Dr. Daphne Pillai is the Founder President of Soroptimist International of Bombay–Chembur, established in 1997. She holds a doctorate in Feminist Literature from the University of Mumbai and has dedicated her work to advancing women’s empowerment through the core Soroptimist pillars of education, empowerment, and enablement.
In 1998, she initiated the flagship project “The Power of a Second Chance,” aimed at providing women who missed formal education an opportunity to rebuild their lives through adult literacy and skill development programs. Over time, this initiative has evolved to include digital and financial literacy, reflecting the changing needs of women in a rapidly transforming world.
Since 2017, Dr. Pillai has also served as President of the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI), India National Chapter, where she supports and promotes women’s entrepreneurship on a global platform.
Dr. Pillai has been an active voice on international platforms. She has spoken at multiple sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), including:
- CSW 62 (in person): “Challenges Faced by Women in India” organised by Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI)
- CSW 65 (online): “Leadership: A Faith Perspective” organised by the National Board of Catholic Women, London (NBCW)
- CSW 66 (online): “Water, Climate Change, and Life Chances for Girls and Women” organised by the National Board of Catholic Women, London (NBCW)
- CSW 70 (in person): “Dignity in Every Drop: Water, Hygiene, and Girls’ Right to Learn (Commonwealth Union and SI)
- CSW 70 (in person): “Education Pathways for Gender Justice and Dignity” (Taiwan Coalition Against Violence/New Taipei City Government)
Beyond her Soroptimist work, Dr. Pillai serves as Chairperson of the Management Board of Mahatma Education Society’s Pillai Group of Institutions, which encompasses 48 educational institutions across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Rasayani. She is also the Executive President of Pillai University.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious ASSOCHAM Women Achiever of the Year Award, presented by Smt. Smriti Irani the Hon. Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of India.