Dr. Bharti Sharma (She/Her)
Honorary Secretary
Bharti Sharma, born in 1941, has degrees in Home Science (specialization in Child development), followed by Social Work from M.S. University, Baroda and Ph.D. on Juvenile Delinquency from South- Gujarat University, Surat. She has teaching experience at graduate and post graduate levels at different Universities in India and abroad. Read more
Suddha Tiwari (She/Her)
Chairperson
Ms. Sudha Tiwari has been the pillar and driving force of Shakti Shalini since 1988. She excels at counseling and management of the shelter home. She is an exemplary activist and representative of Shakti Shalini. She has devoted more than three decades to the service of victims of violence. Her leadership has ensured an inclusive and participatory work culture within Shakti Shalini.
Usha Sonkar (She/Her)
Administration
She has been with Shakti Shalini for more than thirteen years and is full of priceless experiences. Her loyalty to the organization shows in her persevering commitment. Her thorough understanding of Shakti Shalini, its functioning and history is demonstrated in all she says and does.
Tamanna Basu (She/Her)
Core Lead
Tamanna is the Core Lead at Shakti Shalini and has worked with the organization since 2015. From 2020-2021, she worked as a Consultant for Research and Communications at HAQ: Centre for Child Rights. Tamanna taught Literature in English as a Teaching-Fellow at Ashoka University in 2019 and from 2021 to 2022, as well as a Guest Lecturer at Nirma University in 2022. In 2022, Read more
Anjali Thakur (She/Her)
Operations Lead, Delhi
Talk about conversations, full packed energy and liveliness in a workspace, Anjali never misses an opportunity to get these things along with her. Packed with her optimism and the zeal to be a part of the change, she brings more than 8 years of experience in the field of gender rights, education and health.
Monika Tiwary (She/Her)
Survivor Support Lead
With a knack to unlearn and learn, Monika calls out on Patriarchy one step at a time. With work experience of almost 7 years in the field of gender based violence, Monika is extremely passionate about about the cause where even the smallest change brings her immense joy and satisfaction. Driven by the belief that these tiny steps will eventually lead to far reaching change, she refuses to give up.
Ariba Khan (She/Her)
Management and Mentorship Associate
Ariba holds a Master’s degree in Gender Studies and is deeply committed to promoting intersectional feminism. Her areas of interest include gender and sexuality, queer theory, and gender and religion. She is also passionate about politics and books, often engaging in thoughtful conversations on these topics. Outside of work, she’s a makeup enthusiast and unapologetic binge-watcher, always ready with a bold lip and a new series recommendation.
Tanmoyee Bhattacharjee (She/Her)
Child Protection Lead
Tanmoyee is another name for creativity, empathy and deeper conversations, wearing her politics on her sleeve, she smashes patriarchy full-time. She holds a Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Counselling from TISS Guwahati. She coordinates the Child Protection Unit in Shakti Shalini and engages in organisational based research. Her fields of interest are Gender & Sexuality, Child Rights, Social and Action research.
Abhimanyu Varadharajan (He/Him)
Community Outreach Co-Coordinator for Men and Boys
Abhimanyu did his MA in Peace and Conflict Studies and works as a co-coordinator for community outreach with men and boys. He is passionate about creating safe and engaging spaces for adolescents, using play and art as tools. When not at work, Abhimanyu can be seen awkwardly initiating small talks using the topic of food.
Tanvi Lomesh (She/Her)
Media and Communications Executive
Tanvi is a Media and Communication Executive at Shakti Shalini and is involved in media outreach programme to sensitize the issues faced by survivors of gender /sexual violence and also provides support in driving media engagements to build greater visibility for the organisation. Read more
Tannu Kumari (She/Her)
Accounts Officer
Tannu Joined Shakti Shalini as an accounts officer. Holding two years of experience in finance sector she is responsible to carry out the overall day to day financial transactions for the organization. Tannu holds a graduation degree in B. Com from Delhi University and is pursuing MBA (Financial Management) from IGNOU.
Mikansha Gupta (She/Her)
Counselor, Crisis Intervention and Counselling Centre
Mikansha works as counselor in Shakti Shalini, looks at things from a feminist lens. Her commitment is towards gender equality and specifically women empowerment. Mikansha sings so well but with a tiny pinch of regret for not pursuing it as a profession. She is happy calling her a ‘foodie’ and falls on four legs for south Indian food. Mikansha loves travelling but adult life realities give her less time to do it as she wants. Twelve – year old Aarnav is her best friend who happened to be her son.
Varsha Khare (She/Her)
Community Outreach Worker for Women and Girls
Varsha is a Community Outreach Worker at Shakti Shalini with a lifelong commitment to social change, having begun working with communities at the age of 13. She sees herself as a community leader who advocates for rights, speaks out against injustice, and creates spaces for collective voices to build a just and equitable world. Previously, she worked with the FAT organisation, empowering young girls to become more tech-savvy and confident. Varsha finds joy in engaging with people in the community and, in her free time, enjoys traveling and listening to music.
Apabrita Adhikari (She/Her)
Child Counselor, Child Protection Unit
Forensic and Counseling Psychologist by day, full-time shawarma roll enthusiast by choice. With training in drama and movement therapy facilitation, she channels her passion for intersectional feminism into a career grounded in gender equity, child and adolescent well-being, and mental health. The rage she collected while growing up now fuels her everyday acts of micro-feminism—existing loudly and unapologetically in every space she occupies.
Radha (She/Her)
KVK Coordinator
Radha is a community development professional with 10+ years of experience advancing skill development, economic justice, and gender equality. She has led programs empowering women and girls, built strong stakeholder partnerships, and driven grassroots mobilization. With expertise in project management and capacity building, Radha brings strategic leadership and a deep commitment to social justice and inclusive growth.
Gauri Dugar (She/Her)
Helpline Coordinator
Gauri Dugar is a forensic and counselling psychologist passionate about supporting individuals through trauma, life transitions, and emotional challenges. Her approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and client-centred, shaped by over 400 hours of psychological counselling training at the Christian Counselling Centre. Gauri’s professional journey spans corporate and government sectors. She has worked as a Forensic Analyst with PwC and served as a Senior Forensic Psychology Expert with Delhi Police, where she provided counselling and crisis support to survivors of abuse, violence, and trauma across all age groups and genders.
At the heart of her work is the belief in creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where people feel truly heard and supported. Beyond her professional life, Gauri is a quiet soul who enjoys reading, playing games, and napping alongside her three cats.
Priti Kashyap (She/Her)
Basic Literacy Trainer, Kushalta Vikas Kendra
Priti is a postgraduate student employed at Shakti Shalini’s Skill Development Center as a computer trainer. After working as a teacher at Sarvodaya Institute in East Delhi, she spent nine years working in a non-teaching capacity at Hindu College.Priti loves to explore her interests, which include travelling, shopping, and cooking.
Abida Khatoon (She/Her)
Trainer – Beauty Culture Programme, Kushalta Vikas Kendra
Abida Khatoon is a fashion designer and works as a beauty trainer at Kushalta Vikas Kendra, Shakti Shalini from past 15 years. She facilitates beauty culture training to the shelter residents and participants from socio-economic marginalized communities. She believes that the inner beauty is more important than the outer beauty.
Aiman Takallum (She/Her)
Basic Literacy Educator, Kushalta Vikas Kendra
Aiman Takallum is an amiable, dedicated and passionate educator with a Master‘s degree in Education from Jamia Millia Islamia, Bachelor’s degree in Education from Jamia Millia Islamia and Diploma degree in Special Education (D.El.Ed.) in Mental Retardation from IP University, along with a graduation in Arts and a Master’s in Sociology from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. With her extensive understanding and experience in educational theories, sociological perspectives, she is committed to foster a positive learning environment and enhancing student engagement achievement through innovative teaching methods and a holistic understanding of social dynamics. Because of her intense devotion to the cause, Aiman finds great joy & fulfillment even in the little change. Recently, her 4 articles are published on gender discrimination & higher education. Her areas of interest include activism, teaching, writing articles, exploring new places & sometimes photography and making videos.🥰
Barkha Chauhan (She/Her)
Helpline Social Worker
Barkha Chauhan is a psychologist with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from IGNOU and a Postgraduate degree in Psychology from Renaissance University, Indore. She is deeply passionate about mental health and believes in the power of empathy, awareness, and active listening to bring about positive change.
A deep listener and avid reader, Barkha draws on her sensitivity and curiosity to better understand people’s emotions. Through her experiences in counselling and clinical training, she has supported individuals navigating emotional and psychological challenges.
In her association with the NGO, Barkha strives to create safe spaces where people feel heard, supported, and encouraged to move forward with hope and confidence.
Rukhsaar (She/Her)
Helpline Social Worker
Rukhsaar, Shakti Shalini’s team member since 2017, works as Night Caregiver at Pehchan Home. She is also a social entrepreneur, first picked up the paintbrush when she was in school and has continued to glide it across the canvas ever since. Rukhsar has been taking inspiration from contemporary artists she’s discovered over the years. While she works, she either prefers absolute silence or Bollywood music from the ’90s. Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghoshal are her absolute favourite. Her artworks are mostly abstracts, women-centric theme based. Her spiral notebooks are also one of her best creations.
Shruti (She/Her)
Helpline Social Worker
Shruti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing a course in HR Generalist. She works as a Helpline Social Worker with Shakti Shalini, where she supports individuals facing violence and abuse.
Her professional journey began with SPWF, supporting underprivileged children, and she later interned with RAWAT NGO and Shakti Shalini. Experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and a workshop with the Himachal Queer Foundation deepened her understanding of social issues such as patriarchy, feminism, queer lives, casteism, and privilege.
With additional exposure in the corporate sector at Telus International and RD Solutions, Shruti realized her true calling lies in creating social impact. She aspires to combine her background in social work with HR to foster organizational growth while empowering individuals and communities.
Sabiya (She/Her)
Helpline Social Worker
Sabiya is a dedicated Helpline Social Worker at Shakti Shalini, providing empathetic support and guidance to individuals affected by gender-based sexual violence and abuse. Committed to empowering survivors, she offers active listening, crisis intervention, and connects callers with essential services—always with confidentiality and sensitivity.
Shyna Parveen (She/Her)
Trainer-Cutting and Tailoring
Shayna Parveen is a passionate Cutting and Tailoring Instructor at Kushalta Vikas Kendra, Shakti Shalini. She is fascinated by various kinds of fabrics, and stitching them into unique dress designs. Shayna is often found experimenting with new styles during her free time. Her dedication to fashion and teaching led her to join Shakti Shalani, where she aims to share her skills and creativity with a wider audience and inspire others through her work.
Indrajeet (He/Him)
Community Outreach Worker (Men and Boys)
Indrajeet is a dedicated social worker committed to preventing gender-based violence. He trains youth and community members as social change agents, promoting gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms. Working closely with men and adolescents, he fosters awareness, dialogue, and leadership for lasting grassroots change. He believes everyone holds the potential for change given the right direction.
Farhan (He/Him)
Community Outreach Worker (Men and Boys)
Farhan Siddiqui is a Community Outreach Worker at Shakti Shalini, where he has been working since December 2023. He specializes in community mobilisation on issues of gender and sexual violence, engaging with communities to raise awareness, support survivors, and create safe, inclusive spaces. Currently pursuing his Master’s in Social Work from IGNOU, Farhan combines academic learning with field experience. He is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and social justice and looks forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Taliya Iqbal (She/Her)
Community Outreach Coordinator - Women and Girls
Taliya Iqbal is a public health professional with experience in maternal and child health awareness and community engagement. She is passionate about advancing gender justice, preventing everyday violence, and strengthening feminist leadership at the grassroots.