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Global women leaders recognised at Empowerment ceremony in Mumbai
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Wednesday, 23 April, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Smita S Landge from Australia and Müge Öz from Turkey were among 25 outstanding women celebrated at the Capacity Building and Women Empowerment Programme hosted by the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India), Mumbai Chapter. The event, held in collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), CASMB, Farm to Fork Solutions, Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS), and INSA, New Delhi, highlighted the significant contributions of women from fields like science, entrepreneurship, arts, public administration, and civil society.
Although Landge and Öz could not attend the ceremony in person, they participated virtually, with Professor Shalini Arya, president of AFST(I) Mumbai Chapter, and Bhushan Yengade, joint secretary, extending personal congratulations via virtual calls to the international awardees.
Landge, an administration officer with Victoria Police in Australia, has devoted her career to public service across two countries. Beginning her career in the insurance industry in India, she led initiatives to improve operational workflows and client experience while ensuring regulatory compliance. Later, she transitioned to public service in Australia, where she now coordinates administrative functions within law enforcement.
“I have served the Indian government in the past and continue to serve the Australian government today. Public service has always been my duty, and being honoured by an Indian organisation, especially through such a global initiative, is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Landge.
Among those recognised in the food industry was Richa Pendake, founder & CEO of Nutrizoe Nutriifoods Pvt Ltd, who received the award for her innovative Lactobites bars, India’s first lactation bars with zero refined sugar, and containing protein, iron, fibre, and calcium. This product addresses the nutritional challenges faced by 78% of women globally.
Öz, the founder and president of USIKAD in Turkey, has spent much of her career advocating for women’s leadership and digital empowerment. Influenced by her early involvement in civil society with her father, she realised the systemic barriers women face in business and policymaking. She said, “Being a woman is not always easy in the business world. I have seen how women are disadvantaged by outdated perceptions, lack of opportunity, and exclusion from decision-making. That’s why I created USIKAD—to provide a platform for women to grow, innovate, and lead.”
Öz, who received the award on her birthday, “April 5th is my birthday, and receiving this award from India is one of the most beautiful gifts I could have imagined. It symbolises international solidarity and shared dreams. I thank the organisers for making me feel seen and valued,” Öz said.
Nutrizoe's Vandita Tewari Kapoor, founder & CEO of Iyurved Consumer Pvt Ltd, shared her company’s mission. She said, “Our goal is to revolutionise children's nutrition by tackling issues like weight, digestion, immunity, eyesight, sleep, and brain development. We aim to provide holistic support for children's well-being through carefully selected ingredients.”
Professor Arya said, “These awards recognise the incredible work women are doing worldwide. Honouring international figures like Smita and Müge helps bridge communities and inspires future leaders.”
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