Mayaa SH is a prominent figure in contemporary literature and women’s empowerment. Mayaa SH’s observations have significantly shaped her understanding of women empowerment. Growing up in a society where women often face systemic barriers, she has witnessed firsthand the struggles that many women endure. This background has instilled in her a strong sense of purpose to advocate for change. She believes that literature serves as a powerful tool to reflect societal issues and inspire action towards gender equality. By sharing her own stories of observations and those of others, she aims to highlight the resilience and strength of women. Mayaa SH has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to advocating for women’s rights and mental health awareness, which aligns with the values celebrated by her award wins at the National level of winning the prestigious awards at the International, National Level including the APJ Abdul Kalam Awards. Her work emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, equality, and social reform, principles that resonate deeply with Dr. Kalam’s vision for India. Mayaa SH connects her life experiences to women’s empowerment by using literature as a platform for advocacy, fostering community through shared narratives, and engaging in practical initiatives that promote gender equality. Her holistic approach underscores the belief that personal stories can inspire collective action towards creating a more equitable society. In a candid conversation she draws deep connections between her personal observations and the broader theme of women empowerment. Her approach is multifaceted, reflecting both her life journey and her advocacy for gender equality.
What is your mindset and thoughts after winning back to back Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Awards?
At a personal level I view winning the APJ Abdul Kalam Awards as a significant recognition of my commitment to social justice, women’s empowerment, and innovative thinking in addressing societal issues. I affirm and believe that such accolades not only validate efforts of all but also inspire others to engage in meaningful change within their communities. Winning these awards have further motivated me to continue my advocacy and literary contributions, reinforcing my belief in the power of education and innovation as tools for societal transformation. I perceive this as an opportunity and recognition to amplify my message about the necessity of empowering marginalized voices and fostering a culture of compassion and creativity among youth. Moreover, I do acknowledge that awards like these serve as platforms to highlight pressing social issues and encourage collective action towards solutions. By embodying the spirit of Dr. Kalam who championed creativity and problem-solving I aim to inspire future generations to think critically about their roles in society and contribute positively.
In summary, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award is not just wins as a personal achievement but as a catalyst for broader societal impact, encouraging others to pursue their passions while addressing critical challenges facing humanity today. I do expressed a profound sense of gratitude and motivation regarding my journey in literature and activism. Besides, an acknowledgment still remains while I have achieved significant recognition through various awards, I believe there is still a long way to go in the pursuit of excellence and impact. Winning awards is not just about personal accolades but rather a reflection of commitment of any individual's purpose to social causes, particularly women’s empowerment and mental health awareness. I do emphasise on the importance to inspire others and bring significant impact as a meaningful change in society. Each award serves as a milestone that must fuel passion for writing and activism, pushing anyone to reach greater heights ."Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, known as the “Missile Man of India,” was not only a prominent scientist but also an inspiring leader and educator. Dr Kalam encouraged resilience in the face of failure, framing it as a necessary step toward success. He highlighted on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and looking for solutions rather than succumbing to challenges. Dr Kalam underscored that challenges are integral to personal growth and achievement.."
How would you describe yourself as a person?
As a person I am an ambivert. This has allowed me to form deep connections with others while also enjoying a wide range of social experiences. At the core of my ideology is the belief that empowering women is essential for societal progress. This is so as when women are safe, fulfilled, and productive, they can contribute significantly to their communities and families. This empowerment is not just about individual success but also about collective growth and development. I advocate for a narrative that highlights women’s strength, resilience, and capability to lead.To me a holistic approach to empowerment is a must. This intertwines gender equality with mental health awareness, secularism, social justice, and personal development. At the core of my philosophy is the belief that courage is an essential quality that can transform lives and societies. I do emphasise that true courage involves acting according to one’s principles regardless of public opinion or societal pressures. This perspective stems from my understanding that individuals who ignore the judgment of others can become powerful agents of change. Courage allows one to pursue their goals relentlessly, even in the face of obstacles.
What according to you are the social issues that you would continue to work for?
I am deeply passionate about women’s empowerment and gender equality. This is to advocate for creating an environment where every woman can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. My work also lays emphasis on the critical need for women’s empowerment as a cornerstone for shaping the future of nations, driving progress, inclusivity, and resilience. I am passionate about addressing several key issues related to women’s empowerment:
(1) Gender Inequality:
Gender inequality is at the heart of many challenges faced by women globally. This includes disparities in opportunities, rights, and access to resources.
(2) Violence Against Women:
Violence against women is a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide, thereby advocacy for awareness and action to combat this serious social problem is imperative.
(3) Lack of Economic Opportunities:
Economic opportunities are often limited for women due to systemic discrimination and societal norms that restrict their participation in the workforce.
My work extensively reflects on a commitment to addressing broader societal challenges such as mental health awareness and the rights of marginalized communities, including the transgender community. Through my writings and activism, I aim to depict gender inclusivity and equality while aligning my efforts with global initiatives like the Agenda for Sustainable Development. My passion lies in advocating for women’s rights, combating gender inequality, addressing violence against women, promoting economic opportunities for women, and raising awareness about mental health and marginalized communities.
How do you personally connect experiences in life to women empowerment?
I draw heavily from my experiences as an Indian woman navigating and seeing many issues and cases in an indirect patriarchal society. My early awareness of the social constraints faced by women has informed my ideology towards activism, allowing me to connect deeply with the struggles of others. I affirm that creating a safe and relatable narrative that resonates with many women who face numerous challenges. This connection not only empowers those individuals but also strengthens the collective voice advocating for change. By using literature as a platform, I endeavours to raise awareness about critical issues such as domestic violence and gender-based discrimination. My writings also intend to serve both as a reflection of societal issues and as a call to action for reform. Starting my writing journey at a young age, I did develop a strong foundation in creative expression and critical thinking. This early exposure allowed me to articulate complex social issues effectively, which is crucial for any individual aiming to influence public opinion and policy. By various societal barriers myself, which have furthermore fueled my passion for advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment. By navigating these challenges, I have also gained insights into the systemic issues that perpetuate gender inequality, making my activism more relatable and impactful. My journey also emphasizes the importance of research in life. My understanding of mental health issues related to suicide prevention showcase how evidence-based approaches can inform effective advocacy strategies. By grounding activism in research, one can address misconceptions about mental health and suicide while promoting informed discussions around these topics.
What are your thoughts on perspectives of those who are different from your cause?
Empathy is a cornerstone of my engagement strategy with all divine souls. I believe that understanding the emotional and cultural contexts behind differing perspectives is crucial for meaningful discourse. By listening actively and validating the experiences of others, rapport and trust is built which can lead to more productive discussions about contentious topics. I do acknowledge that cultural backgrounds significantly influence people’s views on women’s rights and activism. Hence, I do approach these differences with respect, recognizing that what may seem like a barrier can also be an opportunity for learning. By incorporating cultural sensitivity into my activism, I do endeavour to demonstrate my commitment to inclusivity and understanding. Through narratives that highlight personal experiences related to women’s empowerment, I do invite others to connect emotionally with the issues at hand. This method not only humanizes the struggles faced by women but also encourages those with differing opinions to reconsider their stances in light of shared human experiences do engage with those who have different perspectives on my ideology by promoting dialogue, emphasizing empathy, respecting cultural contexts, utilizing storytelling, building coalitions, and addressing misunderstandings directly. Apart from this I do believe that empowering women through education is essential for fostering independence and resilience within communities. My commitment to educational initiatives reflect upon my understanding that knowledge equips individuals with the tools needed to challenge societal norms and advocate for their rights. This is imperative for sustainable growth for a civic society.
What are your long-term goals for women empowerment?
One of my primary long-term objective is to foster an environment where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. This involves advocating for policies and practices that dismantle systemic barriers preventing women from achieving equal status in society. This is to emphasize the importance of creating awareness about gender inequality and its pervasive impact on women’s lives. I also intend to aim to combat violence against women, which is identified as a critical issue affecting millions globally. My goal includes constantly raising awareness about the prevalence of intimate partner violence and non-partner physical violence, as well as promoting preventive measures and support systems for victims. I believe that addressing this issue is essential for improving women’s overall health and well-being. Another significant long term goal is to enhance economic opportunities for women. I do advocate for initiatives that provide women with access to education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. By empowering women economically, I affirm they can contribute more effectively to their families and communities, thus driving broader societal progress. I also aim to promote mental health interventions that address these challenges, advocating for comprehensive support systems that can help women navigate their mental health struggles. My long-term goal in activism revolve around promoting gender equality, addressing violence against women, enhancing economic opportunities for women, increasing mental health awareness, utilizing literature for advocacy, and building supportive community networks. My work is to continuously characterise continuous learning from both successes and failures in my journey. This adaptability allows me to refine my strategies based on what works best in different contexts, ensuring that my efforts in the long term remain relevant and effective over time.
What led you to dedicate yourself to championing the rights of women and gender equality?
I envision establishing strong community networks that support women’s rights and empowerment initiatives. These networks would serve as platforms for collaboration among activists, organizations, and individuals committed to advancing gender equality. My involvement in activism is deeply rooted in my personal observations and experiences of others alongwith my keen awareness of the social constraints affecting women in India. From an early age, I did recognize the challenges posed by the mindset of few in a patriarchal society, which motivated me to use my literary talents as well as a platform for change. My journey into activism began with my writing, where I did seek to echo the voices of women and address issues such as gender inequality, violence against women, and lack of economic opportunities. I have endeavoured to focus on advocating for reforms in family law that impact women’s rights. This is also for recognition for the importance of stricter implementation of existing laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. This legal framework serves as a critical reference point for understanding women’s rights in India and the ongoing need for reform. My advocacy work is characterized by a logical approach combined with resilience, as I do encourage women to rise above societal judgments and focus on empowerment rather than reaction. I try to put in efforts for my literary works which also serve as a vehicle for activism. Through my essays and poetry, I have challenged many societal norms and highlighted the significance of gender neutrality. This is a reflection not only the struggles faced by women but also their triumphs, thereby inspiring others to engage in activism themselves. My experience significantly influences my vision by providing a solid foundation of knowledge, shaping a deep understanding of societal challenges through personal encounters, facilitating professional collaborations, emphasizing research-based advocacy, promoting education as a tool for empowerment, and allowing for continuous adaptation in response to evolving circumstances. “Women empowerment is a multifaceted concept that involves promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to make choices, and their right to influence social change. Women must be empowered because it leads to significant benefits not only for individuals but also for families, communities, and entire nations. The empowerment of women is essential for achieving gender equality and fostering sustainable development."
How long have you dedicated yourself completely to your vision of helping each individual in the country?
I have been involved in activism for several years, with my journey beginning at a young age. I do express that I started writing at the age of ten, which indicates an early engagement with social issues and advocacy. Over the years, I have put in efforts in work that has evolved to focus extensively on women’s rights and empowerment, reflecting my true commitment to these causes throughout her career. My extensive background as a social and legal activist, essayist, and campaigner for women’s rights is indicative that I decided early on to dedicate a significant portion of my life to this work. My long standing commitment to activism started from my early writing experiences and evolving into a prominent ideology for advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. My personal philosophy revolves around resilience and self-belief. I do encourage individuals to cultivate their inner strength by embracing challenges rather than shying away from them. According to my insights, “Success is not merely about achieving external goals but also about developing Character through Perseverance and Courage.” In summary, my life reflects a profound commitment to using literature as a tool for empowerment and social change. I have been involved to lay emphasis on courage which serves as an inspiration for many seeking to navigate life’s challenges while advocating for justice and equality.
Imagine it is your 60th birthday 25-30 years from now. Who are your friends, colleagues, associates and family members that you would want to be with on this milestone? What are the things that you would like them to say about you?
It is a privilege to live a long and a healthy life, on my 60th birthday I may be remembered as a little girl who grew up to be a woman who dared to believe in the beauty of her dreams and broke all gender stereotypes to live the life she had imagined and redefine the gender roles for women in society. I would like my friends, colleagues, associates and family members to state the definition of “A Powerful Woman who is an embodiment of me.” Women have institutionalized the backbone of a powerful society on the basis of both morality and ideologies. A strong woman is a personification of both beauty and intellect. Her beauty lies in the power of her dreams and her intellect in her ability to rationalize any situation for Peace and Happiness of all. Women's empowerment can be defined as promoting women's sense of self-worth, their ability to make their own choices and their right to effect social change for themselves and others. Women's accessibility or empowerment of femininity can happen only when all humanity is empowered by this balance. This is the time that such a psychological and spiritual environment should also be created, where men and women can enter on equal footing. Qualities such as nurturing, sensitivity, sweetness, helpfulness, gentleness, warmth, passivity, cooperativeness, expressiveness, politeness, gentleness, empathy, affection, tenderness, and being emotional, kind, helpful, devoted, and understanding are stereotypically feminine. A woman's role has been that of a provider and caregiver, while men still remain providers in the vast majority of cases. I believe Living in two places at once is not possible and while multitasking is necessary, it is not possible to have everything on your plate. Being the best at what you do means knowing what to do and what tasks to delegate. This also applies on the domestic front. Teach your kids to do simple household chores or turn them into 'mini managers' who can keep track of monthly activities like bill payments and shopping. Don't feel guilty about it. This helps a lot in their character building of children. After all it is your life and only you can add maximum value to it. Well, just set aside an hour of your life every day and do whatever you want in that time - read, watch a movie, listen to songs or talk to your best friend. Do anything as long as it's all about allowing a woman to be passionate in the pursuit of her aspirations in life first.
About The Author
Mayaa SH is a multifaceted individual known for her extensive contributions to literature, women’s empowerment, and social activism. She embodies a blend of creativity, resilience, and dedication to advocating for gender equality and mental health awareness. Mayaa SH was born into an Army family in Kolkata, India, which exposed her to diverse cultures and environments throughout her childhood. This upbringing instilled in her a strong desire to make a positive impact on society. Her journey into activism began when she realized the importance of using her knowledge and skills to uplift others, particularly women facing societal challenges. As an accomplished authoress, Mayaa SH has written numerous books and co-authored over two hundred plus anthologies. Her literary work often addresses critical issues such as gender inequality, mental health, and women’s rights. Notably, her poem “The Candle in the Wind” won national recognition and marked the beginning of her impactful writing stint. She is also recognized for her public speaking skills and has been involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering women through education and advocacy. Mayaa SH is a staunch advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She emphasizes that feminism should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their educational background. Her belief that “You Don’t Need To Be Highly Educated To Be Empowered” reflects her commitment to making feminist principles relatable and actionable for all women. Through her writings and community engagement, she aims to challenge patriarchal norms and promote systemic change. Her philosophy centers around self-actualization as both personal growth and social responsibility. Mayaa SH believes that individuals should strive for excellence while uplifting others along the way. This holistic approach underscores the power of women as agents of change within their communities. She actively engages in discussions about mental health, emphasizing the importance of open communication as a means to combat stress and anxiety. Mayaa SH is characterized by her unwavering dedication to advocating for women’s empowerment, her prolific literary contributions, and her commitment to fostering social change through education and awareness. Her life reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in society, coupled with a passionate drive to create a more equitable world. Mayaa SH demonstrates a deep understanding of the struggles faced by women and marginalized groups. Her commitment to women’s empowerment and mental health awareness reflects her empathetic nature, as she seeks to uplift those who are often overlooked or oppressed. She embodies courage by challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for gender equality in a society where such discussions can be contentious. Her willingness to speak out against injustices demonstrates her bravery. Through her writings and public speaking engagements, Mayaa SH inspires others to pursue their dreams and stand up for their rights. She encourages self-belief among women, which is evident in her motivational messages. As an accomplished authoress and poetess, Mayaa SH possesses significant creative talent. Her ability to express complex emotions and societal issues through literature indicates a rich imaginative capacity. Mayaa SH is empathetic, resilient, passionate, courageous, inspirational, creative, and determined. Her achievements, including multiple awards and records in literature, reflect a strong determination to succeed in her endeavors. She sets goals for herself and works diligently towards achieving them.