The First and Only

What happens when the world's largest democracy meets the world's most gender-equal region?

Across continents and cultures, India and the Nordic countries offer powerful models for inclusive leadership, sustainable innovation, and gender-balanced progress. Together, they are shaping the future.

The First and Only brings to life the untold journeys of trailblazing women, visionary organizations, and daring pioneers redefining what leadership looks like today.

Inspired by the spirit of Nari Shakti-the strength of women-this book honours those who have stepped into spaces where no one looked like them before. From grassroots movements in India to boardrooms in the Nordics, their stories ignite courage, insight, and a powerful roadmap for a more just world.

It is also a tribute to the men who walk beside them, as allies, mentors, and champions of change, proving that real transformation happens when we move forward together.

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"The First and Only: India & The Nordics - Breaking Barriers, Building Futures is a timely and vital contribution to the global conversation on gender equality and sustainable leadership. By bridging India and the Nordics, Rina Sunder presents a bold vision where inclusion, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership take center stage. Through the inspiring stories of pioneers - women who lead, men who support, and organizations that blaze new trails - this book reminds us that real change happens when courage meets collaboration across cultures and continents." 

-Erik Solheim, former Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme and former Norwegian Minister of Environment and International Development.