Hafele India Marks Year Two of L.I.F.E Initiative, Strengthens Commitment to Women in the Furniture & Design Ecosystem

• Empowering Women to Lead and Innovate in India’s Furniture & Design Sector

Hafele India has stepped into the second year of its pioneering initiative, L.I.F.E – Ladies in Furniture Ecosystem, taking its efforts a step further to empower and elevate women professionals across India’s furniture, design, and manufacturing landscape.

A first-of-its-kind industry platform, L.I.F.E was launched to build a strong, supportive community for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. In its second year, the initiative continues to expand its vision by facilitating deeper learning, stronger networks, and meaningful collaboration opportunities for women entrepreneurs, designers, architects, and manufacturers.

To celebrate this milestone, L.I.F.E hosted an in-person gathering at Bravura Design Solutions, a multidisciplinary design studio in Noida. The event brought together women leaders and professionals from across the design and furniture ecosystem for a day of meaningful discussions, sector-focused conversations, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Highlights included sessions on India’s government roadmap for interior MSMEs and emerging trends shaping modular furniture, led by Ms. Mercy Epao, IAS, Joint Secretary, SME, Government of India, and Ridhi Kale, Senior Associate Editor, India Today HOME. The meet underscored the importance of a strong, collaborative platform where women can exchange ideas, gain insights, and collectively shape the future of the industry.

Speaking about the initiative, Padma Gupta, Director – HR, Customer Experience & Strategy, Hafele South Asia, said: “L.I.F.E represents Hafele’s belief that real progress comes from diversity and equal opportunity. Women across the furniture and design ecosystem have immense talent and potential. With this initiative, we are creating a space that not only recognises their contributions but actively supports their growth and leadership. L.I.F.E is a meaningful step toward building a more innovative, balanced, and future-forward industry.”

As the Chairperson of L.I.F.E, Amita Trehan, Founder, Bravura Design Solutions, added: “Women in this industry are creators, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Yet many navigate their journeys in silos. L.I.F.E brings them together as a strong community—one that celebrates their skill, nurtures ambition, and provides the support needed to progress with confidence. This initiative marks an important movement toward inclusion, collaboration, and shared growth.”

Moving into its second year, L.I.F.E is set to scale its impact through more on-ground interactions, expert-led learning formats, and a growing nationwide network. With Hafele’s continued support, the initiative aims to reshape the professional landscape for women and build a more equitable future for the Indian furniture and design ecosystem.