Indira Pancholi has been an active member of India’s women’s movement since the 1980s. She began her career at the age of 22–23 through the renowned Sathin program in Rajasthan, a pioneering women’s development initiative. Early in her journey, she played a key role in uniting fellow Sathins to advocate for the recognition and status of women workers transitioning from voluntary to professional roles.
A committed feminist and women’s rights activist, Indira Pancholi brings nearly 40 years of expertise in advancing gender equity and human rights. Her extensive experience includes impactful research, process documentation, and organizing state and national-level programs. She has significantly contributed to feminist discourse through her work on issues such as gender-based violence, healthcare access, and leadership development among women and girls.
With a master’s degree in philosophy, she is deeply engaged in policy advocacy, legal reform efforts, and capacity-building programs. She actively works to enhance leadership and decision-making abilities among women and girls while collaborating with numerous institutions, networks, and social processes. Indira’s unwavering commitment to social justice ensures that her work authentically represents the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
Geeta Mohanpuriya, a child bride, took a courageous stand against domestic violence and dowry harassment at the young age of 17. With the support of her mother and guidance from active women leaders, she annulled her forced marriage. Following this, she established a strong women's collective in her hometown, Kishangarh.
Geeta educated young girls about their legal rights and connected them with various social security schemes. Under her guidance and support, many young women raised their voices against domestic violence, workplace harassment of women laborers, and economic exploitation. Through legal aid and social action, Geeta played a crucial role in providing relief and justice to these women.
Dr. Sunita Pachori is a dynamic and accomplished individual celebrated for her multifaceted achievements. She has excelled as an educator, state-level athlete, researcher, and retired professor, leaving an indelible mark on thousands of young lives through her work in higher education. Beyond academics, Dr. Pachori has dedicated herself to fostering employment opportunities for youth while actively supporting their personal and skill development. Her commitment to social causes reflects her strong sense of community responsibility and engagement. For over a decade, she has been an integral part of MJAS, serving as a General Body and Advisory Board member, where she continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s vision and mission.
Indira Pancholi, a visionary, a prominent feminist-human rights activist and the founder of MJAS has over 30 years of experience. She has dedicated her career to empowering rural and urban women, children, and adolescents-young & men, while actively engaging with local self-governments. Her expertise is in grassroots action, training and promoting young leaders, documenting the experiences of women and girls, and conducting research across various issues and states in India. Her work focuses on promoting social and gender justice, social development, governance, Young leadership and addressing violence against women.
She has also pioneered initiatives such as the “Football for Freedom, Unity, and Solidarity” program and the “Technology Enabled Girls Alliance.” Her extensive publications on women’s rights further highlight her commitment to social change. Indira holds a Master’s in Philosophy and continues to inspire future generations of leaders.
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