WCF Chronicle: Equity by Design
From the Frontlines of Change: The WCF Vision in Action
The Women’s Collective Forum (WCF) was founded with a single objective: to embed equity into the core of how systems function—not as a footnote, but as foundation. In a world grappling with fragmented solutions and widening inequality, WCF has championed models that are local in design but globally instructive.
Through long-term partnerships, systemic innovation, and bold institutional engagement, WCF has helped reframe equity as both a method and a measurable outcome. Here’s a glimpse into the work we’ve led—from inception to impact.
SPARK – The 100K Collective
Support that meets businesses at their next inflection point
SPARK is a nationwide initiative addressing the missing middle of women-led businesses enterprises too established for microcredit, yet consistently left out of formal finance, markets, digital systems, and regulatory frameworks. Through intensive boot camps in 300 locations, SPARK will work with 100,000 women entrepreneurs to build the capacity needed to engage with capital, platforms, and institutions not through hand holding, but by making systems navigable. Because enterprise systems should work for those already building.
Future Forward | Shaping Global Futures with Indian Solutions
Hosted Mr Bill Gates in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
India’s frugal, scalable innovations are now part of global conversations. Through Future Forward, co-convened with CII and joined by Mr. Bill Gates, WCF spotlighted India’s contributions to agriculture, fintech, gender equity, and public health.
In a dedicated dialogue, WCF and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) presented a portfolio of low-cost, high-impact health technologies developed in India. These were showcased for investment potential, highlighting their adaptability to low-resource settings across the Global South.
This convening positioned India not only as a lab of innovation but as a global partner in rethinking how development is delivered and funded.
Institutional Partnerships for Gender Equity
In partnership with CII & CII Centre for Women’s Leadership
WCF’s collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the CII Centre for Women’s Leadership is helping mainstream gender inclusion across industry leadership, enterprise policy, and national skill frameworks.
From financial inclusion to enterprise readiness, this alliance reflects a commitment to the Alliance for Global Good—advancing gender equality as a structural necessity for sustainable progress.
WCF also partners with the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), integrating over 80 million micro and small businesses—with a strong emphasis on making space for women entrepreneurs within India’s vibrant trade ecosystem. This partnership is creating visibility, voice, and viability for women-led enterprises in grassroots commerce.
Postpartum Hemorrhage Drape Protocol | Innovation in Maternal Health
WCF is leading the development of a standardized postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) drape protocol, in collaboration with ICMR and key clinical partners. This first-of-its-kind intervention aims to reduce maternal mortality caused by preventable blood loss during childbirth.
This South-led innovation is grounded in India’s and Africa’s maternal care realities—combining cost-effective design, clinical validation, and systemic integration. WCF has initiated clinical training, including at the Army Hospital, to bring the protocol into mainstream care delivery.
Her Skill, Her Future | A National Commitment to Widows’ Economic Rights
Launched with: The Loomba Foundation & CII Foundation
On January 10, 2025, WCF launched Her Skill, Her Future—a mission to equip 100,000 widows in India with the skills and opportunities to lead economically independent lives.
Launched in the presence of Ms. Cherie Blair, Lord Raj Loomba CBE, and Ms. Smriti Zubin Irani, the initiative is backed by Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal and the CII Foundation. It brings together philanthropy, industry, and policy in a rare national commitment to correct systemic invisibilisation faced by widows.
Advancing Public Health | Data, Partnerships, and South-led Solutions
Supported by: Gates Foundation
WCF leads a multi-institutional public health initiative aligned with India’s national health priorities, combining research, systems thinking, and institutional delivery. The initiative focuses on disease elimination, maternal and child health, health technology, and universal health coverage.
By co-designing models with India’s premier institutions, WCF is building a Global South blueprint for public health grounded in context, equity, and evidence.
| Institution | Theme |
|---|---|
| ICMR- Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC) | India’s Progress towards Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases |
| National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) | India’s Progress in Addressing the Challenge of Tuberculosis |
| National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) | India’s Progress towards Malaria Elimination |
| CII - Population Research Centre (PRC), Institute for Social and Economic Change | India’s Progress in Improving Maternal Health Outcomes |
| CII - Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi | India’s Progress in Improving Child and Adolescent Health Outcomes |
| CII - Population Council Institute, New Delhi | Better Family Planning Outcomes Supporting India’s Progress and Development |
| CII - ISB’s Max Institute of Healthcare Management | New Ideas and Innovations that Can Support Better Women’s Health Outcomes |
| Centre of Excellence in Affordable Healthcare, IIT Kharagpur | How India is Enabling and Leveraging Immunization for Better Health |
| National Disease Modelling Consortium (NDMC), IIT Bombay | Technology for Healthcare: India’s Mantra for Universal Health Coverage |
| IIM Bangalore | Healthcare at Your Doorstep: The Promise of Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs |
| AIIMS Patna | Optimising the State’s Strategy for Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis |
| Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRI), Agamkuan | Eradicating Kala-Azar in Endemic Regions |
| Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology | Advancing Maternal and Child Health Initiatives |
| IIM Bodhgaya | Promoting Equitable Access to Affordable Healthcare |
| AIIMS Gorakhpur | Optimising State’s Response to Encephalitis Outbreaks |
| AIIMS Rae Bareli | Accelerating the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis |
| Institute of Medical Sciences BHU | Enhancing Maternal and Child Health Outcomes |
| Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. | Promotion of Equitable Access to Affordable Healthcare |
NLU Delhi - National Dialogues on Strengthening Legal Protections for Women under the New Criminal Jurisprudence
NDMC, IIT Bombay - Leveraging Digital Health and Data Sciences for Universal Health Coverage
Legal Reform for Women | Translating Law into Institutional Practice
With: NLU Delhi, NLU Odisha, NLU Assam & Rashtriya Raksha University
WCF is leading a structured national dialogue to examine legal protections for women under India’s new criminal jurisprudence. This effort goes beyond legislation—focusing on police reform, judicial accountability, and survivor-centric implementation.
Regional consultations, such as the one held in Delhi, are shaping a reference framework that states and institutions can adopt and act upon.
Inclusion Through Culture and Commerce
Project Highlight: “Violins (ence )for Women”
Through the arts, WCF is building powerful channels for dialogue on gender justice. “Violins(ence) for Women” uses classical performance to open public conversations on gender, violence, and power.
The project’s recent showcase at Akashvani Kendra reinforced how cultural expression can challenge silence, shift public mood, and inspire policy discourse.
