A Changemaker in Making… Anushree Dash is a Gender Equality Advocate, Human Rights Activist, and social entrepreneur working at the forefront of gender justice, women’s leadership, and systemic change. She is the Founder and Chairperson of ADiBha She Vision, a non-profit initiative dedicated to advancing women’s rights, amplifying the voices of women and girls, and promoting their meaningful participation in governance, policy, and decision-making spaces. She is also the Founder of ADiBha, a social enterprise focused on creating sustainable pathways for women’s empowerment. Hailing from the steel city of Rourkela, Odisha, Anushree’s journey reflects courage, purpose, and conviction. Guided by her belief that “when the path is more difficult, the calling is higher,” she has transitioned from the world of corporate leadership to grassroots activism, dedicating her life to building a more equitable and inclusive society. Widely recognized as the “Pad Woman of Odisha” for her pioneering work in menstrual health and hygiene, Anushree has been a strong advocate for women’s health, girls’ education, prevention of child sexual abuse, elimination of child marriage, and addressing gender-based violence. Her work focuses on creating safer, more equitable communities while challenging deeply rooted patriarchal structures. Through ADiBha She Vision, she leads initiatives that combine grassroots engagement, youth mobilization, policy dialogue, and public advocacy to advance gender justice. The organization works to create spaces where women can speak, lead, and influence decisions that shape their lives, with a strong focus on women’s health, education, safety, political participation, and equal representation in governance. Her work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. Anushree currently serves as the G100 India Country Chair for Equity & Equality and has been actively engaged with global platforms advocating for women’s rights. She has represented India at the Women Economic Forum in London and spoken at the G20 Summit on gender equality and women’s empowerment. A three-time TEDx Speaker, she is also a writer and columnist whose thought-provoking articles have appeared in leading national newspapers and magazines, in both Hindi and English. She is an Ananta Fellow, Aspire Circle Fellow, REX Fellow, and ISD Fellow, and has been part of several leadership and social impact fellowships that bring together changemakers working towards inclusive and equitable societies. Academically, Anushree holds an MBA in International Business and Finance and has worked with leading multinational corporations, serving in mid- to senior-management roles across diverse geographies. Choosing purpose over position, she stepped away from her corporate career to return to her home state and dedicate herself to grassroots development, particularly among rural and tribal communities. Today, Anushree Dash continues to raise a powerful voice for gender justice, equity, and social transformation, building movements, influencing policy conversations, and inspiring a new generation of leaders to reimagine a world where women claim their rightful place in every sphere of power and possibility.

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