advocacy & Empowerment in Action

During this phase, Women of India gained considerable recognition for its advocacy work. Sudha became a prominent voice for women’s rights, appearing at various forums and media outlets to raise awareness on issues like gender equality, violence against women, and economic independence.

The organization launched empowerment hubs in several cities, providing women with access to resources like legal aid, career counseling, and healthcare services. Sudha's tireless efforts began to pay off, as more women were empowered to take charge of their lives, leading to a growing number of success stories.

2024

Advocacy & Empowerment in Action

During this phase, Women of India gained considerable recognition for its advocacy work. Sudha became a prominent voice for women’s rights, appearing at various forums and media outlets to raise awareness on issues like gender equality, violence against women, and economic independence.

The organization launched empowerment hubs in several cities, providing women with access to resources like legal aid, career counseling, and healthcare services. Sudha's tireless efforts began to pay off, as more women were empowered to take charge of their lives, leading to a growing number of success stories.

2025