The pursuit of an egalitarian society involves a committed effort to obtain equality and justice throughout all social strata, making sure that individuals, regardless of gender, have equal rights of access to opportunities, resources and decision-making roles.
This belief emphasizes the essential right of everybody to thrive in an environment in which their contributions are valued and their voices are heard. This imaginative and prescient extends beyond a simple commitment to gender equality; it embodies a broader dedication to inclusivity, growing a society where every person can participate and flourish.
The rise of women leaders in India is identified as vital to societal transformation and Sakshi Srivastava, the Founder & Director of Anubhuti Samiti, signifies this commitment. She drives innovation and efficaciously addresses the needs of all community contributors, envisioning a society where women can lead, influence and actively form policies that impact their lives and those of future generations.
To acquire this vision, Sakshi employs numerous tactics, which include training, mentorship, coverage advocacy, and attention campaigns. By growing supportive environments, building alliances and engaging guys as allies, she aims to create a society where diversity in leadership reflects the rich tapestry of its people. This initiative lays the foundation for a fairer and more equitable future for everyone.
Engaging Local Youth in Educational Initiatives
A pivotal moment in Sakshi’s life occurred shortly after her graduation, steering her toward promoting educational equity. One day, she saw two children rummaging through a dustbin for discarded noodles. After speaking with them, she learned they were school dropouts who had never received formal education.
This deeply troubled her and prompted extensive research, revealing that they were among 47 million out-of-school children in India. Alarmingly, these children often resorted to anti-social activities, child labour, or low-income jobs, highlighting the harsh realities of their situation.
This encounter ignited Sakshi’s resolve to enact change. She committed to creating a community-focused program aimed at bringing children back to school and providing essential support for their success.
Recognizing that a holistic approach was necessary, she envisioned empowering local youth to take on leadership roles in their communities. Thus, Anubhuti Samiti was born, founded on the principles of inclusivity, education and social justice.
Transforming Lives through Educational Leadership
Sakshi’s inspiration to lead in the education sector comes from her upbringing in a village where girls’ education was undervalued. She witnessed the societal barriers hindering girls’ access to opportunities, yet her father was a strong supporter, ensuring Sakshi and her siblings received the education they deserved.
Her elder sister became a trailblazer, being the first in their village to pursue higher education, which profoundly impacted her and highlighted the transformative power of education. Upon discovering the plight of millions of uneducated children, she felt called to provide similar growth opportunities, aiming to empower them as her father had empowered her.
Inspiring Team Collaboration and Empowerment
Sakshi’s leadership style has evolved from a focus on personal achievement to an emphasis on community and collaboration. Initially centred on individual goals, her approach now prioritizes fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among team members.
She believes that building a strong nation, Bharat, requires collective effort and engagement. She inspires those around her to contribute their strengths, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to work toward common goals.
Through this inclusive approach, she aims to create sustainable change that addresses immediate needs while empowering future generations.
Effective Time Management for Women in Leadership
Sakshi acknowledges that balancing personal growth and professional responsibilities presents a significant challenge, particularly as a woman leader. She navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life by prioritizing her needs, setting clear priorities and being intentional about her time.
While her decisions may sometimes disappoint others and face resistance, she remains focused on what matters most to her.
Sakshi believes that achieving this balance requires flexibility and adaptability, often finding creative solutions to integrate her various roles. Through open communication with her team and a supportive network, she ensures that she can pursue personal development while fulfilling her responsibilities as a leader.
Ultimately, Sakshi views this balance as an ongoing journey, where both personal and professional growth enhance her effectiveness as a leader.
Creating Collaborative Empowerment Policies
Sakshi believes true women empowerment is achieved when men are open-minded and supportive. She notes that while many NGOs work to empower women through capacity-building sessions, households reveal a natural inclination among women to care for others and contribute to their families.
Although women are becoming more aware of their rights, they still need support and access to opportunities. Sakshi emphasizes that meaningful change requires involving men in the conversation and promoting policies that reflect this holistic approach. She advocates for collaboration between men and women to create a more equitable environment for everyone.
Strategies for Supporting Women in Leadership
Sakshi believes women leaders are crucial for transforming India’s social and economic environment. Their unique perspectives enhance inclusive decision-making, as they often prioritize issues affecting families and communities, such as education, health and social welfare, resulting in more comprehensive policies.
Additionally, women leaders serve as role models, inspiring future generations to challenge societal norms and pursue their aspirations. By confronting stereotypes, they demonstrate that leadership transcends gender and develops collaboration and empathy within their teams.
In the economic realm, Sakshi emphasizes that women’s leadership drives innovation and growth, as equal access to opportunities boosts workforce participation and productivity. Ultimately, she asserts that empowering women leaders is vital for creating a stronger, more equitable society in India.
Prioritizing Mental Well-being
Sakshi believes that mental and emotional well-being is crucial for sustainable leadership. In her organization, there is a strong focus on social-emotional awareness, as she understands that when individuals are aware of their own emotions and those of others, they can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone. This awareness fosters healthier relationships and enhances team dynamics, ultimately leading to more effective leadership.
By prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, Sakshi empowers leaders to navigate challenges with resilience and compassion, benefiting not only themselves but also their teams and communities.
Shifting Mindsets for Leadership Success
Sakshi believes several societal changes are vital to empowering women leaders in India. She emphasizes the need to shift cultural mindsets that limit women’s roles, fostering an environment that celebrates their contributions to leadership.
Education is crucial; Sakshi advocates for equal access to quality education for girls to equip them with skills and confidence. She also highlights the importance of mentorship programs connecting aspiring women leaders with established ones for guidance and support. Additionally, promoting work-life balance is essential, as shared household responsibilities can create a more supportive environment.
Finally, Sakshi underscores the need to actively involve men in discussions about gender equality, as their support is key to developing an inclusive culture that values women’s leadership.
The Impact of Remote Work on Women Leaders
Sakshi sees positive trends for women in leadership roles in India and globally. She believes there will be increasing recognition of the importance of diversity in leadership, encouraging more women to step into these positions as organizations prioritize inclusivity.
The rise of remote work and flexible job structures is creating new opportunities, empowering women to balance professional and personal lives more effectively. Sakshi envisions a stronger focus on mentorship and sponsorship programs tailored for women, providing essential guidance for career advancement.
Sakshi anticipates that the global push for gender equality will gain momentum, leading to more policies that promote women in leadership. Overall, while challenges persist, she remains optimistic about the future of women leaders and their empowerment.
Celebrating Collaboration: A Tribute to Mr. Dilip Suthar’s Support
Sakshi wishes to highlight her co-founder, Mr. Dilip Suthar, who has been an incredible source of support throughout her journey. His encouragement has enabled her to pursue her vision and actively participate in leadership forums.
While Sakshi often receives recognition for their work, she wants to acknowledge that Mr. Suthar has also worked tirelessly for their cause. Despite this, she has never sensed any envy or control from him; rather, he consistently champions her efforts. His belief in collaboration and shared success has made a profound impact on their organization and Sakshi personally.
