March 27, 2026
What began as a single program established on the conviction that women, given adequate financial, social and human capital support, can drive meaningful change in business and society has expanded considerably in scope over two decades.
The number of annual fellows has grown from 18 to 30, new regional categories have been added to reflect a widening geographic reach and the fellowship curriculum has deepened to include a customized INSEAD Women’s Impact Entrepreneurship Programme, executive leadership coaching and ongoing business training.
The impact data bears out the program’s reach. According to a 2025 fellow survey, 76 percent of recent fellows had grown their revenue and 44 percent had entered new markets since completing the fellowship.
Sixty-six percent raised additional financing in 2024. At the completion of their fellowship year, 97 percent of 2024 fellows reported increased self-confidence, 94 percent reported stronger leadership skills and 100 percent felt a sense of belonging to a global community.
This year’s cohort reflects the program’s continued geographic expansion. For the first time, the initiative has recognized a fellow from Nepal.
[caption id="attachment_433133" align="alignnone" width="465"] In two decades, the program has backed 330 fellows across 66 countries, distributing more than $14 million in grant funding. Image credit: Cartier[/caption]
The 30 selected fellows represent the top t
