Time magazine’s 2026 Women of the Year list honors three trailblazing women of Indian origin for their impactful contributions to education, economic policy, and biotechnology.
NEW YORK, NY – Time magazine has announced its 2026 Women of the Year list, celebrating global leaders who are making significant strides in humanitarian and social change. Among this year’s distinguished honorees are three women of Indian descent: Safeena Husain, Reshma Saujani, and Dr. Reshma Kewalramani. Each of these remarkable individuals has been recognized for their transformative work in education, economic policy, and biotechnology.
Safeena Husain has been honored for her relentless efforts through her nonprofit organization, Educate Girls, which aims to re-enroll out-of-school girls in rural India. Recently, Husain’s initiative surpassed the impressive milestone of bringing 1.5 million girls back to the classroom. With an ambitious target set to reach 10 million girls by 2035, her leadership has garnered significant recognition, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, making Educate Girls the first Indian nonprofit to receive this prestigious honor. Husain, who recently published the book Every Last Girl, continues to advocate for the 133 million girls worldwide who lack access to education.
Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, is being recognized for her advocacy regarding the childcare crisis in the United States. Following a viral confrontation over childcare costs in 2024, Saujani successfully brought the issue to the forefront of legislative discussions. Her efforts culminated in early 2026 with the announcement of a $1.7 billion investment in universal care for children under five in New York. Saujani remains a staunch advocate for economic equity for mothers, framing her work as essential to preserving diversity and support programs.
Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is celebrated for her groundbreaking leadership in the biotechnology sector. Since becoming the first woman to lead a major public biotech firm in 2020, she has overseen historic medical advancements, including the first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for sickle-cell disease. Under her guidance, life expectancy for cystic fibrosis patients has significantly improved. Kewalramani has also emphasized global health equity by launching pilot programs that provide free, life-saving medications to patients in fourteen countries, including India.
The 2026 Women of the Year list also includes notable figures such as Teyana Taylor and Brandi Carlile, as well as Pakistani lawyer Mahnoor Omer, recognized for her advocacy against the period tax.
These three women exemplify the power of leadership and innovation in addressing critical issues within their communities and beyond. Their recognition by Time magazine underscores the importance of their contributions to education, economic policy, and healthcare.
According to Time, the honorees represent a diverse array of fields and causes, inspiring future generations to pursue change and advocate for equity.