Six visionary women from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan recognised for advancing solutions supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
BY FRANCESCA RAPISARDA
The Bicester Collection has announced the winners of the Unlock Her Future™ Prize 2025, South Asia Edition, the latest chapter of its flagship philanthropic initiative, DO GOOD. The annual global competition supports women social entrepreneurs in developing scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designed to bridge the persistent gap between women’s entrepreneurial ambition and the resources available to support them, the Prize is open to women of all ages leading ventures at the idea or early growth stage. Since its launch, it has established itself as a powerful platform combining philanthropic purpose with the influence of the private sector to help women-led innovations take root and grow.
Speaking on this year’s winners, Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer at The Bicester Collection, said:
“From 2,400 applicants to 11 exceptional finalists, and now our winners, each reminds us that behind every number is a story of courage, creativity, and the determination to build a better world. The 2025 winners embody the diversity and ingenuity of South Asia, proving why investing in women matters. As The Bicester Collection marks 30 years of reimagining shopping as a force for good, this edition reinforces a purpose that defines us: progress is meaningful only when it unlocks opportunity for others. This is the spirit of Unlock Her Future.”
First launched in the MENA region in 2022 and expanded to Latin America in 2023, the Unlock Her Future Prize has now reached women in 39 countries, contributed solutions to 16 SDGs, and allocated more than US$600,000 in funding. The 2025 edition shines a spotlight on South Asia, home to millions of female innovators whose ideas are often overlooked despite their potential for lasting impact. Supported by Ashoka and endorsed by UN Women, the Prize continues to grow as a global hub of recognition, investment and mentorship for the next generation of women changemakers.
Six winners selected from South Asia
Following applications from 2,400 women across the region, judges Desirée Bollier (The Bicester Collection), Dr Rubana Huq (Asian University for Women), Priya Sigdel (Social Entrepreneur & Media Personality), Rishini Weeraratne (The Sun/Daily Mirror), and Paroma Chatterjee (Revolut India) unanimously selected six outstanding entrepreneurs:
- Amritha Krishnamoorthy (India), Stepping Stones Centre, SDG 4: Quality Education: Delivering inclusive education and therapy for children with autism and developmental disabilities.
- Jhillika Trisal (India), Cognitii, SDG 4: Quality Education: Combining AI with human expertise to provide accessible education for children with special educational needs.
- Sophiya Tamang (Nepal), Idea to Impact, SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Transforming surplus produce into nutritious fruit purees that reduce waste, support women farmers, and nourish children.
- Nida Yousaf Sheikh (Pakistan), H2O Technologies, SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation: Developing technology that extracts safe drinking water from air to address Pakistan’s water scarcity.
- Nishat Anjum Palka (Bangladesh), Mommykidz, SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing: Offering a safe, stigma-free platform where women and parents can access care, information and essential products.
- Yangchen Dolkar Dorji (Bhutan), LEAD+ SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Providing funding, mentorship, and market access to women-led and grass-roots businesses to support resilience and economic independence.
Comprehensive support to scale impact
Each winner will receive up to $50,000 in philanthropic funding, leadership mentorship, media training, visibility opportunities, and access to The Bicester Collection’s global network of industry partners. Academic guidance from Oxford University Saïd Business School will further support their development with world-class training and access to entrepreneurial networks.
The South Asia edition also reflects The Bicester Collection’s deep connections with South Asian communities in the UK and abroad. Its return to the UK, and to Bicester Village, aligns with the company’s 30th anniversary, marking three decades of using the retail environment to drive meaningful social change.
Expanding across Asia in 2026
In 2026, the programme will broaden its reach further, opening to women entrepreneurs across East and Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, and others.
More information is available at www.unlockherfutureprize.com and on Instagram at @dogood_thebicestercollection.
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