Equiverse Voices

A class apart: Restoring equity through education

What happens when one woman's personal experience with gender discrimination becomes the catalyst for a movement towards gender equality in education? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Sahni, who shares her powerful journey from growing up in a patriarchal society in India to founding schools dedicated to teaching gender equality, social justice, and democratic citizenship. Driven by a personal tragedy, Dr. Sahni's mission to empower women led to impactful educational initiatives. Alongside Vandana Verma, we discuss the need for holistic education that prepares girls beyond academics and challenges societal norms. They highlight how early conditioning limits women's social engagement and workforce participation, sharing insights from rural schools. This episode emphasizes the urgent need for educational reforms to foster gender equity and equal opportunities for girls. The podcast is brought to you by TalentNomics India, a mission-driven organisation focused on scalable solutions for gender equity, especially at leadership levels Connect with us at:  Website: https://www.talentnomics.org [https://www.talentnomics.org]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/ [https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/]  Email: talentnomicsindia@gmail.com or info@talentnomics.org About the guest:  Dr Urvashi Sahni is a social entrepreneur, women’s rights activist, and educationist who has been a pioneering activist in the field for more than three decades.  She has a Masters and PhD in Education from University of California, Berkeley, USA. In 2017, she won the Social Entrepreneur of the Year India award conferred by the Schwab-Jubilant Bhartiya Foundation. She is a fellow at Harvard University in their Advanced Leadership Initiative of 2024. In 2020 she co-created Catalyst 2030, a global network of over 800 social entrepreneurs. Dr Sahni is an Ashoka Fellow and a non-resident fellow at the Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, USA.  She is also a former member of the Rajasthan’s Chief Minister’s advisory council, heading the education sub-group. The Uttar Pradesh Government has nominated her to serve on the Steering Committee for the implementation of the National Education Policy of India 2020 and by the National Institute of Open Schooling, to serve on their committee for the revision of their Gender Policy. Combining her activism with research, Dr. Sahni has several publications to her credit. She is a leading expert in curriculum design and reform, teacher training and education governance with a special focus on girls’ education and gender equality. She founded Suraksha (a women’s rights organisation), DiDi's (a social enterprise for sustainable livelihoods for women), and the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF).  Currently, she is the president and CEO of SHEF. Over the last 38 years, Dr Sahni’s work, through SHEF has impacted over 100,000 teachers and 50,00,000 children, most of whom are girls from disadvantaged communities. About Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) SHEF is a non-profit social enterprise that runs four pre-K to 12 schools, a college and 132 community based learning centers. It also partners with over 800 schools to train the teachers in the use of our curriculum on gender equality. Since 1986, SHEF has impacted 5 million students, most of them girls from extremely marginalized communities, 100,000 teachers and 20 million members of the community. Our vision is to educate everyone for gender equality, social justice, personal flourishing and active democratic citizenship.  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-urvashi-sahni-6431b212/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-urvashi-sahni-6431b212/] About the host: Vandana Verma, who recently retired as Program Director of the IKEA cFoundation, has been leading programs in the social and corporate sectors of many well-known international organizations. A large part of her 30-year career has been dedicated to working on programs related to women’s and children’s issues. She is passionate about promoting gender equity and empowering women to improve their lives. With a background in economics, she has worked with organizations like ICRIER, the World Bank, and the ILO on women’s entrepreneurship and SME competitiveness across Asia. Currently, she is working as an independent development consultant and also serves as an advisory board member of Talentnomics in India. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vermavandy/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vermavandy/]

Cities for All: Reimagining Urban Spaces

How can urban design shape our feelings of safety and belonging? Join Suparno and Elsa as they explore the importance of creating inclusive urban spaces that cater to everyone, including women, LGBTQ communities, children, senior citizens, and people with different abilities. They share personal experiences and insights from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Stockholm, highlighting how visibility and representation can make public spaces more welcoming. The discussion also touches on Washington DC as an example of an inclusive city, especially for women. What makes European cities like Berlin, London, and Stockholm ahead of the curve in terms of women's safety and urban infrastructure? The conversation shifts to the advantages of their public transport systems and walkability, contrasted with the challenges faced in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Through examples from Poland and Japan, like AI-timed traffic lights and empathy-driven design practices, we spotlight innovative solutions and advocate for more women in leadership roles to bring diverse perspectives into urban planning. Community participation is vital for creating equitable, safe urban spaces. From the transformative engagement seen in Kibera, Nairobi, to youth-led initiatives at UN Habitat Urban Thinkers campuses, we explore how involving local communities can lead to vibrant public spaces. Reflecting on awards like the Remarkable Feminist Voice in Transportation, we underscore the importance of everyday hard work and community-driven efforts in driving societal change.  This episode promises to inspire and provide practical insights into making our urban spaces more inclusive for all. The podcast is brought to you by TalentNomics India, a mission-driven organisation focused on scalable solutions for gender equity, especially at leadership levels Connect with us at:  Website: https://www.talentnomics.org [https://www.talentnomics.org]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/ [https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/]  Email: talentnomicsindia@gmail.com or info@talentnomics.org About the guest:  ElsaMarie D'Silva (she/her) is the Founder of Red Dot Foundation (India) and President of Red Dot Foundation Global (USA). She pioneered the Safecity platform, which crowdsources global experiences of sexual violence, making it the largest crowd map of its kind. A co-founder of the Brave Movement and Beyond Black, she is recognized by the United Nations, the German Federal Foreign Office, and India's Niti Aayog for her work. A Yale World Fellow and Aspen New Voices Fellow, she has contributed to numerous global forums, advocating for sexual violence prevention and gender equity. Before Safecity, ElsaMarie held a leadership role in aviation. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsadsilva/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsadsilva/] About the host: Suparno Banerjee is a seasoned technology leader with a distinguished career in incubating and developing market-defining start-ups within top-tier technology companies. He has spearheaded global teams to deliver pioneering Digital Infrastructure projects in diverse environments. Recognized as an expert in Digital Infrastructure, Smart Cities, and Digital Government Transformation, Suparno actively participates in World Economic Forum panels on Public-Private Partnerships and Urbanization. He advises policymakers and senior executives and has authored influential papers on technology-enabled urbanization. His recent focus includes innovative financial models for large-scale digital projects. Suparno also serves on the Board of TalentNomics Inc. and is an accomplished photographer. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suparnoban/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suparnoban/] How can you be of help as a listener? By putting in practice the wisdom shared by the guests and advocating for gender equity, amplifying women’s voices and building an ecosystem that paves the way for an equitable world.

Shining the light: Restoring equity through mentorship

What if the key to gender equality in leadership lies in the nuances of mentorship? Join us as we sit down with Saurabh Srivastava to discuss the transformative power of mentoring women in leadership roles. Saurabh shares his journey from introversion to effective communication, inspired by mentors and leaders like Ratan Tata and Anand Mahindra. He highlights mentorship disparities between men and women, the importance of face-to-face guidance, and challenges amplified by the #MeToo movement. We discuss how inclusive organizational cultures can empower women leaders, drawing parallels to historical discrimination faced by Indian professionals in the US. Saurabh emphasizes mentorship as a vital tool for gender equality and cultural transformation. The podcast is brought to you by TalentNomics India, a mission-driven organisation focused on scalable solutions for gender equity, especially at leadership levels Connect with us at:  Website: https://www.talentnomics.org [https://www.talentnomics.org]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/ [https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/]  Email: talentnomicsindia@gmail.com or info@talentnomics.org About the guest:  Saurabh Srivastava is a celebrated entrepreneur, investor, and institution builder in India. A Padma Shri awardee, he co-founded key institutions like NASSCOM, Indian Angel Network, and TiE, significantly shaping India's entrepreneurial and IT ecosystem. He founded India’s first private sector VC fund, has mentored hundreds of entrepreneurs, and invested in around 100 startups. His contributions extend to public service, serving on various national committees. With a distinguished career in both the US and India, he has also held leadership roles in major companies and academic institutions, earning numerous accolades for his impact on innovation and entrepreneurship. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhsrivastava101/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhsrivastava101/] About the host: Dr. Archana Hingorani, Founder – Siana Capital Management LLC & Distinguished Visiting Faculty, Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh Dr Hingorani has over 39 years of experience in private equity investing financial services, teaching and research. Her multi-decadal private equity experience spans many sectors, economic cycles and asset classes. She has managed and overseen assets with a market capitalization of over US$ 15 bn, across India, and other parts of Asia.  Her current focus is on nurturing entrepreneurs in the innovation and science realms, in an attempt to provide support for growth, management and creating impact. She is currently a Managing Partner at Siana Capital, an investment firm focused on technology and innovation and a Distinguished Visiting Faculty for Private Equity at the Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, USA. She also serves as an Independent Director on the Boards of Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, 5Paisa Capital Limited, SIDBI Venture Capital Limited, Grindwell Norton Limited, The Phoenix Mills Limited, Balaji Telefilms Limited and SBI Mutual Fund Trustee Company Private Limited.  She has been the recipient of various awards such as ‘Ten most influential women in private real estate investing’ by PERE in 2010, ‘Most Powerful Women’ in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 by Fortune India, ‘Most Powerful Women’ in 2011, 2012 and 2013 by Business Today, ‘25 Most Influential Women in Asia Asset Management’ by Asian Investor in May, 2014, and ‘Distinguished International Alumnus’ in the year 2016 by the Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, USA. In sum, she has over 39 years’ experience Dr. Hingorani is also well published and her most recent contribution is to the Palgrave Handbook of Sovereign Wealth Funds, 2024. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archana-hingorani-5863aa68/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/archana-hingorani-5863aa68/]

Leading the orchestra: Restoring Work-Life harmony

How do societal expectations shape the lives of working women, and what can be done to change this landscape? Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Sumitra, CEO of Mobile Crashes India, as she breaks down the obstacles women face in balancing work and home life.  We explore how gender roles and early conditioning shape women's personal and professional lives. Dr. Sumitra shares insights on workplace reforms and shared household duties for gender equity. We discuss young parents' roles, supportive measures for both mothers and fathers, and how equitable childhood experiences foster financial independence and mental well-being. Through heartfelt stories of migrant women workers, we highlight civil society's role in their empowerment and the need to see women as active economic agents. The podcast is brought to you by TalentNomics India, a mission-driven organisation focused on scalable solutions for gender equity, especially at leadership levels Connect with us at:  Website: https://www.talentnomics.org [https://www.talentnomics.org]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/ [https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/]  Email: talentnomicsindia@gmail.com or info@talentnomics.org About the guest:  Sumitra Mishra, CEO, has been leading Mobile Creches for the past seven years. A postgraduate in Special Education for persons with disabilities, Sumitra comes with over 30 years of experience in the development sector in India. She has worked closely with children and young adults with disabilities, trafficked children, and some of the most disenfranchised women and children.  She has wide experience in organizational strategy, policy advocacy, institution building and evidence-based programmes impacting change. Sumitra’s direct work experience with communities of children and women has been the pivot of her body of professional work and personal growth. Sumitra’s published work includes State of the Young Child in India 2020, Her Right to Equality – Rethinking India 6 2021. She is a TedX speaker. She was awarded as one of India’s Best Leaders in Times of Crisis 2021 by Great Place to Work (GPTW). Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitra-mishra/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitra-mishra/]  About the host: Lavang Asthana Khare: A Strategic Communications Expert Lavang Asthana Khare is a seasoned communications professional with a proven track record of driving impactful narratives and fostering strong relationships. With over two and a half decades of experience in internal and external communications, she has successfully navigated a diverse range of industries, including FMCG, technology, telecom, finance, and healthcare. Her expertise extends to marketing and policy communications, where she has demonstrated a keen ability to craft compelling messages that resonate with target audiences and influence public opinion. Her career highlights include senior roles at Lintas, Business Software Alliance, Hill & Knowlton, Walmart and Adfactors PR where she demonstrated expertise in marketing, media relations, corporate affairs, digital and social and crisis management. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lavang is passionate about fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. She actively mentors individuals at various career stages, providing guidance and support that empowers them to reach their full potential. A dedicated lifelong learner, Lavang enjoys sharing her knowledge as a guest faculty member at leading communication institutes. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in reading, cinema, and exploring new destinations. Lavang resides in Delhi with her family, continuing her journey as a strategic communications expert and committed advocate for professional development. Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/lavang-khare-3676a17/ [https://linkedin.com/in/lavang-khare-3676a17/]

Upping your game: Restoring equity in the workplace

Join us as Ritvik Lukose and Taruna Suhasini Lohmror unravel the pressing need for gender equity, drawing from their own life experiences and societal observations. Hear about the strides made in board representation due to policy changes, but also the limitations that persist in leadership roles for women. Using relatable analogies, like track races and classroom scenarios, we bring to life the concept of providing the necessary support to level the playing field. By addressing individual differences, we can create more inclusive and effective environments, be it in education or professional settings. Learn how unconscious biases affect workplace dynamics and the importance of policies and frameworks, such as anti-sexual harassment laws, to ensure fairness. Discover the power of mentoring and leadership, tailored approaches to professional development, impact of corporate governance and ESG frameworks on achieving equity, and the necessity of open-mindedness in nurturing talent among women and the LGBTQ+ community. This episode is a call to action for leaders to recognize and dismantle biases, foster inclusive policies, and leverage the diverse skills within their teams for a more innovative and equitable workplace. The podcast is brought to you by TalentNomics India, a mission-driven organisation focused on scalable solutions for gender equity, especially at leadership levels Connect with us at:  Website: https://www.talentnomics.org [https://www.talentnomics.org]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/ [https://www.instagram.com/talentnomicsiindia/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentnomicsindia/]  Email: talentnomicsindia@gmail.com or info@talentnomics.org About the guest:  Country Coworker Experience Manager, IKEA India Taruna Suhasini Lohmror is the Country Coworker Experience Manager, IKEA India. She has an experience of over 20 years in Human Resources and has been associated with organizations in IT/ITES, Retail, and telecom. During her journey, Taruna has led teams across various verticals in human resources in small, mid, and large sized organizations. Taruna has joined IKEA’s growth journey in 2021 and has been contributing & delivering to the people strategy with focus on the overall coworker experience in the country, contributing to a global transformation and strengthening the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda for IKEA India. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunalohmror/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunalohmror/]  About the host: Ritvik Lukose is the co-founder of Vahura and Counselect. Vahura is a specialist executive search firm for strategic functions - law, finance, compliance, risk and boards. Counselect is a multidisciplinary consulting and managed solutions firm focussed on global legal departments. His deep passion for innovation in areas related to talent, technology, and strategy makes him a trusted advisor to Managing Partners, General Counsel and Boards. After graduating from the National Law School, Bangalore, Ritvik worked as a corporate lawyer with India’s largest firm. He then went on to co-found ventures in talent management, online learning, and consulting. He has since exited other ventures to co-lead Counselect and Vahura. Ritvik has also been involved in mentoring, such as the No Changemakers Left Behind (NCLB) programme by Agami and the Citizen Innovation Lab at IIM-Ahmedabad. He has thrice been on the technical evaluation committee of the Agami Prize. In 2021, Ashoka’s report on “Mapping Changemaking in Law and Justice in India” recognised his work and contributions. A qualified mediator, he is empanelled with CAMP. He also serves on the Advisory Council of Talentnomics India, whose mission is to enable women leaders. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritviklukose/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritviklukose/] How can you be of help as a listener? By putting in practice the wisdom shared by the guests and advocating for gender equity, amplifying women’s voices and building an ecosystem that paves the way for an equitable world.