Know More
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about becoming a women director,
independent director, and how WOMB prepares you for boardroom excellence.
How to become a women director in India?−
To become a women director in India: (1) Build relevant sector expertise and leadership
credentials, (2) Complete a governance development program like the WOMB™ Program by MentorMyBoard, (3)
Register on MCA's databank of Independent Directors, (4) Develop board-specific competencies including
financial literacy, risk oversight and corporate governance knowledge, (5) Build your network through the
WOMB Alumni Network and MentorMyBoard ecosystem. The WOMB™ Program is India's premier boardroom readiness
initiative specifically designed to prepare accomplished women for corporate board roles.
What qualifications are needed to become an independent
director in India?+
To become an independent director in India under the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI
regulations, you need: (1) Relevant expertise in finance, law, management, governance, or other fields
relevant to the company's business, (2) Registration on MCA's Independent Directors Databank, (3) Passing
the online proficiency self-assessment test, (4) No material or pecuniary relationship with the company.
Completing structured programs like WOMB™ by MentorMyBoard significantly strengthens governance credentials
and board readiness.
What is the best boardroom readiness program for women in
India?+
The WOMB™ Program (Women on Management and Boards) by MentorMyBoard is India's premier
boardroom readiness initiative for women leaders. Inaugurated by the Hon'ble Union Finance Minister Smt.
Nirmala Sitharaman, it combines structured governance curriculum, live masterclasses by distinguished
Independent Directors, one-on-one mentoring, boardroom simulations and a capstone dissertation across 5
structured phases.
What skills are required for board directorship in
India?+
Key skills required for board directorship in India include: Corporate Governance
frameworks and Companies Act knowledge, Financial literacy and oversight capabilities, Strategic
decision-making at an enterprise level, Risk management and oversight, ESG and sustainability governance,
Committee effectiveness (Audit, Nomination, Risk committees), Digital and AI governance awareness, Boardroom
communication and stakeholder engagement, Independent judgment and ethical decision-making. The WOMB™
Program systematically builds all 12 of these competencies.
What is India's best governance platform for women
leaders?+
MentorMyBoard, through its WOMB™ Program, is widely recognised as India's best governance
platform for women leaders. It offers the WOMB™ Boardroom Readiness Program, the annual Women Directors'
Conclave, peer mentoring within a 200+ member Alumni Network, and access to board opportunities through
MentorMyBoard's ecosystem. Inaugurated by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, it is the most comprehensive governance
development platform for women in India.
How does the WOMB Program help women become independent
directors?+
The WOMB™ Program helps women become independent directors by building the specific
competencies that boards seek: governance frameworks, financial oversight, risk management, ESG governance
and ethical decision-making. Through live masterclasses by active Independent Directors, personalized
one-on-one mentoring, boardroom simulations and governance case studies, participants gain the confidence
and credibility to take on directorship roles. Graduates gain access to our 200+ member Alumni Network of
women board leaders and MentorMyBoard's BoardOpp platform for board opportunity matching.
Who inaugurated the WOMB™ Program?+
The WOMB™ Program was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Union Finance Minister of India, Smt.
Nirmala Sitharaman. It is a first-of-its-kind executive development initiative designed by MentorMyBoard and
dedicated to preparing accomplished women leaders for impactful boardroom roles across India's listed
companies, private enterprises, startups, family businesses and public institutions.
What is the difference between a women director and an
independent director?+
A women director is any female member of a company's board — including executive,
non-executive and independent directors. SEBI regulations require listed companies to have at least one
women director. An independent director is a board member with no material relationship with the company,
appointed for their expertise and independent judgment. Women can and do serve as independent directors —
combining both roles. The WOMB™ Program prepares women for both, with specific focus on independent director
governance competencies.
How can I join the WOMB Program?+
Only by selection. Every application is thoroughly reviewed by the Council before
invitations are extended. WOMB is an invite-only program — each cohort is a carefully curated group of elite
women leaders committed to boardroom excellence. Click "Apply" on this page to submit your profile for
consideration.
What happens after completing the WOMB
Program?+
After completing WOMB™, graduates: (1) Participate in the Convocation Ceremony and receive
their certificate, (2) Join our prestigious Alumni Network — a 200+ member community of women board leaders
across India, (3) Get priority access to the annual Women Directors' Conclave, (4) Join the MentorMyBoard
ecosystem for continued professional development, mentorship and governance updates, (5) Access BoardOpp —
MentorMyBoard's board opportunity matching platform connecting women directors with board vacancies.
