OUR SPEAKERS
Anvay (अन्वय) – A Global Dialogue on Harassment & Discrimination, Towards a Positive Future
Chief Guest
Respected Bhanwari Devi Ji
Indian Social Activist - Driving force behind Vishaka Guidelines
Respected Bhanwari Devi Ji
Indian Social Activist - Driving force behind Vishaka Guidelines
Bhanwari Devi is an Indian social activist known for her tireless efforts to combat child marriage and promote gender equality. Born in 1950 in Bhateri village, Rajasthan, Bhanwari Devi hails from a marginalized community and faced numerous challenges in her early life. Despite limited formal education, she became a beacon of change through her determined activism.
Women's activists and lawyers have propagated the view that Bhanwari attracted the ire of her rapists solely on the basis of her work. A number of groups which championed the latter view filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India, under the collective platform of Vishakha. The petition, filed by Vishakha and four other women's organizations in Rajasthan against the State of Rajasthan and the Union of India, resulted in what are popularly known as the Vishakha Guidelines. The judgment of August 1997 provided to basic definitions of sexual harassment at the workplace and provided guidelines to deal with it. It is seen as a significant legal victory for women's groups in India.
Bhanwari received honours both nationally and internationally. She was invited to be a part of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. In 1994, she was awarded the Neerja Bhanot Memorial Award carrying ₹1 lakh cash prize, for her "extraordinary courage, conviction and commitment".
Hon’ble Ms. Justice Hima Kohli
Sitting Judge, Supreme Court and Former Chief Justice (First Woman to be so) of High Court for the State of Telangana
Hon’ble Ms. Justice Hima Kohli
Sitting Judge, Supreme Court and Former Chief Justice (First Woman to be so) of High Court for the State of Telangana
Kanchan Mathur
Indian Social Activist, Petitioner in Vishaka’s case
Pritam Priyo Ji
Indian Social Activist, Petitioner in Vishaka’s case
Pritam Priyo Ji
Indian Social Activist, Petitioner in Vishaka’s case
Born in 1954 in a village without electricity until 1969, Pritam Priyo attended a girls' school only up to 8th class. Due to the lack of facilities for girls beyond that level, she enrolled in a boys' school, where she was the sole female student, with no female teachers. Embracing her first challenge at the age of 13, she aspired to become a doctor and became the first girl to secure admission to a medical college in 1972.
In 1984, she became involved in a women's program, providing her the opportunity to connect with hardworking rural women in Rajasthan. Bhanwari Ji, one of the Sathins she collaborated with, left a lasting impact. Subsequently, she extended her contributions to UNICEF. Her focus revolves around core issues such as women's health, Appreciative Inquiry, and gender sensitization.
Mamta Jaitly
Indian Social Activist, Petitioner in Vishaka’s case
Dr. Renuka Pamecha
Indian Social Activist, Petitioner in Vishaka’s case
Dr. Renuka Pamecha
Indian Social Activist, Petitioner in Vishaka’s case
Dr. Renuka Pamecha, a retired professor of political science from Kanodia College Jaipur, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her multifaceted roles in championing women's rights and empowerment.
In her role as the Chairperson of Vividha, the Women’s Documentation Centre in Jaipur, Dr. Pamecha actively contributes to the documentation and promotion of women’s issues. Additionally, she serves as the Secretary of Mahila Puranwas Samuh Samiti in Jaipur, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being and upliftment of women in the community.
As the Convenor of the Mahila Suraksha Evam Salah Kendra in Gandhi Nagar, situated in the Women’s Police Station in Jaipur (the first center of its kind in Rajasthan), Dr. Pamecha plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and support of women.
Her legacy as a founding member of the women’s movement in Rajasthan since 1970 reflects her pioneering spirit and dedication to advocating for women's rights and equality.
Dr. Pamecha's contributions extend to being a resource person for women rescues, where she imparts her knowledge through lectures to officers in Operation Theatres (OTs) and at the Police Academy, contributing to the training and development of law enforcement personnel.
In her capacity as the Chairperson of the Local Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) law in Jaipur District, Dr. Pamecha actively addresses and resolves complaints related to workplace harassment, further emphasizing her commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments.
Her significant impact is also evident in being a signatory of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court in 1992, leading to the landmark Vishakha Judgment. Dr. Pamecha's specialization in gender issues, women-related law, and counseling further solidify her position as a beacon of change and a tireless advocate for women's rights.
Vijayalakshmi
Indian Social Activist, Petitioner in Vishaka’s case
Our Speakers
Hon’ble Ms. Justice Sujata Manohar
(Retired) Authored the Vishaka judgement in 1997 and laid down the Vishaka Guidelines which became the basis of the POSH Act, 2013
Hon’ble Ms. Justice Sujata Manohar
(Retired) Authored the Vishaka judgement in 1997 and laid down the Vishaka Guidelines which became the basis of the POSH Act, 2013
Honourable Justice Sujata Vasant Manohar was the first lady to be elevated as a Judge on the bench of Bombay High Court. Her Ladyship was also the first woman Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and took oath to Office of Chief Justice on 15th January 1994. Her Ladyship was transferred as Chief Justice of Kerala High Court with effect from 21st April 1994. Her Ladyship was elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India with effect from 8th November, 1994 and retired on 28th August, 1999.
Her Ladyship also authored the landmark Vishaka Guidelines which eventually led to the passing of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice A. K. Sikri
(Retired) Authored the NALSA judgement in 2014, recognizing the right of transgender persons, which became the basis of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
Hon’ble Mr. Justice A. K. Sikri
(Retired) Authored the NALSA judgement in 2014, recognizing the right of transgender persons, which became the basis of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
Honourable Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri was appointed as a Judge of the Delhi High Court on July 7th 1999. His Lordship was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on October 10th 2011 and elevated as the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 23rd 2012. His Lordship was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on April 12th 2013.
In 2014, Justice Sikri along with Justice KS Radhakrishan gave the historic NALSA judgment that recognised transgenders as the third gender entitled to the full spectrum of constitutional and legal rights bestowed upon the citizens.
Ms Rekha Sharma
Chairperson National Commission for Women
Ms Rekha Sharma
Chairperson National Commission for Women
Ms. Rekha Sharma assumed the charge of Chairperson, National Commission for Women on August 7, 2018. If one takes a closer look at her style of working, the two distinct virtues that define her are leadership spirit and relentless will to keep doing good for women in need. If NCW is known for working round the clock for addressing women’s issues, it is because of her pioneering efforts to be ever ready and reachable for women across the country.
She has been associated with the Commission as a member since August, 2015 and held the additional charge as Chairperson, NCW with effect from September 29, 2017 before becoming its Chairperson on August 7, 2018.
NCW has been setting up new milestones under her leadership ever since she's been at the helm of affairs with the latest being the new helpline launched by the Commission on July 27, 2021 for providing 24/7 support to women affected by violence through referral by linking them with appropriate authorities such as police, hospitals, District Legal Service Authority, psychological services etc. Ever since its launch, the helpline has been functional round-the-clock facilitating integrated range of services for women affected by violence under one roof such as help from police, psycho-social counselling and access to One Stop Centres among other services.
She has been a vocal advocate of gender sensitization of police personnel since they are the first point of contact for victims. Keeping up with NCW’s efforts to sensitize police officials, the Commission signed an MoU with the Bureau of Police Research and Development for gender sensitisation of police personnel across the country and to bring attitudinal and behavioural changes in them. The programme is being fully sponsored by NCW and facilitated by BPR&D.
In continuation with the extraordinary work that the Commission did during the first phase of the pandemic, NCW was quick to rise to the occasion when pregnant women were struggling for medical aid in the second phase of Covid. On April 29, 2021, the Commission launched a Whatsapp helpline number, another brain child of Madam Chairperson to assist pregnant women with medical emergencies. The helpline which had started from a single tweet of Madam Chairperson calling all expecting mothers in need to approach NCW has helped over 900 women till date. The helpline also received huge support from doctors all over the country who came forward to give teleconsultation services to women. The helpline was well received among the general public as well, many of whom donated plasma to expecting mothers.
Madam Chairperson has been an ardent supporter of economic empowerment of women and in continuance with the Commission’s efforts to make women independent and self reliant, NCW launched a business and management course to support digital learning among 5,000 aspiring women entrepreneurs. Under the 'Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship' programme, launched on March 5, 2021, selected women entrepreneurs will be given a special chance to be mentored and incubated by knowledge and mentoring partner after completion of the course. The NCW has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and India SME Forum, the country's largest not-for-profit organization for small and medium enterprises, for the online training programme.
The Commission also launched the third phase of We Think Digital, a global digital literacy program run by NCW, Cyber Peace Foundation and Facebook with an aim to provide digital literacy training to 1.50 lakh women for effectively using online resources and grievance redressal mechanisms to women across states including, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar. The programme has sensitized over 1,05,000 women in its second phase. In 2018, it was launched as 'Digital Shakti' campaign under which 60,000 women across India were imparted digital literacy and trained in online safety.
Madam has chaired a large number of Mahila Jan Sunwais/ Public Hearings in several states across the country and has addressed the issues related to female prisoners including improving the conditions of the undertrials. The inquiry committees chaired by Ms Sharma have been crucial in getting justice for victims of violence. It was under the Chairperson that NCW held the first ever jansunwai in Jammu where cases related to grievances of women were taken up and resolved by the Commission. It was after the Chairperson’s week-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir that the Commission created a separate cell to deal with issues in the region. The Cell will deal with complaints received from the two UTs and will look into the development activities related to women of these regions.
The Commission organizes consultations on a range of laws concerning women. Under her leadership, NCW has conducted consultations on Domestic Violence, Cyber Crime, Sexual Harassment at Workplace, Inter-state women migrant workers, and Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) to discuss the existing legislation and policy perspectives for addressing the problems.
NCW launched a project series, ‘Training Programme of Protection Officers in addressing Domestic Violence’ in collaboration with Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) to address the specific needs of Protection Officers in responding to survivors of domestic violence. The training will focus on the role of different stakeholders/service providers under the Act including police, legal aid services, health system, service providers, shelter services, one stop centres etc.
On August 15, 2020, NCW launched a campaign with the National Legal Services Authority on empowering women through legal services. The campaign aims to legally empower women especially hailing from remote corners of the country. It was launched in eight states with the help of a detailed chain of District Legal Services Authority and the campaign material will be translated into vernacular languages to reach as many women as possible.
During the extraordinary times of the first wave of COVID, when the country was put under a lockdown, NCW under her leadership stood apart with its quick measures to address the new challenges faced by women. The Commission in her guidance has launched a one of its kind WhatsApp helpline number for women in addition to the robust complaint registration system already in place. She was also the pioneer in setting up a special Happy To Help taskforce during the pandemic to help the elderly stuck at home alone in the lockdown helping them with medical emergencies and for procuring essential needs such as groceries and medicines.
Ms Sharma believes in molding the perspective of the society for effective redressal of women’s issues and therefore the Commission regularly organises state and national level competitions on women related laws for students and general public to bring them closer to the concept of gender equality. The Commission under her leadership has also developed legal awareness programmes in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalay Sangathans for students of Class 11th and 12th and also for the students of central and state universities.
When the Supreme Court of India recently held that Hindu women were to be joint legal heir in their ancestral property at par with men, it was also a victory for her untiring advocacy for equal property rights for women. The Commission under her leadership has reviewed some important laws related to women such as Property Rights of women. NCW has also reviewed the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act and the guardianship rights of mothers following which the recommendations were sent to the ministry.
NCW also organized a consultation on policy formulation on ‘Women & Children in disasters’ as women and children are the most adversely affected in cases of a disaster 48 representatives from civil society, State Commissions for Women, National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Relief Force, National Institute for Disaster Management, NHRC and NCPCR participated in the deliberations.
She has worked extensively for the welfare of the north eastern women conducting outreach programmes for students to equip them of their rights and the legal recourse to combat crimes targeted against them. She had conceptualized and organised a mega webinar on issues concerning women from north eastern region living in metropolitan cities which saw the participation of important officials from ministries, NGOs and other civil society organizations. The Commission has also held review of laws related to inter-state women migrant workers and the challenges faced by them.
She held a meeting with 30 police chiefs and representatives for ensuring quick redressal of cases related to domestic violence in the times of COVID along with emphasis on other issues such as problems faced by women migrant workers, cyber crime against women etc.
Ms Sharma has played a pivotal role in the inspection of Swadhar Grehs, functioning under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The Commission has evolved a comprehensive proforma which was sent to 404 Swadhar Grehs (SGs) across the country, to get information on the different aspects of their functioning.
The National Commission for Women has also reviewed the proper execution of women-centric schemes of the government under the Aspirational Districts announced by the Niti Aayog. The Commission members visited these districts and made a compliance report on the effective implementation of women-related schemes of the Centre.
The Commission in order to inform people about the issues related to NRI marriages had conducted a National Seminar in collaboration with Punjab School of Law and National Women's Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala on the topic to spread awareness on the effectiveness of legal remedies available for Indian women trapped in abusive NRI marriages.
Justice Rowan Downing KC
International Jurist, Australian attorney Former Judge, Supreme Court & Court of Appeal in Vanuatu Former Solicitor General, Vanuatu Former Judge, United Nations Dispute Tribunal Part-time President, International Civil Aviation Appeals Board, Montreal
Justice Rowan Downing KC
International Jurist, Australian attorney Former Judge, Supreme Court & Court of Appeal in Vanuatu Former Solicitor General, Vanuatu Former Judge, United Nations Dispute Tribunal Part-time President, International Civil Aviation Appeals Board, Montreal
Justice Rowan Downing KC, an Australian attorney with a global presence since 1993, served as a judge on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in Vanuatu from 1993 to 1995 under an Australian Government aid initiative. Operating within six legal systems during this period, he conducted continuing legal education courses for the legal community and implemented novel court procedures for the safeguarding of women and children.
Upon concluding his Vanuatu appointment, Justice Downing returned to the Victorian Bar, where his diverse practice encompassed commercial law, company law, administrative law, employment law, finance and trade law, regulatory law, land law, criminal law, banking law, and human rights law. He actively advised on transnational commercial projects, administrative law, human resources, human rights, and regulatory matters for esteemed entities like the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the United Nations.
Answering the Asian Development Bank's call, he resumed his role in Vanuatu in 1999 as the Solicitor General until 2002, contributing to the development of legal protections against harassment and bullying in various government civil services.
Nominated by Australia in 2006, Justice Downing served as an international judge for the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal within the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia until 2014, focusing on crimes against humanity and war crimes.
In December 2014, he was elected by the UN General Assembly to the bench of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal in Geneva, subsequently presiding as its president in 2016 and 2017. The tribunal handled numerous cases involving harassment, bullying, and discrimination within the context of disciplinary appeals.
Currently, Justice Downing holds the position of part-time president of the International Civil Aviation Appeals Board in Montreal. In addition to his judicial responsibilities, he provides counsel to various Asian and Pacific governments on matters such as the law of the sea, international financing, international telecommunications law and regulation, human rights, governance/anti-corruption issues, and international criminal law. Furthermore, he actively participates in the development of the proposed International Anti-Corruption Court.
With a career spanning 14 countries, Justice Downing's commitment to global justice and legal development is evident.
Ms Susan Jane Ferguson
Country Representative, UN Women
Ms Susan Jane Ferguson
Country Representative, UN Women
Susan Ferguson has 21 years of international gender and development experience and a further 20 years of development experience in Australia. She has lived and worked overseas – India, South Africa, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Susan has worked across the global Australian Aid program, as a gender specialist, completing in-country missions in Philippines (Mindanao), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Timor Leste, to name a few.
Before working overseas, Susan was an experienced development worker in Australia, designing social services for women, refugees and young people, or working in civil society or government institutions to advance equality and meet the needs of the poorest.
Kate Jenkins AO
Chair, Creative Workplaces Council, Former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
Kate Jenkins AO
Chair, Creative Workplaces Council, Former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
Rachel DiBella, MSW
Associate Director, Strategic Prevention Initiatives Office for Gender Equity Harvard University
Rachel DiBella, MSW
Associate Director, Strategic Prevention Initiatives Office for Gender Equity Harvard University
Rachel DiBella serves as Associate Director for Strategic Prevention Initiatives in the Office for Gender Equity at Harvard University. In her role, Rachel oversees multipronged efforts to prevent and respond to gender-related violence and harm, and to support diversity across the institution. This work spans coalition building, outreach and engagement, training, learning and development, and consultation with organizational leaders in the academic workplace.
Rachel is currently a Doctoral Fellow in the Center for Multicultural and Global Mental Health at William James College, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Psychology, examining the roles of leadership in organizational trauma and resilience. Rachel is additionally a licensed psychotherapist, group facilitator, and part-time faculty at Boston College. Prior to joining Harvard, Rachel oversaw LGBT health, violence prevention, and gender justice initiatives in higher education, healthcare, and legal systems.
Dr. Vinita Chandra
Ramjas College, Delhi University
Dr. Vinita Chandra
Ramjas College, Delhi University
Vinita Chandra has done her Bachelors, Masters, and M.Phil in English Literature from Delhi University, India. She has done her Masters in English Literature, and PhD from Rutgers University, USA. Her Doctoral Thesis is titled ‘Constructing National Identities: Indo-Anglian Fiction’. She is an Associate Professor in Ramjas College, Delhi University, India, and has been teaching English Literature there from 1986 to present.
Vinita has been involved with issues of Gender and Sexual Harassment for the last two decades. She is one of the founding members of the Gender Forum, Ramjas College. She has been the Chairperson of the Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee several times since it was made mandatory by law. She conducts workshops, orientations, lectures, and discussions on sexual harassment routinely. She has published and given interviews about sexual harassment extensively over the last few years. She has contributed a chapter to The Routledge Handbook of the Politics of the #MeToo Movement which came out in 2021. She teaches a module in the United Nations University Gender Equality Scholarship and Training (GEST) on Gender Security and Violence in Reykjyavik, Iceland.
Zeinab Farokhi
Assistant Professor (LTA), Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga Concordia University
Zeinab Farokhi
Assistant Professor (LTA), Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga Concordia University
Mahendra Itkarkar
Executive Director, Human Resources
Mahendra Itkarkar
Executive Director, Human Resources
Mahendra is an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley Human Resources, leading teams across Employee Relations, Risk & Labour Laws Compliance in India. Mahendra has over 2 decades of experience in Human Resources in various industries from Indian Armed Forces, IT, Financial Services, Banking.
Mahendra holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from SPCE, Mumbai and General Management from IIM Lucknow.
Poonam Kapoor
Head of Employee Relations at Credit Suisse, India
Poonam Kapoor
Head of Employee Relations at Credit Suisse, India
Poonam is a seasoned employee relations professional with 25 years of experience, known for her commitment to fostering positive workplace relationships.
She currently serves as the Head of Employee Relations at Credit Suisse, India. Prior to this, she has played a key role at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Throughout her career, Poonam has successfully handled a wide range of employee-related matters, including conflict resolution, discrimination, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, and other work-related grievances. She is known for her exceptional interpersonal skills, which enables her to communicate effectively and empathetically with employees at all levels of an organisation.
Poonam is a strong advocate for fairness and equity in the workplace, having developed and implemented policies and procedures that promote inclusivity and diversity. She has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing employee relations teams.
She is an expert in managing POSH cases and has been instrumental in creating policies in alignment with the POSH Law.
As an employee relations leader, Poonam is committed to creating harmonious and productive work environments where employees feel valued and supported, ultimately contributing to the success and growth of the organisation.
Nina Jane Patel
Safe, Responsible Innovation + Development of Frontier Technology | Head of Research | Doctoral Researcher Kabuni
Nina Jane Patel
Safe, Responsible Innovation + Development of Frontier Technology | Head of Research | Doctoral Researcher Kabuni
Nina Jane Patel spends her time exploring the intersection of psychology, technology, education, and mental health.
As the co-founder and Head of Metaverse Research for Kabuni, she is considered a thought leader on the physiological and psychological impact of the Metaverse, investigating the implications of safety, psychology and physiology of human interaction in this rapidly evolving realm.
Patel is a leading advocate for innovation and education with a commitment to using her expertise to drive positive change. In recognition of her groundbreaking work, she has been awarded the prestigious Wilkie Calvert Scholar Award, which supports her research into the physiological and psychological effects of the Metaverse. Additionally, she was recently honored by the Canada Council for the Arts for her new research investigating the relationship of the body, movement and self-expression in the Metaverse.
As an appointed expert for Interpol's Metaverse Expert Group (i-meg), Patel brings her knowledge and experience to the forefront of global discussions on this rapidly evolving field. Her insights have been featured on a wide range of media outlets, including BBC, DW, CNN, NHK, CNBC, British Vogue, Elle, and Good Morning America 3, among others.
Kevin Lee
CEO, Yuvaa
Kevin Lee
CEO, Yuvaa
Kevin Lee is the CEO of Yuvaa, India’s first Gen Z driven youth media, impact and research platform, that creates meaningful content online and starts meaningful conversations offline. He has built and led campaigns with some of India’s largest for-profit and non-profit organisations alike on issues pertaining to young people. He has spearheaded campaigns with UNICEF, Dasra, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, Purpose and Dasra on one end, and Meta, Spotify, Tinder and Fastrack on the other end. He is also the Executive Producer of Dear Teenage Me, a Spotify Original podcast which has constantly been one of the most listened to podcasts in India. He has won multiple awards for his work across the media landscape, and most recently was inducted into the 30 under 30 class for e4M Impact and Social Samosa. Prior to joining Yuvaa, Kevin was a senior correspondent at CNBC-TV18.
Kapil Dhiman
Award winning CEO - Built the Metaverse Startup of the year and Web3 Advisor
Kapil Dhiman
Award winning CEO - Built the Metaverse Startup of the year and Web3 Advisor
Kapil Dhiman is an award winning CEO who built the Metaverse startup of the Year 2023. He is a Keynote speaker on global stages, Advisor to over 12 startups, and an Author. A sector agnostic business leader, he also created and ran a hip hop music label. Before the entrepreneur journey, Kapil spent a decade in the consulting business driving diversified verticals, and was the Web3 business leader for PwC India.
Dr. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais
International Psychologist, Trauma Specialist BA Psych (India), MSc Psychoanalysis (UK), PhD International Psych (Distinction) (USA) Fourth Dimension Consultancy
Dr. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais
International Psychologist, Trauma Specialist BA Psych (India), MSc Psychoanalysis (UK), PhD International Psych (Distinction) (USA) Fourth Dimension Consultancy
Dr. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais is an international psychology trauma specialist, Founder and Director of Fourth Dimension Consultancy, and the Chair of the International Board of Amnesty International. Dr. Bais's focus is human rights and mental health through a feminist lens. She was a thought leader and strategist inspiring on psychology, leadership, and human rights on her Lite FM radio show Mind Matters which had a weekly listenership of 1 million.
Named a Fellow of the Apolitical Academy, Prestige Magazine's 40 Under 40, and bestowed the Global Citizen Psychologist Citation from the American Psychological Association, Bais is an alumni of Lady Shri Ram College, University College London, Columbia University, The Chicago School, a member of YPO and is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.
With two decades in the international fashion industry as a model and named a super model by Vogue, Bais's prerequisite for appearing on covers is that staunch attention is paid to body positivity. She has received Savvy's people's choice award for being the role model women most believed in.
Palak Jain
Government Affairs | Justice Administration l Law & Policy
Palak Jain
Government Affairs | Justice Administration l Law & Policy
With governance, public service, and policy affairs as my passion, I have worked in an array of sectors in the last 8 years of my professional journey as a lawyer - be it corporate governance, education, gender, political outreach, skill development & entrepreneurship.
During this time, I have worked together with government (both central and state), development sector, and even corporate clients, rendering my expertise in crafting effective legal, policy & programme strategies while also ensuring due compliance, last mile implementation and a measurable positive impact.
I am a negotiator/mediator/arbitrator in training. I am also a certified PoSH trainer/consultant offering services as External Member.
Steve Dennis
B.A.Sc., M.A. Recovery Coach & Survivor Advocate
Steve Dennis
B.A.Sc., M.A. Recovery Coach & Survivor Advocate
Since 2002, Steve Dennis has dedicated himself to humanitarian aid work in the field, collaborating with various NGOs and UN agencies.
During his service in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya in 2012, a convoy Steve was traveling in fell under attack by armed men. The assailants shot five staff members, including Steve (who sustained injuries), and kidnapped him along with three colleagues, transporting them into Somalia. After a few harrowing days, they were rescued in a subsequent violent confrontation.
In 2015, Steve achieved a court ruling that exposed gross negligence within his former organization, highlighting a pervasive disregard for staff safety throughout its hierarchy.
In the aftermath, Steve shifted his focus to working with individuals as a Recovery Coach and Survivor Advocate. He also became a consultant for organizations, advising on the enhancement of duty of care, the implementation of more efficient recovery processes, and the reinforcement of accountability. Furthermore, Steve actively promotes the destigmatization of mental health and advocates for a survivor-centric support approach.
Ashish Aggarwal
Vice President and Head of Public Policy, NASSCOM
Ashish Aggarwal
Vice President and Head of Public Policy, NASSCOM
Since 2018, Ashish has been at the forefront of Nasscom, spearheading regulatory and policy interactions with India's technology sector, governmental bodies, and regulators. His focus encompasses shaping policies and legislations concerning data, artificial intelligence utilization, governance of digital platforms, online safety, and digital trade.
In his previous role at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Ashish played a pivotal role in providing technical assistance to the Indian Ministry of Finance. His expertise contributed to the regulation of financial products, digital payments, and the enhancement of consumer protection measures.
Dr. Charlene Doak-Gebauer
Founder/Chair Internet Sense First, Founder and Chair the AICET Council, Global Chair Childcare and Protection, G100
Dr. Charlene Doak-Gebauer
Founder/Chair Internet Sense First, Founder and Chair the AICET Council, Global Chair Childcare and Protection, G100
Charlene has been in demand globally, having presented in Canada (including Parliament Hill), the United States, Iceland, Europe, and India. She has developed a Theory of Digital Supervision for child and family protection online.
Sujata Nabar
DGM - Ethics & Governance Mahindra Group
Sujata Nabar
DGM - Ethics & Governance Mahindra Group
17+ years experience as an in-house legal counsel for FMCG industry.
Kinjal Maulin Salvi
Founding member World Metaverse Council
Kinjal Maulin Salvi
Founding member World Metaverse Council
An Associate member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). I hold Master of Business Law from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia. I will be soon qualifying for the Chartered Governance Professional (CGP) status with the Governance Institute of Australia (through MOU between ICSI and the Chartered Governance Institute).
I have distinguished exposure and an experience of over 8 plus years in the corporate world. Having an expertise in various spheres of secretarial advisory and have played a predominant role as a Country director and company secretary in her previous engagements.
I focus on various corporate law compliances, secretarial audits and due diligences of various companies in diverse sectors. My practice areas include advisory services under company law, securities laws, RBI regulations and related laws. She also provides transactional support including structuring, advising on entry for foreign entities in India, joint ventures, acquisitions and corporate restructuring etc.
I am also adept in advising on trade laws, customs related matters and international trade. I have closely worked with the Ministry of Agriculture (Krishi Bhavan) to represent my previous organization for nationwide trade use of first-time product: Diatomite Amorphous Silica – Granules to be included in the Fertilisers Control Order, 1908. I have appeared before the Special Valuations Branch of Customs to approve the arms length trade transaction (mainly imports/exports) between parent and subsidiary company in India.
I have taken policy initiatives and made representations before the NITI Aayog and has closely worked with AUSTRADE (Trade arm of Australian High Commission in India) to strengthen trade relations between India and Australia.
I have researched and written various briefing and research papers during my time at UNSW on Insolvency Trade Law, Cybercrime, Initial Coin Offerings, Role of FinTech on the future of banking industry, Internal Law and Diplomatic relations etc.
Ju’Riese Colon
Denver, Colorado, USA Chief Executive Officer U.S. Center for SafeSport
Ju’Riese Colon
Denver, Colorado, USA Chief Executive Officer U.S. Center for SafeSport
Experienced nonprofit executive and child safety advocate and with more than 15 years’ experience providing strategic direction and vision for the development and implementation of child safety and risk management programs, national partnerships, education and prevention programs, and national marketing and engagement campaigns.
Areas of expertise include child safety, risk management, policy development, crisis communications, compliance, prevention education, online safety, program development, community engagement, media and public relations, public speaking, strategic planning, and marketing.
Kiran Nayak
Disability and Transgender Activist, Karnataka
Kiran Nayak
Disability and Transgender Activist, Karnataka
Kiran is a Disability and Transgender Activist in Karnataka.
In 2010, Kiran joined as a volunteer with Sangama, a resource centre on sexuality. It was during this time that he received training in sexuality and learned about gender for the first time. Subsequently, Kiran obtained a small fellowship to address transgender and disability issues in Chikkaballapur district. During his work in the district, he encountered numerous challenges and identified several issues. Individuals who were both transgender and had a disability faced problems such as family harassment, sexual harassment, and police harassment. Moreover, there was a lack of organizations addressing these issues specifically in Chikkaballapur. In response, Kiran took the initiative to establish an organization named Nisarga, collaborating with fellow transgender individuals. As of now, Nisarga boasts a membership of 3,500 individuals.
In 2010, Kiran initiated the Karnataka Vikalachetanara Sanghatane (KVS), formally registered in 2012, with a primary emphasis on sexuality and disability. The organization is engaged in advocacy efforts addressing issues related to accessibility.
Kiran is also associated with Solidarity Foundation in Bangalore and deals specifically on female-to-male transgender issues.
Passionate about the cause, Kiran emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where individuals experience dignity and equitable treatment as other citizens do. He sees political participation as a crucial avenue for amplifying our voices on matters concerning sexual minorities.
Luiza Drummond Veado
Human Rights and Gender Specialist, SOGIESC Expert, New York, United States
Luiza Drummond Veado
Human Rights and Gender Specialist, SOGIESC Expert, New York, United States
Luiza is a dedicated Brazilian attorney committed to advancing human rights and social justice. Specializing in multilateralism, development, gender, and combating gender-based violence, Luiza is an expert in SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, and sex characteristics) issues.
As the former Senior Program Officer for United Nations Engagement at Outright International, Luiza served as the Secretariat of the United Nations LGBTI Core Group, leading civil society coalitions and contributing to groundbreaking initiatives.
Previously, as a Human Rights Specialist at the Rapporteurship on Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Persons of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Luiza authored thematic reports and played a key role in regional leading cases on human rights.
She is also a published author of academic articles on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics and has trained over two hundred activists and government officials on international and regional non-discrimination standards, policy, and advocacy. Luiza is passionate about empowering individuals and communities to advocate for their rights.
Matt Skallerud
LGBTQ+ Marketing, Advertising, PR & Social Media, World's Leading LGBTQ+ Global Media Company, Pennsylvania, United States
Matt Skallerud
LGBTQ+ Marketing, Advertising, PR & Social Media, World's Leading LGBTQ+ Global Media Company, Pennsylvania, United States
Matt is a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience as the President of Pink Media. A dedicated LGBTQ+ marketing expert, Matt assists companies in effectively reaching their target LGBTQ audience online. Matt is proficient in leveraging traditional and specialized online media tools, such as banner ads, email, blogs, YouTube videos, Twitter, and Facebook, and he excels in creating and executing engaging marketing campaigns.
Matt’s mission revolves around collaborating with companies seeking to enhance the efficiency and performance of their online marketing endeavours. Specializing in programmatic and real-time bidding (RTB) ad buying, social media, and SEO deep-dive analytics, he strategically implements online video strategies, optimizing sites and campaigns for the LGBTQ audience. With a robust background in LGBTQ B-to-B media, he has successfully founded and sold several LGBTQ websites and publications in the past. Always open to new opportunities and challenges, he is eager to expand their knowledge and network in the LGBTQ+ marketing field.
Scott Sallee
Social Impact & Sustainability at Dentsu UK, Co-Chair: Wellbeing, Steerco: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent
Scott Sallee
Social Impact & Sustainability at Dentsu UK, Co-Chair: Wellbeing, Steerco: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent
Scott is a distinguished D&I leader celebrated in Top Inspirational D&I Leaders 2022 in the Global Benchmark of D&I Leaders. Scott has also been honoured among the Top 10 Diversity Heroes at the 2021 British LGBT Awards. Scott was also recognized as a Game-Changing Talent at Dentsu for 2021 to 2022.
Scott has been featured in Attitude Magazine in its April/May 2022 issue and received high commendation for inspirational inclusive leadership on the 2022 IPA iList. With a rich history of interdisciplinary leadership, Scott excels in ambassadorial roles that encompass communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management.
A staunch advocate for maintaining consistent quality across all stakeholders, Scott attributes success in diverse industries to genuine communication, emotional intelligence, detailed follow-through, and an unwavering work ethic. As a neurodivergent neurodiversity advocate, Scott is passionately committed to fostering inclusive environments that champion diversity and equality.
Eleanor Manley
Co-Founder at Metta Space (Techstars '23)
Eleanor Manley
Co-Founder at Metta Space (Techstars '23)
Building tech for safer and empowered workforces.
As Co-Founder at Metta Space, I’m a firm believer that profitable businesses have the capability to be a force to change the world for the better.
Dr. Meenu Bhambhani
Vice President- Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (GIDE) Business Consultant State Street
Dr. Meenu Bhambhani
Vice President- Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (GIDE) Business Consultant State Street
Meenu Bhambhani is the VP, Global Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (GIDE), at State Street. She is a CSR & DEI professional with over two decades of experience in the area of human development with specialisation in social policy. In her current role, she is responsible for GIDE Consultancy across State Street globally. Prior to joining State Street, Meenu spent over a decade at Mphasis, a global IT conglomerate leading CSR and Diversity &Inclusion where she was instrumental in creating opportunities that provided high profile recognition opportunities for their programs especially around addressing systemic challenges to disability inclusion. Her early career was spent working with the World Bank and non-profit sector on research and disability advocacy. She is an alumunus of International Ford Foundation Fellowship and holds a Masters in Disability and Human Development from University of Illinois at Chicago. She strongly self-identifies herself at many intersections of disability – professional, woman and South Asian origin Indian with a disability.
She is well recognized nationally and internationally with prominent recognitions being President’s National Award in the category of Best Individuals Promoting Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in 2010; received special recognition at NASSCOM for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion; Received APAC Disability Award in Marketplace Category for Innovative Programmes in Disability Inclusion through CSR. Most recently she was the finalist for Community Business’ D&I Campion of Change Award, 2022.
Aniha Brar
Dean, Young India Fellowship and Vice Chancellor’s Office Ashoka University
Aniha Brar
Dean, Young India Fellowship and Vice Chancellor’s Office Ashoka University
Aniha Brar is currently Dean of the Young India Fellowship and Vice Chancellor’s Office at Ashoka University. She was part of the founding team of the Young India Fellowship (YIF), and has also taught Critical Writing courses at the programme. She has had oversight of the curriculum, student engagement, admissions and outreach for the YIF. Over the years, she has also served on various central University committees dealing with student and staff concerns
In a career that has spanned diverse organisations and domains, Aniha specialises in education and communication, and has been a part of several organisations in the education and media industries. Prior to joining Ashoka, Aniha has been associated with various organisations, including ESPN, Sony Entertainment Television, Synergy Adlabs and 9.9 Media. She has vast experience in multimedia projects that include covering live events, producing television shows, writing and editing. She has been been faculty at Harappa Education and conducted multiple workshops on professional communication.
In 2021, Aniha was recognised by the Vedica Women’s Alliance (V-WA50) and won the award for ‘exemplary leadership in academia’.
Aniha holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature from St. Stephen’s College (Delhi University) and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the Mass Communication Research Centre (Jamia Millia Islamia).
Arvind Rao
Advocate Supreme Court of India, Legal Counsel in Adigator Media, IPC NEWS NETWORK, Corporate Advocate
Arvind Rao
Advocate Supreme Court of India, Legal Counsel in Adigator Media, IPC NEWS NETWORK, Corporate Advocate
Arvind Rao is a Advocate Supreme Court of India, Legal Counsel in Adigator Media, IPC NEWS NETWORK, Corporate Advocate. With a personal passion for advocating for persons with disabilities, Arvind, who himself has cerebral palsy, has made it his mission to promote disability rights and enhance accessibility to legal knowledge for individuals with disabilities and corporate companies alike.
Having obtained his LLB from Delhi University, Arvind initially embarked on a career in corporate law. However, he soon recognized the potential of his disability as a powerful catalyst for driving change. Arvind shifted his focus towards championing disability rights and worked tirelessly to ensure equitable access to justice and the law for persons with disabilities.
Drawing from his experience as a corporate advocate, Arvind possesses a distinctive perspective on disability-related matters, effectively bridging the gap between the legal and corporate realms. Moreover, his consultancy services extend to providing expert guidance on leveraging the power of LinkedIn to enhance professional opportunities for individuals and businesses.
Whether it's offering strategic insights on disability rights or providing specialized consultancy on maximizing LinkedIn's potential, Arvind Rao is committed to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in both the legal and professional spheres.
Nohid Nooreyezdan
Senior Partner, AZB & Partners
Nohid Nooreyezdan
Senior Partner, AZB & Partners
With over 28 years of experience, Nohid Nooreyezdan advises on Employment, Compliance & Investigation / White-Collar Crime and Real Estate matters. Nohid has assisted clients on various aspects of complex employment law issues pertaining to workforce structuring, contentious senior managerial exits, reductions in force, closures, employee transfers, integrations pursuant to corporate transactions and cross-border employee benefits, including employee stock option plans. A significant portion of her practice is focussed on assisting employers mitigate risks of litigation and ensuring compliance with Indian law. In addition to the law, Nohid is also bolstered by a degree in social services and has developed a strong understanding of the laws relating to workplace harassment on which she regularly advises clients. She has led several FCPA and Indian anti-corruption related investigations, worked with independent counsel and forensic advisors and has conducted document reviews and interviews of custodians on allegations of commercial bribery and bribery of public servants. Her real estate experience includes assisting with acquisitions, disposals, development and planning, leasing and financing matters. Nohid holds a Bachelor of Arts (Law) from the University of London, United Kingdom.
Monika Pareek
Doctoral Student Florida State University
Monika Pareek
Doctoral Student Florida State University
Monika Pareek is a doctoral student at the Department of Sociology at Florida State University. Her research interests include studying gender-based disparities and marginalization(s) in the developing world, specially India. She has previously been trained as a Social Worker at TISS, and worked as a Research Officer with the TISS, Mumbai-based project ‘Resource Center for Interventions on Violence Against Women’. As a budding sociologist and researcher, Monika continues to remain committed to doing research that contributes to improving the lives of women in the Global South.
Vindhya Undurti
(Former) Professor at Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Vindhya Undurti
(Former) Professor at Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Prof. U. Vindhya, PhD was formerly with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad campus as Professor of Psychology and Deputy Director. She is the recipient of several awards and fellowships including the South Asian Visiting Scholarship (Oxford University); Fulbright Visiting Lecturership (USA); Visiting Professorships in Hungary and Sweden; and the Distinguished Publication Award (USA) for her co-edited book Handbook of International Feminisms: Perspectives on Psychology, Women, Culture and Rights (Springer, New York).
Her research interests are located in the interface of psychology and feminism and have focused on gender and mental health, violence against women, trafficking of women, feminist counselling, and the psychological dynamics of women's political activism.
She has led several research projects sponsored by the World Bank, Gates Foundation, Plan India, ICRW, UGC and the ICSSR, amongst others, and has published widely in national and international journals and edited volumes. She was the Project Director of the Sakhi One Stop Centres for gender-based violence, a project for which TISS Hyderabad is a knowledge partner with the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, Govt of Telangana.
In addition to teaching and research, she has been involved in conducting training and capacity building programmes on gender sensitization, stress management and basic counselling skills for educational institutions, police and the paramilitary, industry and corporate organizations, media and publishing houses. She is an external member of Internal Committee in educational institutions, corporate, government, and non-governmental organizations.
Kopal Naithani
Founder/ Director - Superfly Films
Kopal Naithani
Founder/ Director - Superfly Films
Kopal Naithani is one of India’s leading advertising directors today, and a trailblazer of sorts for young women in the industry. She started out with Shoojit Sircar working closely with him over 16 years. In 2016 she launched her own production house ‘Superfly Films’. Over these two decades, Kopal has made a mark as a director-producer in the Indian advertising industry. Her work has won her 5 ABBYS (2023) for “The Superwoman” and “The Interview'', 1 Gold for “The Superwoman” at the Kyoorius Creative Awards and 2 Silvers for “The Superwoman” and “The Interview” respectively. She also won 3 ABBYs (2022) for “Marriage Conversations’ and 5 DIGIES (2019) for ‘Choose Your Age’ and ‘Gen E’ under her belt. ‘Marriage Conversations’ also won the Grand Prix at the Ladli Media and Advertising Awards in the Gender Sensitivity category.
Today, she is recognised for her story-telling, detailing, and for extracting powerful performances. She has established herself as a creator of powerful and stylish films, without compromising on her core aesthetic values. Despite disparate brands like Flipkart, Glow and Lovely, Lifebuoy, Nyka and Vivo, as well as Tanishq and Byju’s, she has retained her skill of both performance- and style- driven films.
Kopal has also expanded her oeuvre to long-form filmmaking: she is the co-director, along with Tanuja Chandra, for an all-female-lead web series titled ‘Hush Hush’ that released in 2022 on Amazon Prime Video to both popular and critical acclaim. Since then, she has worked on two more shows for Amazon Prime Video which are slated for release at the end of the year. However, advertising remains, and shall continue to be, her true love and passion.
Alankrita Shrivastava
Screenwriter, Director and Producer
Alankrita Shrivastava
Screenwriter, Director and Producer
Alankrita Shrivastava is an award-winning feature film and series director and screenwriter from Mumbai, India with a penchant for telling women’s stories. She likes to explore the interior world of women through her films.
Most recently Alankrita has co-written the critically acclaimed, award winning and hugely popular Emmy nominated Amazon Prime Original series MADE IN HEAVEN Season 2, which released in September, 2023. She has also directed two of the episodes. She was a co-writer and a director of Made in Heaven Season One (2019) as well. The series has been a watershed for the portrayal of LGBQT characters and exposing the deep patriarchy that lies just beneath the surface of Indian society.
Alankrita Shrivastava has written and directed a segment of the much-loved and critically acclaimed series MODERN LOVE MUMBAI for Amazon Prime Video, that released in May 2022.
Alankrita Shrivastava created, wrote, directed and executive produced a drama series for Netflix, called BOMBAY BEGUMS, featuring Pooja Bhatt. It released in March 20121 to critical acclaim and popular success.
DOLLY KITTY AUR WOH CHAMAKTE SITARE, Alankrita’s third feature film as writer-director, featuring Bhumi Pednekar and Konkona Sensharma, premiered at the Busan International Film Festival (2019), and released as a Netflix Original in September 2020.
Alankrita’s second feature film as writer-director, LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA released in India in July 2017, and was a critical and commercial success.
The film created a huge conversation across the media, social media and film watchers about what is the real freedom of expression allowed for women, in a country that is the world’s largest democracy.
Acclaimed critically in India and internationally, Lipstick Under My Burkha has travelled to over 80 international film festivals. It has won 18 international awards including the Spirit of Asia Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival, the inaugural Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality at the Mumbai Film Festival, the Grand Jury Prize at Films De Femmes International Festival in France to the Best Film at the Glasgow Film Festival, Best Film at the London Asian Film Festival, the Jury Prize at the Washington DC South Asian Film Festival. It has also won Awards at Cines del Sur, Granada, Spain, Cinemasia Amsterdam and the New York Indian Film Festival. It also won the inaugural TVE Global Sustainability Award for Film in London, for its contribution to gender equality.
Alankrita Shrivastava was named one of the 50 Most Influential Young Indians by GQ magazine in 2017.
Alankrita has previously written and directed her debut feature film - Turning 30 (2011). The coming of age of a woman as she grapples with heartbreak and a crisis in her career, in the face of her 30th birthday.
Alankrita has also written and directed a fiction short Open Doors (featuring Tisca Chopra, on a day in the life of a woman battling marital abuse), a documentary and a music video. She has worked on many Indian feature films in different capacities, including being the Associate Director on Raajneeti and the Executive Producer on Khoya Khoya Chand.
Alankrita Shrivastava read Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University (2000), and Mass Communication at Jamia Milia Islamia (2003). She went to Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun (1997).
Prerna Wadikar
Weidenfeld, Saïd, Oxford, Hoffmann and Lincoln Scholar
Prerna Wadikar
Weidenfeld, Saïd, Oxford, Hoffmann and Lincoln Scholar
Prerna is a polymath with an impressive portfolio career in leadership roles across multinationals, philanthropies, and governments in Africa, Asia, Europe, and 25 states in India.
She currently serves as the Program Director at the School of Ultimate Leadership, an institution dedicated to strengthening public service leadership in India. She pioneered institutional ESG (Environmental Social & Governance) education in India at establishments of national importance. Notably, she conducts executive ESG courses for senior working professionals at IIM Bangalore, the top B-school in the country.
She is also a board member at the Central British Fund for World Jewish Relief, operating in 20 countries. Additionally, she provides guidance to sustainable startups as a business advisor for German Accelerator and Founders Institute Germany.
Prerna is a postgraduate degree in Public Policy from IIM Bangalore, an MBA from Saïd Business School as a Weidenfeld, Oxford, Hoffmann, Lincoln, and Saïd scholar and has a specialization in sustainable finance from ESMT Berlin.
Besides being the first female MBA recipient of the Oxford Vice Chancellor’s Social Impact Award, Prerna has been recognised with the prestigious India-UK Achievers Award, an honour shared with other luminaries such as the ex-Prime Minister of India. She has also been awarded the Top 50 Asia Pacific Kindness and Leadership Leading Lights for her impactful contributions.
Priyanka Chirimar
Founder at AAPC & Co-Founder at Nanshe
Priyanka Chirimar
Founder at AAPC & Co-Founder at Nanshe
International Administrative Law; International Protection of Human Rights and Promotion of Rule of Law; IHL and ICL; Gender & the Law; ADR; and Disability Rights.
Priyanka Chirimar is a human rights attorney from India with 14 years in domestic and international courts on a wide range of legal matters. She started her career with Human Rights Law Network, a pro bono law firm, where she undertook litigation, advocacy, and legal empowerment work in India.
She specialised in rights of persons with disabilities and represented victim/survivors of child sexual abuse. Following the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, Priyanka moved to Srinagar on a self-initiated project to provide legal aid in disaster struck villages along the border, bringing nearly 800 claims to the High Court in public interest for comprehensive rehabilitation.
In 2007, she started as an intern with the UN ICTY and after ten years with the UN, resigned her position as Legal Officer and Investigator at the UNAKRT in Cambodia. She was the 2017-18 Wasserstein Fellow-in-Residence at the Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising and the International Human Rights Program at the Harvard Law School. During her time with the UN courts and tribunals, Priyanka was elected to the Staff Unions where she assisted staff members with administrative legal matters on a wide range of Staff Rules and Regulations. This expertise has culminated in her brand new initiative 'Action Against Prohibited Conduct', a global online legal resource on sexual harassment, retaliation and other forms of discrimination for people working in international organisations.
Priyanka holds a Bachelor of Social & Legal Sciences and LL.B from Symbiosis Law College, University of Pune and an LL.M in Public International Law from LSE, which she attended as a PJD Wiles Scholar.
Kiranmayi Addu
Scientist-B, UNICEF, ICMR-NIN
Kiranmayi Addu
Scientist-B, UNICEF, ICMR-NIN
Addu Kiranmayi bagged the prestigious National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR Certificate for successfully completing Masters in Applied Nutrition in the year 2016 in Hyderabad.
Born and bought up in Hyderabad, Kiranmayi studied at St. Anns High School (ICSE) and did her B.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Kasturba Gandhi College. She completed her Masters in Applied Nutrition from National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad.
Being one of the most promising students of NIN, she was a very active participant in a wide range of activities in the Research Institute. She achieved many globally recognized national and international awards and certificates. She also bagged the “All Round Best Nutrition Champion Student Award” from NIN and Indian Dietetic Association Telangana Chapter.
Kiran is extremely passionate about Nutrition and loves to explore various fields of Nutrition. She started her career as a young Professor in Nutrition at St. Anns Degree and Pg college and then worked as a Professor at Madina Degree and Pg College. She got an international opportunity to work in an International Research Project as a Research Clinical Dietitian with Osmania General Hospital and travelled to Greece and Dubai on business trips. She has a track record of presenting and publishing several research papers in international journals. She then worked with Ideal Protein International Company as a Chief Nutritionist, she was heading the department of Nutrition at Apollo Cradle hospital and now she is currently working as a Nutrition Scientist with UNICEF funded Project named Let’s Fix Our Food which deals with Adolescent and Child Nutrition. It’s been an incredible journey so far and she loves to learn and explore more in the field of Nutrition. Kiran has delivered a talk on Sports Nutrition at a sports carnival event held at Indian School of Business. She even delivered a talk on Nutrition During Pregnancy at Motherhood hospital for pregnant women. She has given diet counseling to top celebrities and Politicians in India. Her articles related to Nutrition and Health are published in top newspapers like Deccan Chronicle, Times of India, Hindu etc. She was invited as a guest speaker for debate shows on health and nutrition in top news channels like Tv 9, Tv 5, NTv etc. She Received the most prestigious Dr. APJ ABDUL KALAM AWARD for excellence in the field of Medical Nutrition and for being a warrior during covid times and treating covid patients.
Her approach to nutrition is grounded in evidence-based practice and continuous learning. She stays up to date with the latest research and advancements in nutrition science to ensure that her recommendations are based on the most current and accurate information available. She excels in understanding the eating habits of clients, emotional eating, food budget, culture, work/training routines and incorporates traditional and easy to make meals in their plans. Her food philosophy is “Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments”.
Vikas Mahendra
Co-Founder, Technology Enabled Resolution Partner, Keystone Partners Convenor, Indian Arbitration Forum South Asia Representative, ICC Young ADR and Arbitration Forum
Vikas Mahendra
Co-Founder, Technology Enabled Resolution Partner, Keystone Partners Convenor, Indian Arbitration Forum South Asia Representative, ICC Young ADR and Arbitration Forum
Vikas Mahendra is a distinguished arbitration specialist, renowned for his extensive experience as arbitrator and counsel across the globe. With a robust background in investment treaty and commercial arbitrations, Vikas has navigated the intricacies of disputes in diverse regions such as India, South-East Asia, Middle-East, Central America, Africa, Europe, and the UK. His expertise encompasses a wide array of cases conducted under prestigious arbitration rules, including UNCITRAL, ICC, SIAC, LCIA, QICCA, and the ICA.
Having honed his skills in Herbert Smith Freehills' London, Paris, and Singapore offices, Vikas brings a wealth of international perspective to his role at Keystone Partners. His focus extends to technology-related disputes, shareholder conflicts, and disputes arising from complex construction projects.
A sought-after speaker, Vikas is regularly invited to share his insights at conferences organized by esteemed institutions such as ICC, LCIA, SIAC, MCIA, CIArb, NITI Aayog, and Agami. Currently serving on a Sub-Committee formed by the Department of Justice, Government of India, Vikas contributes to enhancing e-Court Services in the country. His involvement in the High-Level Committee reviewing arbitration institutionalization and consultations with NITI Aayog showcase his commitment to shaping arbitration and dispute resolution policies.
As a Visiting Faculty for International Commercial Arbitration at the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, Vikas imparts his knowledge to the next generation.
Beyond academia, he co-founded Technology Enabled Resolution (TERES), leveraging AI and NLP for transcription and document management, and the Centre for Online Resolution of Disputes (CORD), striving to make resolution mechanisms more accessible through technology. Vikas Mahendra stands at the forefront of advancing arbitration globally, seamlessly blending legal acumen with technological innovation.
Vikram Shroff
Head, HR Laws (Employment & Labor), Nishith Desai Associates
Vikram Shroff
Head, HR Laws (Employment & Labor), Nishith Desai Associates
Vikram, as the Head of HR Laws (Employment & Labor) at Nishith Desai Associates, specializes in a variety of employment and labor projects. This includes advising on employment and labor laws, negotiating contracts, creating legal documents such as non-disclosure agreements and intellectual property assignments, offering guidance on competition and solicitation restrictions, structuring expatriate arrangements, drafting company policies and handbooks, assisting with compensation structuring, documenting stock option plans, advising on employee transfer and post-merger integration, handling employment termination, downsizing, and reduction in force, providing support on employment litigation matters, and offering counsel on employment-related immigration laws.
Indu Madhavi Iragavarapu
Professional Development Manager, Nord Anglia Education, The Oakridge International School
Indu Madhavi Iragavarapu
Professional Development Manager, Nord Anglia Education, The Oakridge International School
Zainab Patel
Inclusion Catalyst, Lead Inclusion & Diversity, Pernod Ricard India
Zainab Patel
Inclusion Catalyst, Lead Inclusion & Diversity, Pernod Ricard India
Zainab held roles as a Program Officer, Human Rights Policy Analyst, and Manager (HIV, Health & Human Rights) at UNDP.
Later, she served as KPMG's Director of Inclusion & Diversity, and currently, she is the Lead Inclusion & Diversity at Pernod Ricard India.
Zainab is a results-oriented catalyst recognized for developing and implementing inclusive strategies across diverse sectors, including the UN, NGOs, and the private sector. Her expertise in LGBTIQ+ issues, women's empowerment, human rights, and inclusion and diversity has garnered recognition in India and the South/Southeast Asia region, where she is a community leader and public speaker.
Amar Jain
Corporate Lawyer, Certified Professional on Web Accessibility, Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility
Amar Jain
Corporate Lawyer, Certified Professional on Web Accessibility, Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility
Amar Jain, a qualified advocate and accessibility professional, has collaborated with law firms under exclusive retainership as a corporate lawyer. His expertise spans deals in Indian and international capital markets, as well as Banking & Finance. Amar has contributed to transactions such as Initial Public Offers, Qualified Institutions Placements, Rights Issues, Bulk and Block Deals, Corporate Advisory, Agreements Drafting and Reviewing, External Commercial Borrowings, Bonds, and securitization, involving both rupee and foreign currency borrowings.
Additionally, Amar holds certification as a Web Accessibility Professional from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. This certification, obtained by a limited number of individuals globally, positions Amar to offer consultancy and training on making websites and apps accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Living with blindness as defined under the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016, Amar has been recognized for his contributions. He received the NCPEDP Mphasis Javed Abidi Public Policy Award and the Sarojini Trilok Nath national award for best role model, acknowledging his work in public policy and serving as a role model, respectively.
Beyond his legal services, Amar is actively involved in empowering persons with disabilities. He co-founded Mission Accessibility, an initiative dedicated to breaking down barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing apps and websites in India. Amar and his team advocate for digital accessibility as a right, engaging with developers to address issues and empower users to voice their concerns productively.
Mission Accessibility has extended its impact by delivering talks on 'Digital Accessibility as a Right' at various educational institutions, contributing to public awareness in this vital field.
Ms. Rekha Balakrishnan
Lead Editor for HerStory and SocialStory
Ms. Rekha Balakrishnan
Lead Editor for HerStory and SocialStory
With more than 25 years in journalism, Rekha Balakrishnan experience covers different domains – from business, information technology, entertainment to gender and social impact. As Lead Editor for HerStory and SocialStory – two verticals at YourStory, she writes at the intersection of gender, women’s empowerment, social enterprise, and social impact.
Isha Sinha
Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Sr. Vice President, Medicover Hospitals, India
Isha Sinha
Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Sr. Vice President, Medicover Hospitals, India
Isha Sinha is a legal powerhouse making waves in the Indian legal landscape. She is currently the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President at Medicover Hospitals in India. Her stellar achievements have earned her a well-deserved spot on the Forbes India Legal Powerlist of 2022, where she was recognized as a Top In-House Lawyer.
Isha's academic prowess is reflected in her alma mater, the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-Kozhikode). Armed with a strong foundation in business and management, she brings a unique perspective to her legal practice.
Chetna M Malaviya
Head Corporate Enterprise Global Bees
Chetna M Malaviya
Head Corporate Enterprise Global Bees
Over the course of more than two decades, Chetna M Malaviya has earned respect and recognition for her valuable contributions to Organization Development, Human Resource Management, and Executive Coaching. Her expertise lies in driving agile transformations within organizations.
Known for her unconventional thinking and a passion for delving into the intricacies of leadership, Chetna has been at the forefront of numerous HR interventions. Her approach to people management is grounded in the principles of Emotional and Social Intelligence based on neuroscience.
Chetna holds certifications in MBTI, DISC profiling, Hogan Assessments, Design Thinking for Innovation (Darden School of Business), Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (Korn Ferry), and Emotional Intelligence Coaching (Goleman EI). As a certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, she stands out as the sole representative from India in Daniel Goleman's inaugural coaching cohort of 2018.
Currently, Chetna holds the position of heading Corporate Enterprise at GlobalBees Brands Private Limited, an Indian Unicorn.
Priyanka
Chief Operating Officer, Manupatra
Priyanka
Chief Operating Officer, Manupatra
Priyanka is the Chief Operating Officer at Manupatra, a trailblazing legal-tech firm at the forefront of simplifying operations for legal professionals through cutting-edge technology products. A founding team member, Priyanka has been instrumental in pioneering online legal research in India. With an impressive 26-year track record, she brings expertise in building organizations, shaping brand strategy, and driving product development.
Priyanka's professional journey spans diverse sectors, including Banking, Legal Technology, SaaS, Online Legal Publishing, E-Learning, Events, and BPO. Her wealth of experience reflects a dynamic career focused on innovation and excellence. As COO, Priyanka continues to lead Manupatra towards new heights, leveraging her extensive background to make a lasting impact in the legal ecosystem.
Attreyi Mukherjee
General Counsel, Tata Industries Limited, Co-Chairperson, Legal Affairs & IPR Committee, Bombay Chamber
Attreyi Mukherjee
General Counsel, Tata Industries Limited, Co-Chairperson, Legal Affairs & IPR Committee, Bombay Chamber
Attreyi is a seasoned legal professional with dual qualifications to practice in India and England & Wales. Her extensive expertise spans various sectors, including Aviation, Aerospace Manufacturing, E-commerce, EdTech, Digital Health, Fintech, Lifesciences, Management Services, and Consumer Products.
Having begun her career at reputable law firms, Attreyi made a significant transition to the Tata Group Legal Team, marking her first venture in-house. Reporting directly to the Tata Group General Counsel, she currently holds the position of Head of Legal for Tata Industries, an NBFC-CIC. In this role, Attreyi plays a pivotal part in briefing Boards, managing teams, overseeing legal functions of portfolio businesses, hiring and managing external legal resources, and supporting business incubation. She also lends her expertise to compliance and enterprise risk management functions, serving as a member of the Ethics Committee and POSH Committee.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Attreyi serves as a Non-executive Director on the Board of Impetis Bisosciences Ltd., a Tata lifesciences' company. She actively contributes to its business strategy and transactions.
In addition to her corporate roles, Attreyi co-authored successive editions of the highly regarded book on POSH - Handbook on the Law on Sexual Harassment at Workplace, published by Thomson Reuters in 2015 and 2019. The 2019 edition received endorsements from industry leaders like Zia Mody (Founder - AZB & Partners) and academicians like Prof. Promila Agarwal (IIM, Ahmedabad).
Her commitment to the legal community extends to her role as Co-Chair of the Legal Affairs and IPR Committee of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Attreyi actively contributes to designing and speaking at seminars on diverse legal topics. She is a sought-after guest speaker at various forums, both domestic and international, covering subjects such as Tech Laws, Data Privacy, POSH, ABAC, Gender Sensitivity, and more. Attreyi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the legal landscape, consistently delivering time-bound and successful outcomes in her multifaceted career.
Tan (They/Them)
Development Professional
Tan (They/Them)
Development Professional
A Queer-Trans development professional with experience in gender justice and access to SRHR services using an intersectional feminist and restorative/transformative justice lens. As a strong advocate for young people’s bodily autonomy, queer rights, disability and gender justice, I have mentored grassroots organizations to develop their capacity in facilitation and peer education models to ensure equitable access to SRHR information and access to SRHR services. I’m passionate about advocating for structural change through evidence based policy changes.
Dr. Asha Verma
Ph.D. (Law), M.Phil., LL.M., B.A. LL.B.(Hons.), UGC-NET, Assistant Professor of Law, Gujarat National Law University
Dr. Asha Verma
Ph.D. (Law), M.Phil., LL.M., B.A. LL.B.(Hons.), UGC-NET, Assistant Professor of Law, Gujarat National Law University
Dr. Asha Verma is a distinguished academician with over a decade of enriching teaching experience in the realm of law. Currently associated with Gujarat National Law University, her academic journey has also seen impactful stints at Nirma University and Devi Ahilya University.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Verma has demonstrated a profound commitment to women and children's rights and safety. As the Head of the Centre for Women and Child Rights, she spearheads initiatives that delve into the legal aspects surrounding these crucial issues. Her involvement in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 2.0 for the "Care and Protection of Children in Street Situations" in collaboration with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) underlines her dedication to practical and impactful legal solutions.
In the research domain, Dr. Verma's work is a testament to her socio-legal concerns. Notably, her research project on the "Implementation of Maternity Benefit Act, 1961" sponsored by the National Commission of Women reflects her deep engagement with issues affecting women in the workforce. Her publication, "Law and Women Empowerment," featured in the Government of India's magazine "Yojana," further underscores her commitment to address gender-related challenges through legal discourse.
With a rich history of presenting research papers at conferences, Dr. Verma actively contributes to the broader legal dialogue. Her participation in discussions on "Smart Phones Privacy and Security" showcases a keen awareness of contemporary challenges.
As an industry expert, Dr. Asha Verma has provided honorary consultancy services to the NCPCR, emphasizing her practical engagement with the legal landscape concerning women and children. Her dynamic leadership as the Convener of the Internal Complaint Committee and as a member of the Legal Services Committee signifies her commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces within academic institutions.
In summary, Dr. Asha Verma is not only a seasoned educator but a dedicated advocate for women and children's rights and safety, weaving her expertise seamlessly into both academia and practical legal solutions.
Vandarkuzhali (They / Them)
Founder of Kovai Vaanavil Kootamaippu
Vandarkuzhali (They / Them)
Founder of Kovai Vaanavil Kootamaippu
- Founded Kovai Vaanavil Kootamaippu a coalition of like-minded collectives and
organisations. - Lead Organiser for the Pride parade and other Pride events during Pride month in
Coimbatore. - Mobilised community for Pride events
- Responsible for resource allocation, budgeting, social media promotions, formulating
Pride calendar, and content for the same. - Liaison for communications with government and community authorities including police.
Busaina Ahamed Shah (She / They)
Finance Professional
Busaina Ahamed Shah (She / They)
Finance Professional
Serving member of the Drafting Committee, Tamil Nadu LGBTQIA+ Policy. Trained Peer Support Provider for gender and sexuality by Safe Access in partnership with Mariwala Health Initiative. Worked with promoting micro and small business owned by LGBTQIA+ entrpreneurs. Active contributor to LGBQTIA+ community events, campaigns and crisis support in Coimbatore and Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Core committee member of PRISM, the D&I pillar in Shell SBO, Chennai in 2019
Stuti Jalan
Founder, Women Inspiring Network (WIN) and Crosshairs Communication
Stuti Jalan
Founder, Women Inspiring Network (WIN) and Crosshairs Communication
Stuti Jalan is an award-winning entrepreneur, internationally recognized as an emerging woman leader. She is the founder of the Women Inspiring Network (WIN), a storytelling platform that connects aspiring women leaders across countries and backgrounds. It is a first-of-its-kind digital network, democratizing knowledge and highlighting women’s stories of struggle, perseverance, and success. Through webinars, Instagram live sessions, and online panel series, WIN has built a community of over 7,000 remarkable women changemakers from different sectors. As a women-founded and women-led organization, WIN is driven by a comprehensive vision to pay it forward and uplift women along the way.
Jalan also founded Crosshairs Communication, a public relations, strategic communications, and social media company in India. As a first-generation woman entrepreneur who holds experience working with more than 500 brands, she hopes to be a transformational force in the PR and Communications industry by breaking barriers of traditional leadership. Jalan has spoken for a wide range of forums including The Global Indian Business Meet in New York, Pecha Kucha on Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Development, TEDx Tokyo, and at the United Nations.
In 2020, she was awarded the 100 Most Influential Changemakers award as well as an award for the Best Young Women Entrepreneur. She also holds a Woman of Excellence award, and a 2021 Gold award for the most innovative storytelling in PR in the digital age. She serves as an advisor on the board for the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network.
Tazeen Siddiqui
IIM Udaipur, Managing Director, Mansha Educational Society
Tazeen Siddiqui
IIM Udaipur, Managing Director, Mansha Educational Society
Tazeen Siddiqui is a dynamic professional with a multifaceted role in the fields of education, space exploration, and human rights. Currently serving as the Lead for Telangana at NASA and the Managing Director of Mansha Educational Society, Tazeen has made significant contributions to various domains.
As a NASA judge for NESF and the lead for Telangana, Tazeen has been an integral part of the International NASA Space App Challenge in 2020. Her expertise extends beyond space exploration, as she received international recognition as an innovator in education, winning an award in 2016. Tazeen is also a Google Scholar and a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Award.
Her achievements don't stop there—Tazeen has presented at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University in international educational conferences. Her articles, including "Multiple Intelligences 54" and "Typing Fingers vs Writing Fingers," have been acknowledged by Oxford University.
Tazeen's impact in education is further highlighted by her role as the Chairperson of India International Long-Term Economy and her creation of the "TAZEEN TAXOLOGY" theory, outlining a series of steps for effective teaching methodologies. She is also an advisor to Finland Mehackit, a training and development organization for educators and students.
In addition to her contributions to education, Tazeen is involved in human rights advocacy. She serves as the Director of WAOHR (World Aid Organization of Human Rights) and has received the Global Young Researcher Award in 2019. Her editorial role in the Dr. Kalam International Vision India Reader magazine showcases her commitment to disseminating knowledge.
Tazeen's accolades include the Rashtriya Shiksha Ratan Award, Best Academic Administrator Award by the Chief Minister of Pondicherry, and a Certificate of Achievement from NASA in Educational Development. She has organized Skype training sessions for teachers in rural areas, conducted lectures at ISB on women's empowerment, and provided counseling for parents and students.
Her commitment to education is evident in the training sessions she conducts on behavioral problems and stress management in schools and colleges, particularly in underprivileged institutions. Tazeen has been a driving force behind the Vision India Summit, bringing together leaders and speakers from various sectors.
In 2006, Tazeen received the Best Poetry Award from the International Library of Poets in the U.S. Additionally, she founded the Mansha Vision India Forum, uniting over 400 leaders across India in a common vision for the future. Tazeen Siddiqui stands as a beacon of innovation, education, and human rights advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of her diverse endeavors.
Anand Kumar
Lawyer, Founder & Managing Partner – Pier Counsel
Anand Kumar
Lawyer, Founder & Managing Partner – Pier Counsel
Anand Kumar is a seasoned legal professional with a profound focus on technology-driven sectors. Anand is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pier Counsel, a law firm engaged in the areas of seed/venture capital financing, technology transactions, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, exchange control laws, venture capital and private equity and general corporate and commercial transactions.
As a practitioner, his expertise lies in advising emerging startups, entrepreneurs, venture capital, and private equity firms on domestic and cross-border transactions. Anand specializes in providing strategic counsel on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and ongoing general legal representation. With a keen emphasis on technology, he excels in guiding clients through complex matters such as structure perspective, IP and software development, licensing, and asset transfer transactions.
Anand serves as the "outside general counsel" for numerous clients, offering comprehensive advice on fund formation, encompassing strategic, legal, regulatory, and tax considerations at various levels—investor, fund, portfolio investment, and fund manager. His clientele spans diverse industries, including information technology, energy, clean technology, social media, gaming, internet BOT, AI, AR/VR, communications, e-commerce, retail, Internet and TV commerce, financial technologies, digital commerce platforms, mobile applications and services, digital marketing services, digital music companies, and last-mile logistics.
Operating within the realm of corporate law, entrepreneurship development, strategic partnerships, venture capital financing, and intellectual property matters, Anand thrives in navigating the complexities of the evolving technology landscape for privately held companies.
Sandesha Jaitapkar
COO and CHRO, Artha Group
Sandesha Jaitapkar
COO and CHRO, Artha Group
Sandesha Jaitapkar, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Artha Venture Fund, boasts an extensive background of over eight years in Office Management & Human Resources. Her professional journey includes roles at Parthenon-EY and ITC Limited, where she contributed to Management, Consulting, and Hospitality.
In her capacity, Sandesha has taken on crucial responsibilities such as campus hiring, pre-recruitment processes, and overseeing the onboarding of new hires. Notably, she has demonstrated adeptness in liaising with the Ministry of External Affairs and international high commissions.
Tanya Wood
Director, CHS Alliance
Tanya Wood
Director, CHS Alliance
Tanya Wood is the Director of the CHS Alliance, a network of more than 200 organizations demanding greater accountability for people in crisis, through the use of the Core Humanitarian Standard.
With over two decades of management and leadership experience in the international humanitarian sector, Tanya has contributed her expertise both at headquarters and during extensive overseas assignments in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Throughout her career, Tanya has been dedicated to leadership in international memberships, firmly believing in the transformative power of collective efforts.
Her professional journey has encompassed roles with prominent organizations such as the IFRC and ICVA, along with serving as the CEO and Chair of two international health networks.
Tanya pursued her education at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies, earning a master's degree in International Development and an MBA. Her academic background complements her extensive practical experience, positioning her as a leader with a holistic understanding of the complexities within the humanitarian landscape.
Nikita Doshi
Senior Manager People Success, Publicis Sapient
Dr. Gowthavaram Chengala Kavitha
Psychotherapist, Internationally Acclaimed Inspirational Speaker
Dr. Gowthavaram Chengala Kavitha
Psychotherapist, Internationally Acclaimed Inspirational Speaker
Kavitha is a trailblazing Associate Professor specializing in positive psychology, celebrated on the international stage as an inspirational speaker. Affectionately known as the "Happiness Woman," she has dedicated her career to fostering joy and well-being in individuals and communities.
As a Positive Psychologist, Kavitha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her commitment extends to early intervention as a Certified Brain-based Rehabilitation Professional (CBR), where she leverages her skills to make a positive impact on individuals' lives.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Kavitha is a seasoned psychotherapist, using her empathetic approach to guide others towards mental and emotional well-being. Her proficiency extends to psychometric testing, allowing her to gain valuable insights into the human psyche and tailor interventions for maximum effectiveness.
Kavitha's influence goes beyond the classroom; she is a dedicated Teacher Trainer, shaping the next generation of professionals with her unique blend of positivity and wisdom. As a QPR Gatekeeper Trainer for Suicide Prevention, she actively contributes to saving lives and promoting mental health awareness.
A true social activist, Kavitha is passionately involved in advocating for world peace and happiness. Her voluntary counseling efforts under the title "Happiness is Your Birthright" have touched the lives of an impressive 428,000 women and adolescents as of September 2023. Her mission is to empower individuals to claim their inherent right to happiness and lead fulfilling lives.
In a world often marked by challenges, Kavitha stands out as a beacon of positivity, inspiring positive change and fostering a culture of well-being wherever she goes.
Oshi Saxena
Sub-Editor, SheThePeople
Oshi Saxena
Sub-Editor, SheThePeople
Oshi Saxena, a dedicated Reporter and Sub Editor at SheThePeople, stands as a prominent figure in the realm of women-centric journalism. With a fervent passion for storytelling, Oshi has left an indelible mark across diverse beats, including politics, geopolitics, defence, lifestyle features, sports, entertainment, and technology.
At SheThePeople, Oshi's contributions transcend traditional reporting, as her work reflects a profound understanding of societal issues and a steadfast commitment to feminist perspectives. Her writing resonates with readers, offering a compelling narrative that amplifies voices and addresses critical issues with both depth and empathy.
Prior to her role at SheThePeople, Oshi served as an Assistant Producer at WION, where she delved into the intricacies of geopolitical events. Her coverage not only provided a comprehensive understanding of global affairs but also contributed significantly to informed discourse.
Oshi's portfolio is a testament to her impactful journalism, covering a wide spectrum of topics. From exposing the online dating scam epidemic in India to shedding light on the challenges faced by women in various spheres of life, her articles delve into the heart of pressing issues. Oshi's investigative prowess shines through in her in-depth explorations of subjects such as domestic violence, sexual assault, racial abuse, workplace burnout, and the nuanced dynamics of power and patriarchy. In every piece, Oshi Saxena combines her journalistic acumen with a genuine desire to spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change.
Gauri Poswal
Corporate Communication & Strategy Professional
Gauri Poswal
Corporate Communication & Strategy Professional
Gauri Poswal, recognized in the Forbes Legal Powerlist as a Corporate Communication & Strategy Professional, brings a wealth of experience as the former Chief Strategy Officer of a prominent pan-India corporate law firm.
Specializing in Corporate Communication, Strategy, and Culture, Gauri has a track record of developing platforms and ecosystems. Her expertise spans portfolios such as External Relations and Communication Assets, with a focus on markets in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
With a passion for cultivating progressive workplace cultures, Gauri has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in the legal industry, achieving milestones that resonate across the broader corporate sector. Notable initiatives include #Menstruation Matters, Period Leave, and Mind Your Wellness—a mental health initiative.
With over a decade of experience, she has also contributed to projects in the education sector, introducing experiential learning components and fostering safe learning spaces for both learners and educators.
Her projects involve cultural analysis and support, employing a collaborative and innovative approach in countries like Sweden, South Africa, and India to broaden opportunities and enhance the learning experience.
Noopur Singhal
Social Activist, Local Committee Chair, New Delhi
Noopur Singhal
Social Activist, Local Committee Chair, New Delhi
Ms. Noopur Singhal is a legal expert and dedicated social activist, specializing in the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment in the workplace. Serving as the Chairperson of the Local Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 for New Delhi District, for three terms, she has conducted thorough investigations into numerous cases of workplace sexual harassment.
Beyond her local commitments, Ms. Singhal holds the esteemed position of State President at the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Sexual Harassment Council for the Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), a national organization empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals. A graduate of the Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, Ms. Singhal is deeply passionate about raising awareness and educating individuals about their rights and responsibilities.
In addition to her impactful roles, Ms. Singhal has actively worked with government authorities, leveraging her expertise to contribute to broader initiatives and future goals. As a visionary leader, she not only investigates cases but also actively shapes policies and strategies to create safer and more inclusive work environments. She has worked closely with the District Magistrate office in compliance of this legal mandate by bringing onboard the NGO’s for spreading awareness of POSH law among the unorganised sector and also for making random compliance checks within the organised sector.
Furthermore, Ms. Singhal's commitment to her cause is reflected in the establishment of her own firm, 'Sashaktam Mindz,' which provides training and consultancy on anti-sexual harassment laws and policies for organizations.
Mitakshara Goyal
Co-Founder, Svarniti Law Offices
Mitakshara Goyal
Co-Founder, Svarniti Law Offices
Mitakshara Goyal is the Co-Founder of Svarniti Law Offices. Her work revolves around analysing contemporary issues pertaining to Data, Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Gaming laws along with her work in Bilateral Investment treaty Arbitration.
She has led policy research teams for representations seeking amendments and clarifications to the proposed bills in the sector or proposing regulatory framework for unregulated sectors such as Gaming and Virtual Digital Assets. She has also been recognised in GAAR for her contribution in Bilateral Treaty Investment Arbitration representing the Government of India.
She has delved into Economics and Policy at University of Oxford which entails details discussion on taxation laws and attaining Pareto efficiency from the perspective of India and other countries.
Video Insights Speakers
Akhil Neelam
30 for 2030 Youth Leader at UN Women, Building a Think tank on gender and politics in South Asia Hyderabad, India
Akhil Neelam
30 for 2030 Youth Leader at UN Women, Building a Think tank on gender and politics in South Asia Hyderabad, India
Aleena Ahmed
Lawyer, Associate at Ijaz Ahmed & Associates
Bhawana Shrestha, PhD
Co-Founder at My Emotions Matter Team Lead Office of Safe and Respectable Learning (OSRL) King's College Nepal
Bhawana Shrestha, PhD
Co-Founder at My Emotions Matter Team Lead Office of Safe and Respectable Learning (OSRL) King's College Nepal
Dr. Smita Ghosh
Psychologist, Human Rights & Women Empowerment Activist, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Johanna Robinson
Wales National Adviser Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Johanna Robinson
Wales National Adviser Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Joy Matheka
Legal Officer at Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children | Expertise in Children rights, Human rights, and Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA)
Joy Matheka
Legal Officer at Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children | Expertise in Children rights, Human rights, and Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA)
Naomi Hunter-Epson
Cambridge Politics + IR BA Hons Undergrad Finalist, Events Officer for Cambridge University, Gender Studies Society
Naomi Hunter-Epson
Cambridge Politics + IR BA Hons Undergrad Finalist, Events Officer for Cambridge University, Gender Studies Society
Naomi, 21, is a final-year Politics and International Relations student at the University of Cambridge deeply committed to promoting gender equality and inclusive policies. Her journey began with advocating for marginalised youth in Haringey, London, but has since shifted towards advancing intersectional gender equity. Her ultimate goal is to become a political advisor specialising in gender policy.
She has actively collaborated with grassroots, local, and national organisations, addressing issues such as poverty, youth violence and gender inequality. Her roles include:
- National Youth Parliament Representative for Haringey (MYP).
- Vice Chair of the Haringey Youth Advisory Board.
- Membership in the British Youth Council.
- Women's Officer for the Cambridge Union.
- Events Officer for the Cambridge Gender Society.
Naomi also has a keen interest in the intersection of technology and gender. She is enthusiastic about gaining further experience in policy, technology, and gender-related fields.
Oviana Fathul Jannah
Child Rights Advocate Project Manager ECPAT Indonesia
Swechhya Rajbhandary
Educator, Education & Awareness Lead at Office of Safe and Respectable Learning (OSRL) King's College Nepal
Swechhya Rajbhandary
Educator, Education & Awareness Lead at Office of Safe and Respectable Learning (OSRL) King's College Nepal
Viveka (Paul) Chattopadhyay
Consultant in Autism and Cerebral Palsy Delhi, India
Christine Uyoga
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion, Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights, Safeguarding/ Prevention of Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Harassment Nairobi
Christine Uyoga
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion, Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights, Safeguarding/ Prevention of Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Harassment Nairobi
Zione Ntaba
Judge at Malawi Judiciary
Zione Ntaba
Judge at Malawi Judiciary
Highly experienced High Court Judge with a diverse background in law, legislative drafting, human rights, international development, legal practice, and the corporate sector. Strong track record as a judicial and legal trainer, having trained extensively in human rights law, corporate governance, urban governance, gender-based violence, and child rights at national and international levels.
Harshita Singh
Mother caring for a child with Lobar Holoprosencephaly
