On the Ground Episode 18: You hear Dr. Mayanka Guptak, Joint Secretary of The All India Women’s Education Fund Association (AIWEFA

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Mayanka Gupta is a gerontologist, academician, and Joint Secretary of the All India Women's Education Fund Association (AIWEFA), an NGO with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1999. Her work involves advocacy for women's rights in India, focusing on education and empowerment, as well as promoting projects that address climate change and environmental sustainability. Beyond her NGO work, Dr. Gupta has developed a framework for evaluating care institutions and has been deeply involved in research related to the quality of life for older adults.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Mayanka Gupta engages in an enlightening conversation about her role in AIWEFA and discusses the organization's efforts in promoting women's empowerment and education. Gupta delves into the interesting projects spearheaded by AIWEFA, exploring their global impact and collaboration with the United Nations.

AIWEFA, established under the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Lady Dorothy Irwin, has been instrumental in shaping women's rights in India. Dr. Gupta outlines some key initiatives, such as the employment program for women cab drivers with Ola Cabs and the 'Khadi Goes Global' event showcasing indigenous weaving arts. These projects highlight AIWEFA's multi-faceted approach to empowerment, from economic opportunities to cultural representation.

Listeners will gain insight into the mechanisms of collaboration with the UN, the strategies for involving youth and leveraging technology, and the advocacy for policy initiatives. Dr. Gupta introduces her personal research on developing a Quality of Life Index for older adults and offers opportunities for collaboration in research and policy implementation.

Key Takeaways:

• AIWEFA is dedicated to enhancing women's empowerment, with a history of rights advocacy and education efforts in India.
• The organization has an extensive record of participating in and organizing events in collaboration with the United Nations.
• Dr. Gupta's research on the