Safeguarding, Gender Rights, and Inclusive Governance with Dr Shivani Bhardwaj | Podcast Ep1

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shivani Bhardwaj, a distinguished researcher, network coordinator, and master trainer whose work spans over three decades of transforming social policy and practice. Recognized as a woman entrepreneur by NITI Aayog and a recipient of the Shakti Achievement Award, Dr. Bhardwaj has dedicated her career to safeguarding, gender equity, and child rights.We dive deep into her groundbreaking initiatives, including the creation of the "Jungle Bank" to empower tribal women in Madhya Pradesh and her extensive research for the Ministry of Women and Child Development on the systemic barriers facing Dalit women. We also explore her critical work in "Aftercare," where she helped establish the Care Leavers Association and Network (CLAN) to support youth transitioning out of child care institutions.Whether it is training the police on gender-based violence, developing safeguarding policies for major organizations like Caritas India, or leading the Strengthening Feminist Movement (SFM) through "Inclusive Safe Space" dialogues, Dr. Bhardwaj provides a masterclass on how to build a more equitable world.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
• The Gender Resource Gap: Understanding Campaign Sansadhini and how women can resource themselves to address inequality.
• Institutional Safeguarding: What it takes to protect vulnerable adults and children within large-scale organizations.
• Tribal and Dalit Advocacy: Insights from the field on land rights, sustainable livelihoods, and overcoming institutional discrimination.
• Aftercare Policy: The urgent need for support systems for youth who are "wards of the state" after they turn 18.
• Global Perspectives: Reflections on mainstreaming gender in Afghanistan and working with international bodies like UN Women, UNICEF, and DFID.

 About the Guest: Dr. Shivani Bhardwaj holds a PhD in Social Work from Delhi University and has over 50 publications on human rights and social policy. She is the founder of multiple networks and serves as a strategic advisor for various NGOs and government committees, including Sexual Harassment Committees for the Ministry of Food and the office of the CAG.

Follow the Work of Dr. Shivani Bhardwaj:
• Organization: Sathi All For Partnerships
• Initiatives: Campaign Sansadhini & Strengthening Feminist Movement (SFM)

LinkedIn: ⁠  / dr-shivani-bhardwaj-5722ba6⁠   ____

For more visit:⁠ https://developmentwala.com/podcast/⁠
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