Recording a podcast series is a labor of passion and dedication, and when the subject matter is as inspiring as the journeys of women leaders in India's civil society sector, the process becomes even more profound. VANI has embarked on a remarkable journey of its own, with the "She Leads the Way" podcast series. This series aims to shed light on the incredible stories and accomplishments of women leaders in India's civil society, highlighting their inspiring journeys, challenges, and victories. 

Objectives: 

1.    Celebrating Women in Leadership: The primary objective of "She Leads the Way" was to celebrate and honour the exceptional women who have taken the lead in the Indian civil society sector and played an impactful role on the global front. Their dedication, resilience, and impact deserve recognition, and this podcast series offers a platform for their voices to be heard. In the words of Ms. Puja Marwaha, Executive Director, Child Rights and You, sharing the transformative power of women leaders “Embrace self-belief. Your voice matters. Do not allow anyone to shout you down. Far too often, our voices are dismissed simply because we are women. Our voices need to be loud and clear and start creating these spaces is especially important.” 

2.     Inspiring Future Generations: By sharing these stories, VANI hopes to inspire the next generation of women leaders. The podcast showcases that gender should never be a barrier to success in the civil society sector, and aspiring women can learn from the experiences of those who have paved the way. In the words of social leader Ms. Mini Bedi, interviewed for the podcast, when it comes to women and children affected by abuse or poverty, "we are looking at them as victims, but are we looking at the causes? When I realised that, my real struggle began." 

3.     Raising Awareness: The civil society sector plays a crucial role in addressing social issues, and the "She Leads the Way" podcast series helps raise awareness about the vital work carried out by these women leaders. It encourages listeners to engage in meaningful conversations and actions for the betterment of society. "Women understand issues of intersectionality very well having often confronted discrimination firsthand. This understanding uniquely shapes our approach in the voluntary sector, setting us apart," says Ms. Jaswant Kaur in one of the episodes, as she brings to us her journey of transformation from a corporate employee to the head of a voluntary sector organisation. 

The Recording Process: 

1.     Research and Selection: The podcast began with meticulous research to identify some of the most remarkable women leaders in the Indian civil society sector. Ten such women leaders were reached out, to participate in this initiative. 

2.     Interviews and Conversations: Once the women leaders were identified, the recording process began with insightful online interviews. Dr. Pallavi Rekhi, Programme Officer at VANI, indulged in in-depth conversations with the featured leaders to unearth their experiences, challenges, and achievements. 

3.     Production and Editing: After recording the interviews, the content went through a thorough editing process to ensure a polished and engaging podcast. The goal was to make the narratives compelling and relatable to a broad audience. 

4.     Release and Promotion: Episodes of "She Leads the Way" are released on a weekly basis, creating anticipation among the audience. VANI promotes the series through various platforms, social media, and partner networks to reach a wider audience. 

5.     Feedback and Engagement: Audience feedback through comments, questions, and suggestions was welcomed. This feedback loop helped improve the podcast series and foster a sense of community. 

This podcast series by VANI is more than just a collection of stories; it's a tribute to the incredible women leaders who have made an indelible mark on India's civil society sector, both nationally and globally. With a mission to celebrate, inspire, and raise awareness, VANI's dedication to this initiative reflects the power of storytelling, of creating positive narratives, and the impact of women's leadership.  

Discover the podcast episode here.