Here is your opportunity to add purpose to yourself and be inspired to be associated with the social sector. This experiential three-month program enables you to give back by lending your expertise to social sector organisations by becoming "board - ready".
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One of the specific targets for SDGs' 5th goal is to ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. While there has already been a significant growth of women at senior levels in the corporate sector, there is still a lack of women in leadership and advisory roles in Social Purpose Organisations.
Given the SDGs’ focus on leadership, it makes sense to first focus on boardrooms, as they are in the position to set the direction of organisations. Being a board member or advisor to an organisation enables individuals to contribute to the social impact sector whilst leveraging their network, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Additionally, the individuals also implement these learnings in their current roles.
While expanding leadership potential for non-profit organisations, the program looks to provide participants with the necessary perspectives, tools, means of engagement and networking opportunities with Social Purpose Organisations that align with their skill sets.
Build a thorough understanding of the social sector
Develop an understanding of self in the context of the social sector
Deep-dive into Board roles and responsibilities
Explore structures and processes that improve Board governance
Volunteering engagement in-between modules to empower the learning journey with field based experience as board readiness is being built
Master classes (virtual) between modules on various aspects of Board and organisation engagement to enrich the knowledge base
Women who have:
Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of cohort 1
Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of cohort 2
Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of our cohort 3
Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of our cohort 4
Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of our cohort 5
Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of our cohort 6
Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of our cohort 7
This is an immersive and experiential program that comprises of three modules. At the end of the program, participants will be matched with Social Purpose Organisations that can leverage the specific skills and expertise that they bring to the table. The participants will be provided with mentorship support during their onboarding phase.
Each module offers:
Cross-functional curriculum focusing on perspectives, tools and means of engagement on Social Purpose Organisation boards
Peer learning and experience-based exercises in the form of case studies, discussions, group work, activities and role play
Interaction with sector leaders and experts
Reflection and self-work
Through the modules you will explore the social impact sector and good governance in the context of Social Purpose Organisation as described below
This module provides a strong understanding of the sector, its challenges, founders' journey and strategic imperatives for the organisational leadership. Participants will also be able to reflect on their own motivations and aspirations that will enable them to be more conscious of their alignment to specific domains within the social impact space and how their experience and expertise could be well-suited to those.
This module will be the culmination of an immersive experiential group work by the cohort with NGOs in their respective cities. The exercise will give them a holistic picture of an organisation and what it takes to work in a group.
The module will cover aspects like a rotation policy, the work of Board positions and committees, conflict/ duality of interest policies and Board development.
INR 1,00,000 + GST
Program Fees: INR 70,000 + GST
Co-founder, Pravah and ComMutiny
ED, Population Foundation of India
Co-Founder, Dasra
Founder, DESTA Research LLP
CEO, OXFAM India
Founder Director, Goonj
Board Member, Navi
Senior Partner & Global Co-leader, McKinsey’s Private Equity & Principal Investors Practice
Lawyer and Environmental Activist, Padma Shri
Principal Trustee, India Welfare Trust
Founder Director, Exempserv, Professional Services
Founder Director, Protsahan
Founder, Governance Counts
President & Founder, ISDM
Managing partner, Dasra
CEO, QUEST Alliance
Director, Social Venture Partners
Chairperson, Social Venture Partners Mumbai
Author, Entrepreneur, Business Leader, Ex- president FICCI FLO
Chairman, Akshara Foundation
Founder, Mann Deshi Foundation
Director - Human Resources, Apraava Energy
Director - Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy (CSIP), Ashoka University
Founder and CEO, Peepul
Philanthropist, ex-banker professional
CSR & Social Sector Adviser; Partner, Nous Consultants
Executive Director, Population Foundation of India
Head HR Strategic Deals-India & APAC, Cognizant
Sr Vice President - Strategic Partnerships, Piramal Foundation
CEO, Hindustan Unilever Foundation
Lead 10to19 Adolecsents Collaborative, Dasra
Executive Director, CORO INDIA
Publisher, Writer and co-founder of Kali for Women
CEO at SNEHA, (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action)
Women’s World Banking Head of Advisory Services-India
The program is a strong recommendation for the women leaders of India
Tech Mahindra Sr. Vice President and Global Head Consulting and Digital Services Sector- Corporate
Kudos to the team who put together a diverse cohort of supportive women for a transformative learning experience.
Precision Development Head of Programs
ISDM’s WOB program has stepped in at the right time to counter the lack of Gender diversity in the boardrooms.
ISDM Director- People Management
You don’t want to miss this opportunity to interact with a diverse set of women with a common goal
Mann Deshi Foundation Chief Strategy Officer
Women on Boards Program has been significant as this gives me the tools and skill sets that are required to be able to function effectively. This program has trained me to understand the difference between actually doing and facilitating
The primary goal of the Women on Boards program is to provide a platform that enables the transfer of learnings, thoughts and ideas, between the corporate and social impact sectors, while enabling higher diversity on nonprofit boards—diversity both in terms of women's participation and diversity of experience and expertise.
The program will aim to ensure active learning across sessions, via:
The program is structured to include classroom engagement, one day of on-field immersions with organisations, self-reflective and a deep dive into case studies, and mandatory pre-reads before the modules. Hence you would be required to dedicate 60 hours to classroom learning, 20 hours of immersive volunteering between the modules, and 20 hours to be set aside for self-reflection.
As a participant, you will receive insights into the Indian social sector. In addition, you will find opportunities to serve on Advisory Boards of social impact organisations. The experience during and after this program will help build your institutional governance experience overall.
No. Attendance for every engagement is mandatory in order to complete the program and receive certification.
No, as a board member you won’t be entitled to any salary or honorarium.
Currently, we aren’t providing any financial assistance.
It would depend on the organisation’s needs and the expectations set in the beginning. However, it would be a considerable amount of time for the organisation to benefit from your expertise.
Write to us at [email protected]