Over the years women have increasingly grabbed headlines for their roles in business, politics and society. And India's foreign trade is no exception – a number of women are making significant contributions to this vital sector. While some are renowned names in business and policymaking, others we believe will soon be equally well- known. The Dollar Business celebrates the success of these iconic women. For them the sky is no limit, it’s just a direction!

That women are important economic actors has long been settled. In India and across the globe, the liberalisation of trade has had a significant effect on the number of women in the workforce across manufacturing and services sectors. As participation of women in the workforce increased, so did their presence in decision-making roles. Today we have Christine Lagarde heading the IMF, Janet Yellen at the helm of the Federal Reserve, and Angela Merkel spearheading Europe's economic revival. And there is many-a-study to show that businesses that have women at the helm perform better, financially and otherwise. Naturally India, a country that from its inception has had strong women influence in politics, society and the economy also has exceptional women leaders in foreign trade; from services to pharmaceuticals and textiles to engineering products, we have seen a significant number of women rise to the top and make valuable contributions. And this is not confined to business, women are present in large numbers as the heads of ministries and spearheading policymaking bodies that play a large role in easing the way for foreign trade in India. In an increasingly gloomy global economy, when the world is looking at India to give a fillip to global trade, there is possibly no better a time to applaud a handful of  extraordinary women entrepreneurs and visionaries in India's foreign trade arena. The Dollar Business over the past quarter, met with and gained insights from women leaders from across sectors. Some lead industry behemoths, some are at the top of their chosen area of business, and some lead from the front as law and policymakers in their quest to help unfold the potential of Indian foreign trade. And without an exception these are women of courage, resilience and astute business sense, each with a strong head on her shoulder, who is acutely aware of her responsibility to business and society. They are all shining stars of Indian foreign trade. Flip through and watch their stories unfold...

Next Page: Leading From the Front