Mrinalini Rai

Environmental Pioneer Award Winner

Advancing Global Biodiversity & Women’s Environmental Leadership

Internationally respected environmental advocate Mrinalini Rai was honoured with the Environmental Pioneer Award at the 72nd Women of the Year Lunch and Awards for her outstanding contribution to biodiversity conservation and environmental leadership. As the Founder and Director of Women4Biodiversity, Mrinalini leads a global organisation dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in biodiversity conservation and environmental decision-making.

Championing Indigenous Rights & Inclusive Conservation

For nearly two decades, Mrinalini has worked at the intersection of environmental protection, human rights, and gender equality:

• Women4Biodiversity: Founded and directs a recognised global advocacy organisation that elevates women’s knowledge, experience, and vital contributions to nature conservation.
• Global Policy Representation: Strengthens the participation of women’s organisations in crucial international environmental processes, including the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the Minamata Convention on Mercury Pollution.
• Indigenous & Local Advocacy: Champions the voices, rights, and leadership of women from indigenous peoples and local communities in global policy discussions and environmental governance.
• Community-Led Restoration: Bridges the gap between grassroots local communities and global platforms to create more inclusive and equitable conservation efforts.

In the Winner’s Words:

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Environmental Pioneer Award from Women of the Year. This recognition is not only a reflection of my own journey, but of the countless women around the world who are working every day to protect nature, safeguard biodiversity and care for their communities. For many years, I have had the privilege of working alongside women from indigenous peoples and local communities whose knowledge, leadership and commitment have been vital to conservation efforts. Their voices and experiences continue to inspire and guide me. At a time when biodiversity loss presents one of the greatest challenges facing our planet, it is more important than ever that women are recognised as leaders and decision-makers in shaping sustainable solutions. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all those who continue to champion a more inclusive and equitable future for people and nature.” — Mrinalini Rai, Founder & Director, Women4Biodiversity

Chair’s Tribute:

“Mrinalini Rai has dedicated her career to ensuring that the voices of women and local communities are heard in the conversations that will shape the future of our planet. Through her tireless advocacy and leadership, she has demonstrated that effective environmental action must be inclusive, equitable and grounded in the knowledge of those most closely connected to nature. Mrinalini’s work has strengthened global efforts to protect biodiversity, while empowering women to take their rightful place at the forefront of environmental decision-making. It is an honour and real privilege to recognise her groundbreaking efforts.” — Diane Kenwood, Chair, Women of the Year