Award winners 2018

1. Independent

Sophia Khan, SAFAR, Gujarat

SAFAR is a public charitable trust that works to eliminate violence against women, promote gender equality, human rights education and empowerment of women and minorities.

2. Community-based organization

Motiben Chavada, SMVSM

SMVSM (ShSorath Mahila Vikas Sahakari Mandali) has taken up an internet project to empower women and shatter the gender stereotypes and belief systems. The project aims to empower rural women to drive the agenda of digitization.

3. Not for profit

Video Volunteers

Video Volunteers is a media and human rights non-profit organization that runs India's largest network of community correspondents. Through the campaign ‘Khel Badal: Dismantle Patriarchy’, community correspondents document stories of everyday patriarchy and normalized sexism.

4. Social enterprise

Swapnil Chaturvedi, Samagra Empowerment Foundation

The LooRewards project has established a breakthrough model to build smart communities which are managed by local women entrepreneurs, who generate revenue by selling additional value added products like soaps, toothbrushes and sanitary pads; thus not only doubling or tripling their income, but also making toilets self-sustainable.

5. Government

Ashok Hanamanth Chavan, MAVIM, Nashik

MAVIM (Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal) ensures joint-ownership of property or land in the name of women of the household. It also organizes women in self-help groups to provide them entrepreneurial skills training and enable them financially.

6. Academia

Dr. Kirti Dubey, Sevadal Mahila Mahavidyalaya

This academic institution strives to impart education to girls from economically backward communities of sub-urban and rural regions in Nagpur. The institute provides comprehensive education in one location, from kindergarten right up to a PhD doctorate.

7. Corporate organization (Policy)

Sanjam Gupta, Sitara Shipping Ltd

Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) provides a platform for women in maritime and allied industries. It aims to overcome bias by creating awareness and influencing decision makers to empower women in maritime industry.

8. Corporate organization (CSR)

Atul Karwatkar, Tata Power Community Development Trust

The Tata Power Community Development trust has promoted the first women dairy producer company in Maharashtra with the objective to improve livelihoods and provide sustainable income for more than 3,000 women dairy farmers.