Mina Das

Director of Nishtha, an NGO in Kolkata that fights for equal rights and equal opportunity for women, Ms. Das has been actively involved in girls and women’s empowerment issues since the 1970s.

Much of her work has involved empowering and supporting girls and women in decision-making processes for the wellbeing of themselves, their families and their communities. Concerned with educating girls up to their PG degree level, some have undergone skills development training, with many becoming entrepreneurs, taking on leadership roles and becoming change-makers in their communities. Others have gained independence, often actively solving problems affecting their status and livelihood, including violence. In her capacity as Director of Nishtha, Mina has gained recognition from the Government Administration of India and has received several national and international awards for her work. The organisation has also received recognition for a women’s group plan that was conceived to resolve a water crisis in the community.