New Database by Indian Women in International Arbitrators Addresses Gender Gap in Arbitrator Appointments with Successful Launches Across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore:
DELHI, December 15, 2025 — Indian Women in International Arbitration (IWIA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing gender and racial diversity in international arbitration, has successfully concluded the tri-city launch of its flagship initiative, the IWIA Indian Women Arbitrators Database. The initiative was unveiled through a series of high-impact events held in Delhi NCR (October 14), Mumbai (October 15), and Bangalore (October 17).
Launched in March 2023, IWIA provides a global platform to a women legal practitioners of Indian origin and allies to connect, network, share knowledge, and enhance visibility in the within the international arbitration community. IWIA was founded with the objection of improving access to mentorship, speaking opportunities, professional connections, and referrals for Indian women practitioners, while fostering a stronger, more inclusive arbitration ecosystem.
The IWIA Indian Women Arbitrators Database is a critical resource designed to address the persistent underrepresentation of women on arbitral tribunals, both in India and globally. Despite the growing number of accomplished Indian women in the legal profession, their representation on arbitral panels has remained disproportionately low. The database responds to this challenge by creating a centralized, easily accessible database of highly qualified and experienced Indian women practitioners, experts, and potential arbitrators.
“The response we received across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore confirms what many in the arbitration community already recognize—there is an urgent need for structural solutions to address representation in arbitrator appointments,” said Niyati Ahuja, Founder of IWIA. “This database is not merely a directory; it is a tool for systemic change, designed to dismantle longstanding barriers and ensure that merit, expertise, and diversity meaningfully shape the composition of arbitral tribunals.”
“IWIA’s Steering Committee has taken great care to ensure that the database will cater to the requirements of appointing authorities across the world. We have gone through the empanelment rules and criteria of more than twenty institutions to create a comprehensive application form. By aligning with global standards, we aim to create a database that is a trusted, practical resource, and a meaningful step toward improving diversity on arbitral tribunals,” said Sanskriti Sidana, Steering Committee Member, IWIA.
IWIA’s initiative stands out as a pioneering and solution-oriented step, not only by shining a spotlight on this disparity but also by offering a practical, forward-thinking solution. The database leverages technology and community engagement to bridge the gap, empowering stakeholders to make more inclusive and equitable choices in arbitrator appointments. By providing this vetted resource to arbitral institutions, law firms, courts, and corporate legal departments worldwide, the database aims to ensure that Indian female talent is systematically considered for domestic and international appointments.
Voices from the Launch Events:
“Diversity in international arbitration and dispute resolution is not a future goal, it is a ‘present’ necessity. IWIA is playing a critical role in strengthening that reality by creating a community where Indian women practitioners are visible, connected, and supported. This initiative will go a long way in ensuring that there is no longer information asymmetry as far as demand and depth of talent is concerned.” said Binsy Susan, Partner Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas
“The initiative to engage and encourage more women as arbitrators is not merely laudable—it is imperative. Increasing diversity in traditional appointments is not just about inclusivity; it brings a much-needed shift in perspective in the way arbitrations are approached and decided.” said Lakshmi Menon of Law Chambers of Lakshmi Menon, who attended our Bangalore event.
The tri-city launch events drew wide support from senior members of the judiciary, leaders of major arbitral institutions, general counsel from leading corporations, and prominent legal practitioners. The enthusiastic turnout underscored the legal community’s collective commitment to promoting equality and leveraging the full spectrum of talent available in the Indian arbitration ecosystem.
IWIA is currently accepting applications from qualified women practitioners of Indian origin who wish to be listed in the database for potential arbitrator nominations. IWIA encourages all eligible candidates to write to iwiaarbitratordatabase@gmail.com to register and all stakeholders seeking qualified arbitrators or experts to follow the database’s progress.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Niyati Ahuja: iwiaarbitratordatabase@gmail.com