From Chandigarh Roots to Global Impact
Reema Mahajan’s journey began in Chandigarh, where she was raised in a family that valued both discipline and dreams. A pivotal moment in her early life was observing her father’s unwavering passion for his work, which instilled in her the belief that true success lies in loving what you do. This philosophy became the cornerstone of her career.
Academic Excellence and Corporate Success
Reema pursued her education at prestigious institutions, earning degrees from IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore. Her academic achievements led her to a successful career in management consulting at Bain & Company, where she worked across India, London, and Dubai. During her tenure, she honed skills in strategy, communication, and teamwork, which later became invaluable in her entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Birth of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD)
In 2019, after moving to Dubai, Reema experienced a sense of isolation common among expatriates. Seeking connection, she started a Facebook group to bring together Indian women in the city. What began as a small community quickly grew into Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), now the UAE’s largest Indian expat women community with over 150,000 members. IWD serves as a platform for networking, support, and empowerment, fostering a sense of belonging among its members.
Empowering Women Through IWD
Under Reema’s leadership, IWD has become more than just a community; it’s a movement. The platform has hosted over 1,000 events, supporting more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. Through initiatives like free promotion services and networking opportunities, IWD has helped women gain confidence, find clients, and achieve professional growth.
Recognizing Excellence: Indian Women Awards
To celebrate the achievements of women in the community, Reema launched the Indian Women Awards. Now in its fifth season, the awards honor outstanding women across various fields, providing them with recognition and encouragement. The event has become a highlight in the community, inspiring many to pursue their goals with renewed vigor.
A Vision for Global Connection
Reema’s current focus is on expanding the IWD ecosystem, including Indian Women Network (IWN) for professional networking and Indian Women Professionals (IWP) for career development. Her long-term goal is to create a globally recognized platform where Indian women can connect, rise, and lead, regardless of their location.
Lessons Learned and Advice for the Future
Throughout her journey, Reema has learned the importance of starting before feeling fully ready. She emphasizes leading with curiosity and allowing the community to shape the platform. Her advice to her younger self—and to others—is to relax, embrace pivots, and listen to the heart’s nudges, as they often lead to the most fulfilling paths.
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Reema hopes to be remembered as someone who created opportunities where none existed, building spaces where women could thrive without apology. Her mission is to help women believe in their inherent worth and capabilities, fostering a culture of support and empowerment.
Join the Movement
Reema Mahajan’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of one individual’s vision. Through IWD, she continues to inspire and uplift Indian women in Dubai and beyond.
For more information or to join the community, visit Indian Women in Dubai. Follow her on Instagram.
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