Nita Ambani: The Powerhouse Philanthropist and Champion for Women’s Rights
MUMBAI, India – Nita Ambani, the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, along with her husband, Indian billionaire businessman Mukesh Ambani, unveiled the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai on March 31, 2023. The event marked another milestone for Ambani, a woman known for wearing many hats and making significant contributions in various high-profile roles.
Ambani, often referred to as the “first lady of Indian business,” is not only the wife of Asia’s wealthiest man but also a prominent philanthropist and advocate for women’s rights. As the chairperson of Reliance Foundation, a philanthropic organization owned by Reliance Industries, India’s richest company, Ambani has made a formidable impact in several areas.
In an interview with CNBC’s Tanvir Gill, Ambani emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for women. She stated, “It’s time we treat our girls and boys equally, whether in boardrooms or on playgrounds,” highlighting her dedication to empowering women and striving for gender equality.
Under her leadership, Reliance Foundation has invested in various causes such as education, child welfare, women empowerment, and gender equality. With a presence in all states of India, the foundation has provided aid to 70 million individuals, particularly focusing on improving healthcare for women, promoting digital literacy, and enhancing employability skills through education.
In a groundbreaking move, Ambani partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to ensure that women in farm and non-farm jobs receive a minimum annual salary of $1,200 for the next three years. She firmly believes that women empowerment, the well-being of children, and transformation through sports are crucial for the development of a nation.
Ambani’s dedication to women empowerment extends beyond her philanthropic work. In 2021, she founded Her Circle, a digital app and social networking site that fosters discussions on various topics, including lifestyle trends and women’s health. The platform has gained over 500,000 Instagram followers and offers counseling and financial consulting services to women in need.
As a co-owner of the Mumbai Indians, a five-time Indian Premier League winning team, and the founder of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Ambani recognizes the importance of sports in fostering overall development. Reliance Industries, under her husband Mukesh’s leadership, has heavily invested in India’s sports industry, making him the world’s richest sports team owner.
Given her passion for sports, Ambani became the first Indian woman elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee. India has recently announced its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Ambani is optimistic about the nation’s readiness to organize the event successfully. She expressed her full support and hope that India will be able to proudly host the Olympics in the near future.
Currently, India is hosting the Cricket World Cup after more than a decade, attracting global attention as it hosts all 48 matches for the first time. As the country continues to shine on the world stage, Nita Ambani remains a driving force for positive change, using her influence and resources to uplift and empower individuals, especially women, across India.