CNBC-TV18’s flagship initiative ‘Future Female Forward’ is set to make its New Delhi debut, with the State Chapter scheduled for November 25, 2025.

After successful editions in Mumbai and Bengaluru, the third season now comes to the Capital, deepening the conversation around gender parity, leadership and inclusive growth.

According to a press release, the platform continues to build momentum as a national movement that brings together voices across policy, industry and community to shape long-term impact.

The New Delhi edition aims to create a sharper focus on institutional influence, mindset shifts and accountability frameworks that can make equity measurable and actionable.

According to the organisers, the conversations this year are designed to move beyond inspiration and into tangible strategies that workplaces and ecosystems can adopt and replicate.

The event will open with a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, followed by a keynote by Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, who will speak on transforming the intent of institutionalising parity into practice.

One of the key highlights will be the recognition of the Future Female Forward Icons — women who have broken barriers across fields. The honourees include Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve; Sonika Yadav, Woman Constable, Delhi Police; social reformer Mittal Patel; sustainability advocate Kamana Gautam; globetrotting sisters Remani Menon and Valsala Menon; artist Aanchal Anita Dhara; Bibijan Halemani, President of the Bibi Fatima Self Help Group; Rimjhim Agrawal, Co-founder & CTO, BrainSightAI; and Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Government of Gujarat.

The evening will feature a series of high-impact conversations including a Leaders’ Forum and a townhall.

Among the key participants are Rajesh Varrier, President – Global Operations and Chairman & MD, Cognizant India; Ajay Sharma, MD & Head – Banking, HSBC India; Nyrika Holkar, Executive Director, Godrej & Boyce; Pooja Sharma Goyal, Founding CEO, The Udaiti Foundation; Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Co-founder, Info-Edge; and Mona Khandhar. The lineup also includes fireside chats with Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga, Ritu Arora of Allianz Investment Management, Luminous Power Technologies CEO Preeti Bajaj, Sutherland’s Harita Gupta, Urban Company CHRO Neha Mathur, Jubilant FoodWorks CFO Suman Hegde, Dabur CEO Mohit Malhotra, OfBusiness co-founder Ruchi Kalra and Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Speaking on the upcoming edition, Shereen Bhan said the initiative has consistently aimed to ensure that women find their rightful place where decisions are made. “Bringing the State Chapter to New Delhi allows us to engage directly with policymakers and industry leaders on what must change for women to access equal opportunity, equal influence and equal visibility,” she noted.

Hitendra Dave highlighted HSBC’s commitment to building inclusive workplaces, adding that the platform plays a vital role in inspiring industries to challenge norms, eliminate biases and create pathways to leadership. Smriti Mehra, CEO, Business News, Network18, said India’s progress hinges on women leading from the front, adding that ‘Future Female Forward’ continues to drive meaningful action backed by strong partner support from HSBC India, Cognizant, The Udaiti Foundation and FICCI.

Rajesh Varrier of Cognizant India added that gender parity begins with intent but depends on consistent action. He emphasised that women bring the diverse leadership perspectives needed in a rapidly evolving world.

‘Future Female Forward’ is presented by HSBC India, co-presented by Cognizant, powered by Reliance Industries, with The Udaiti Foundation as Knowledge Partner and FICCI as Industry Partner. The New Delhi edition will stream live on November 25 from 5.30 pm on CNBC-TV18, CNBCTV18.com and the network’s YouTube channel.