Reema Mahajan: Pioneering Empowerment for Indian Women in Dubai

Reema Mahajan’s journey from a high-profile international management consultant to the founder of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) reflects a powerful story of personal transformation and dedication to women’s empowerment. Recognized widely for her impactful work, Mahajan’s story is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating a supportive community for women.

From Corporate Success to Empowering Women

Reema Mahajan’s career began in the high-stakes world of international management consulting. Armed with degrees from IIT and IIM, she joined Bain & Company, where she honed her skills in strategy and management. Despite a promising career trajectory, Mahajan decided to pivot from this secure path to follow her true passion: working towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“I believe, ‘When women support each other, incredible things happen,'” Reema Mahajan says, reflecting her core philosophy. This belief led her to establish Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), a groundbreaking platform that has since grown into the largest women’s community in Dubai, boasting over 100,000 members across various platforms.

Founding Indian Women in Dubai

The inception of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) was rooted in a personal journey. When Reema Mahajan moved to Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself yearning for a sense of community. In a time of isolation, Reema realized the importance of having a supportive network. This realization led her to gather women over a cup of coffee, and that simple meeting became the foundation of IWD. What began as a small gathering quickly transformed into a thriving community where women could connect, share experiences, and find support.

IWD is built on three core pillars: Empowering Women, Celebrating Women, and Giving Back. These pillars guide the community’s mission to uplift and support women in every aspect of their lives.

Under Reema’s leadership, IWD has grown exponentially. The community has forged partnerships with over 100 esteemed brands, including Majid Al Futtaim, City Centre Deira, Payit, HSBC, and Tanishq. These collaborations have facilitated impactful events such as the IWD Awards and International Women’s Day celebrations with the Consulate General of India. These events not only celebrate women’s achievements but also provide networking and growth opportunities.

Beyond events, IWD also offers practical support. The community’s FREE promotion service on its Facebook group allows marketers and business owners to discuss their ventures, generate leads, and grow their businesses. This initiative has proven immensely beneficial for many within the community, further cementing IWD’s role as a vital resource for women in Dubai.

Celebrating Achievements

Reema Mahajan’s contributions to women’s empowerment have earned her significant recognition. She was honored as one of Asia’s 100 Women Power Leaders for Rising Women Leaders in 2023 and named Inspiring Woman of the Year in 2021. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Gulf News, Khaleej Times, and Filmfare Middle East, further cementing her role as a leading advocate for gender equality.

This journey has also taken us to new heights, with significant milestones like meeting the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Consulate General of Dubai, solidifying our presence on an international scale. 

Today, this community has grown to over one lakh members, a testament to the power of support, connection, and shared purpose in driving meaningful change for women everywhere.

Amplifying Voices Through Media 

Reema Mahajan’s journey continues to evolve as she leverages media to amplify the voices of inspiring women. Her podcast, Women of Wonder (WOW), has become a cornerstone of this mission. With over 60 million views, WOW with Reema has created a powerful platform where women changemakers share their stories, inspiring others and highlighting their contributions to society. Reema’s vision for this podcast goes beyond storytelling—it’s about giving women a voice and a platform to showcase their talent and creativity.

In addition to WOW, Reema has launched another impactful venture—Indian Women Network (IWN). Through IWN, she hosts weekly Entrepreneur Conferences featuring industry experts. These sessions are designed to foster learning, connection, and collaboration among women entrepreneurs. The initiative is rapidly growing, attracting more women eager to gain insights, network, and take their ventures to the next level.

Personal Journey and Philosophy 

Reema Mahajan’s journey is one of determination, support, and community. Growing up in a small town in India, she had strict but incredibly supportive parents who always believed in her dreams. Their constant encouragement made her realize that support is what everyone truly needs to thrive.

When Reema first moved to London, she longed for the sense of family and connection she left behind. Later, during the lockdown in Dubai, that feeling became even stronger. Over a simple cup of coffee, the idea for Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) was born. She envisioned creating a community where women could find the same support and encouragement that had shaped her own life. Today, IWD stands as a testament to that vision, growing into a network of strong, empowered women—all rooted in the concept of support that started it all.

Overcoming Challenges

Reema Mahajan’s professional journey has not been without its challenges. Early in her career, she faced gender bias, which she views as a battle she continues to fight and win. Her resilience in overcoming these obstacles has been a defining feature of her career, shaping her into a respected leader and advocate for women’s rights.

Her decision to leave a secure job at Bain & Company to start IWD was a significant leap of faith. The transition from a cushy salary to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship was daunting, but Mahajan’s determination and vision turned it into a success. Her firm not only survived but thrived, working with global clients and achieving remarkable milestones before even hiring her first employee.

Evolving Definition of Success

Mahajan’s perspective on success has evolved over time. Initially defined by prestigious titles and financial rewards, success for her now revolves around personal growth and fulfillment. “Success is now about growth and happiness. If you’re not learning and loving what you do, all the perks in the world won’t make it worthwhile,” she says.

This shift in her definition of success underscores her commitment to creating a positive impact and finding joy in her work, rather than merely pursuing conventional markers of achievement.

Advice for Future Generations

Reflecting on her journey, Reema Mahajan offers valuable advice to her younger self and to others embarking on their careers. “Build your self-confidence early—don’t wait for someone else to hand it to you. Once you know your strengths, you’ll know exactly how to leverage them,” she advises. This guidance emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and confidence in achieving professional success.

Leaving a Legacy

Reema Mahajan aspires to leave a legacy of courage and ethical integrity. She hopes to be remembered for balancing risk with relationships and inspiring others to pursue excellence without compromising their values. Her work with IWD and her various initiatives are testaments to her dedication to empowering women and fostering a supportive community.

In the future, Mahajan envisions expanding IWD’s reach globally, creating a network of empowered women across continents. She also aims to work with organizations that focus on giving back, particularly in areas like nutrition and education for underprivileged women, further solidifying her commitment to creating lasting, positive change.

Reema Mahajan’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, resilience, and dedication can lead to meaningful change. Through her leadership at Indian Women in Dubai and her broader efforts to support and celebrate women, she continues to make a significant impact in Dubai and beyond. Her story inspires others to pursue their passions, support one another, and strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.