Hi, I’m Aanya! I’ve dedicated my life to empowering women and challenging societal norms. Join me as I share how my experiences and aspirations have shaped my mission to create a world where women are truly seen as equals and leaders. This is my story!
Growing up in Delhi/NCR, I had a childhood that many might envy. Raised by my mother and sister in a home where gender issues were nearly absent, I felt truly empowered and free. This nurturing environment gave me a strong foundation, but as I transitioned into the broader world, I saw the true reality of how gender biases shaped society. This, in time, fueled my passion for gender equality.
My academic journey began at Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), where I pursued History with a minor in Journalism. LSR was a place where I learned to question everything I had been taught. History wasn’t just a single story, it was a collection of beautiful perspectives including feminist, Marxist, and more. This experience taught me that the world is far more complex than what we are initially led to believe.
My passion for gender equality has always been a driving force in my life. I am tired of seeing women reduced to roles like mother, sister, or wife. Honestly, in my opinion and I am sure you’d agree too: women are complete individuals with their own identities, and I want to see a world where women can wear what they want, work where they want, and speak their minds freely.
In terms of my philosophy on life, I don’t have a grand, specific mantra. Instead, I focus on ‘empathy’. For me, if a person can approach interactions with empathy, they are doing well in life. It is about understanding others and connecting on a human level.
One thing I wish more people understood about me is that social media isn’t always an accurate reflection of reality. While I work hard to present an image of success and joy, I often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. I hope people recognize that behind the curated posts, I face my own battles and insecurities.
Through my work with Her Haq, my goal is to change how the world views women. I want people to see women as equals, individuals, and leaders. Her Haq was born from my desire to challenge traditional views and create opportunities for women to grow.
One of the most memorable moments in my journey was our campaign with UNHCR during the pandemic. We worked to highlight the stories of refugee women from Afghanistan and Rohingya, who were trained to make masks and become financially independent. Our campaign aimed to change perceptions about refugee women and raise awareness about their strength.
My education at LSR was important in shaping my approach to leading Her Haq. It taught me to unlearn established norms and question societal beliefs. This mindset has guided my work with Her Haq, where we tackle gender issues from a fresh perspective.
Her Haq has touched amazing milestones in areas like menstrual hygiene, financial literacy, and legal literacy. We have trained over 500 adolescents and young mothers on menstruation and distributed more than 15,000 sanitary napkins across flood-hit areas. We also organized workshops on sexual harassment and consent, and even held a blood donation camp during the dengue outbreak in 2022.
Another achievement I’d like to highlight is leading Covid Fighters India during the pandemic which was truly one of a kind experience. Our team of 13,000 worked tirelessly to provide emergency medical help and support. The impact of our work was huge, and our efforts were recognized across various platforms, contributing to saving lives during a critical time.
Working with organizations like Beyond Capital Ventures, UNESCO, and The Udaiti Foundation sparked my commitment to social impact with a gender focus. These experiences deepened my understanding of diversity and the importance of addressing it in our work.
Outside of work, I have a deep love for dancing and singing. I am a trained classical dancer and have studied Kathak for over ten years. This passion for dance brings me joy and helps me maintain a balance in my life.
Looking ahead, my vision for Her Haq is to create a world where no woman has to fight to be heard. I hope to expand our reach and continue advocating for gender equality and social justice. Reflecting on my journey so far, I am proud of the progress we have made and the lives we have touched. The road ahead is long, but with empathy and dedication, I am committed to making a meaningful impact!
Looking ahead, my vision for Her Haq is to create a world where no woman has to fight to be heard. I hope to expand our reach and continue advocating for gender equality and social justice. Reflecting on my journey so far, I am proud of the progress we have made and the lives we have touched. The road ahead is long, but with empathy and dedication, I am committed to making a meaningful impact!
“Aanya’s story is a powerful witness to the impact of empathy and dedication in the fight for gender equality. She has also received several awards for my work, including the Hindustan Times She Slays Award for Social Impact, the Kamala Power Award for Social Work, and recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice for Social Impact, among others.
Aanya has also marked her way through TedX Talk and interviews online, where she walks you through her journey and the impact of her work. From her transformative work with Her Haq to leading Covid Fighters India, she has consistently championed women’s rights and social justice. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to challenging norms and creating meaningful change, leaving a legacy of hope and empowerment for future generations.”
Founder – Her Haq
