India Leaders

Cantonment Jan Adhikar Manch, Maharashtra Sunil is a human rights activist taking initiatives for the inclusive development of cantonment residents in Maharashtra. Populations in the cantonments are excluded from mainstream development policies due to longstanding issues of jurisdiction, and because both state and central governments have ignored the population. Sunil firmly believes in constitutional rights and has successfully persuaded the … Read More

Naz Foundation Trust Vrushali Sawant has vast experience engaging with adolescents through sports. She has been working with the Naz Foundation for the last 10 years and is currently implementing the Young People’s Initiative in Mumbai, a sport-centered development initiative for adolescent girls and young women. Vrushali is a black belt in karate and a certified Netball coach. As an … Read More

Soudamini Network of Positive Women & Children Ujwala is an activist who has lived with HIV since 1995. She has dedicated over 25 years of advocacy to the rights of HIV positive people at the local, state, and national level to reduce stigma and discrimination. Through her organization, she promotes HIV/AIDS awareness and facilitates care and support services for HIV … Read More

Saheli Sangh Tejaswi has worked for over 23 years as a facilitator for the only sex workers’ collective in Pune. Her aim is to empower this highly stigmatized and vulnerable community through the process of collectivization. The objective of her work is to support the voices of these women in their struggle to access justice and equal opportunity, as well … Read More

Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF), Chandrapur  Sangita has 20 years of experience promoting quality education through the development of teaching and learning materials, capacity building of teachers and school management committee members, and networking with governments and non-governmental organizations. She is currently executing a project on quality education in collaboration with the education department. Sangita is a mother of two daughters … Read More

Work for Equality Organization Prabha belongs to a marginalized community and is a first-generation learner. She is passionate about promoting gender equity and equality through enhancing girls’ access to education and advocating for the rights of girls from marginalized communities. She is currently advocating with government and civil society for the educational rights of street girls and children belonging to … Read More

Sakhya, Mumbai Natty has been in the social sector for the last 25 years. Her core work revolves around gender justice and health, and is connected with environmental movements. She has worked as a counselor and coordinated activities at the Anti-dowry and Women’s Guidance Cell in collaboration with the District Vigilance Commission, Government of Maharashtra. Through the Cell, she has … Read More

Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi Nasreen is currently working to empower women and girls in the urban resettlement colonies of Nagpur. Her role is to strengthen women’s and girls’ groups, generate awareness about their rights and entitlements, and to help them access government services. She is addressing issues related to sexual and reproductive health, neonatal care, malnutrition, and Muslim women’s issues through … Read More

Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA) Alicia is a post-graduate in social work at the Centre for Equity and Justice for Children and Families at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She works with adolescent girls, youth, and children in informal settlements within cities to help them build their capacity to advocate for their rights. She also serves as … Read More

Prakriti Mahila Vikas Kendra, Chandrapur Bharati works at the grassroots level with women on women’s empowerment and rural development. Her key strengths lie in organizing women and building their capacities to raise their voices for their rights. She has organized 150 self-help groups into a federation with a membership of approximately 1,800 women. One of the core areas of her … Read More