From a small Facebook group to a thriving 150,000-strong sisterhood—how IWD is redefining community, empowerment, and success for Indian women in Dubai and beyond.
Featuring: Reema Mahajan, Founder of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD)
Interview Conducted: The Western Connect Editorial Team
Your transition from a successful career in management consulting to founding Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) is inspiring. What motivated you to take this leap, and what challenges did you face along the way?
Honestly, I never set out to start a movement—I was just looking for friends! Moving to Dubai, away from my comfort zone, I quickly realized how isolating a new city can be, even more so when you’re an expat navigating life without family. I started a small Facebook group as a way to meet other Indian women, thinking that a few like-minded people might join me for coffee.
That ‘small group’ is now over 150,000 strong!
The transition wasn’t planned, but passion took over. Walking away from a structured corporate career was daunting, but I knew that what I was building mattered. The community was making a tangible impact on women’s lives—whether it was helping someone find a job, launch a business, or simply feel acknowledged. That made the leap worth it.
IWD has grown into the largest Indian expat women’s community in Dubai, with over 150,000 members. What do you think has been the key to its success?
The secret sauce? Women supporting women. IWD is not just a group; it’s a movement where every woman finds a space to grow, thrive, and lift others along the way. It’s deeply rooted in the idea that success is not a solo journey.
You see, IWD fosters genuine, heart-centered connections. Here, women don’t just exchange business cards—they share stories, struggles, and wins. We celebrate each other’s successes every week—whether it’s landing a dream job, launching a home business, or overcoming personal hurdles.
Another key factor is that IWD is for the community, by the community. The women in this group shape its direction—they suggest events, drive discussions, and champion each other. That kind of organic, authentic engagement is rare, and it’s what makes IWD more than just a platform—it’s a sisterhood.
You emphasize the importance of support and connection among women. How do you think building a strong community can contribute to women’s empowerment in a global city like Dubai?
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and opportunities, but for many, especially expats, it can also feel like a place where you’re constantly ‘starting over.’ A strong community acts as an anchor—it provides guidance, encouragement, and, most importantly, a sense of belonging.
When women support each other, we rewrite narratives. We show that competition isn’t the only way forward—collaboration is just as powerful. The women in IWD don’t just network; they advocate for one another. They recommend each other’s businesses, offer mentorship, and even open doors to career opportunities.
Empowerment isn’t just about personal success—it’s about lifting others along the way. And that’s what a strong community does—it transforms individual wins into collective progress. When one woman rises, she takes many others along with her.
Your podcast, ‘Women of Wonder (WOW),’ has amassed over 60 million views. What kind of impact have you seen from sharing women’s stories, and what are some of the most memorable conversations you’ve had?
WOW started as an experiment—just a way to highlight incredible women who were doing amazing things but weren’t always in the spotlight. I never imagined it would resonate with so many people! But that just proves that women’s stories deserve to be heard.
One of my most memorable conversations was with a woman who had moved to Dubai after escaping an abusive marriage. She rebuilt her life from scratch, launched a business, and is now mentoring other women in similar situations. Her courage was beyond inspiring.
Another was with a traveler who left her full-time job to start travel blogging. Her story was a reminder that no dream is too small if you’re willing to work for it.
The impact? Women message me saying these stories gave them the push they needed to start their journey. That’s what WOW is about—showing that if she can do it, so can you.
You have worked with top brands and organizations, including Majid Al Futtaim, HSBC, and the Consulate General of India. How do these collaborations help in furthering IWD’s mission?
Partnerships are crucial—they help us amplify our reach and bring real value to our members. When brands align with IWD, it’s not just about sponsorships; it’s about creating opportunities for women.
For instance, our collaboration with Payit (backed by FAB bank) has led to financial literacy workshops tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs. BurJuman Mall has helped us host large-scale events that celebrate women achievers, giving them well-deserved recognition. The Indian Consulate’s support has always allowed us to champion social causes and extend help to women in need.
When organizations back us, it sends a powerful message: women’s empowerment isn’t just a cause—it’s a movement that deserves full support.
Leaving a secure, high-paying job at Bain & Company to follow your passion was a bold move. What advice would you give to women who are hesitant about taking risks in their careers?
First things first—there’s never a “perfect” time to take a risk. If you wait for all the stars to align, you’ll be waiting forever.
Leaving Bain wasn’t easy. It was a dream job, a stable paycheck, and a clear career path. But every time I logged off for the day, I kept feeling this pull—what if I could build something of my own? The thought of not trying scared me more than failing.
My advice? Start small. You don’t have to make a dramatic overnight shift. Test the waters, build your side project, and see how it feels. And most importantly, trust yourself. You are more capable than you think.
Entrepreneurship, particularly in a new country, comes with its own set of challenges. What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced in establishing IWD, and how did you overcome them?
Oh, where do I start? 😅
Time was my biggest challenge. IWD started as a passion project while I was full-time working mother to two. I would be exhausted but still spend hours responding to messages, planning events, and brainstorming ways to grow the community. There were countless late nights and coffee-fueled mornings!
Then there was the self-doubt. I wasn’t a social media expert or a “professional community builder.” I had no roadmap—I was learning everything as I went. And, of course, navigating a new business landscape in Dubai was another hurdle. Understanding licensing, legal structures, and funding—it was overwhelming at first. But I sought mentors, did my research, and took it one step at a time.
Your platform provides free promotion services for women entrepreneurs. How have these initiatives impacted women-led businesses, and do you have any success stories that stand out?
This is one of the things I’m most proud of. Women supporting women isn’t just a slogan at IWD—it’s the foundation of everything we do.
So many women in our community are incredibly talented, but they struggle to get visibility. Maybe they’re running a home bakery, launching a fashion brand, or offering coaching services, but they don’t have a big marketing budget. That’s where IWD steps in.
We’ve helped thousands of women grow their businesses through free promotions. And the results? Incredible.
One woman started selling handmade jewelry from her apartment. After an IWD feature, her orders skyrocketed, and today, she has her own boutique in Dubai. Another entrepreneur, a single mom running a catering business, went from struggling to get clients to booking out months in advance—all because her story was shared with the right audience.
You have been honored as one of Asia’s 100 Women Power Leaders and featured in major publications. How do you personally define success, and has your definition evolved over the years?
If you had asked me this question a decade ago, I would have given a very corporate answer—titles, promotions, paychecks.
But today? Success, to me, is impact. It’s about the number of lives I can touch, the people I can uplift, and the community I can build.
The awards and recognition are humbling, but what truly moves me is when a woman tells me, “Because of IWD, I found my purpose” or “I built a business that changed my life.” That’s success.
I’ve also learned that success isn’t about reaching a final destination. It’s continuous growth—as a leader, as a person, as a changemaker. It’s about evolving, adapting, and always asking, How can I do more?
Looking ahead, what is your vision for IWD’s future? Are there any new projects or expansions in the works that you’re particularly excited about?
Oh, so much! If you think IWD is big now, wait till you see what’s coming.
We’re expanding beyond Dubai—our goal is to create thriving Indian women’s communities in other cities across the world. We’ve always believed that empowerment needs a multi-dimensional approach, which is why we’re expanding IWD’s ecosystem with two dedicated arms: IWN is all about connection, collaboration, and collective growth. It’s a dynamic space for women to find their tribe, whether it’s through social gatherings, cultural events, or personal development workshops.
On the other hand IWP is laser-focused on career success, networking & mentorship.
And then comes the IWD Academy for e-books & 7-day challenges to upskill personally & professionally.
And this year, the 5th anniversary of IWD Awards is bigger than ever—celebrating women who are changing the game.
This is just the beginning.
We’re not just building a network. We’re building a legacy.
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