Author: Smile Foundation

It is not uncommon in Indian households to see women shying away from discussing important matters like finance, politics, and social justice. However, the World Bank has identified women’s voice, agency, and participation as a key dimension of gender equality and as a major policy priority.  This recognition has not been a recent one. Women have been shaping societies across the world with their innovation, resilience, and leadership. They have been playing an important role in advocating for justice, equality, and sustainable development. Women have always been using their voices to challenge norms, question power structures, and create transformative solutions. Their contributions have reshaped histories and paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for a more equitable world. As change agents, women bring unique perspectives, drawing on lived experiences, empathy, and determination to break barriers and inspire action.

Importance of having women as agents of change

Though there are numerous reasons for having women as agents of change, some key points are discussed below.

1. Diverse perspectives: Women’s participation in societal transformation brings diverse perspectives, experiences, and strengths that can drive progress across all sectors. These will be completely different from men. When a woman is involved in a leadership role, the solutions to local and global issues would become more well-rounded and representative of their entire population. Their unique perspective will help to identify overlooked problems and provide inclusive and sustainable solutions to pressing issues.
2. Community benefits: When women are empowered to take on leadership roles and participate fully in the economy, the entire community benefits. Studies have shown that empowering women leads to higher education rates, improved family health, greater income equality, and overall economic growth. The World Bank has found that increasing women’s participation in the workforce can boost national GDP. 
3. Challenging societal norms: When a woman is an agent of change, it directly challenges societal norms and dismantles structural inequalities. Women who break down barriers, challenge outdated stereotypes, and inspire future generations to believe that gender should never limit potential. Involvement of women in activism, governance, and leadership is essential for creating a more just society where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive.
4. Better governance: Studies have shown that having more women in leadership positions leads to better governance and more transparent and accountable institutions. They often emphasize collaboration and inclusivity. It in turn fosters a more cooperative environment for resolving conflicts and addressing complex issues. Also, women tend to prioritize policies that focus on welfare, health, and education, which directly improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
5. Role models for future generations: Women as change agents will become role models for younger generations, particularly girls. These women show them that they too can break barriers and drive change. Representation of women in leadership roles is crucial in encouraging the next generation of women to pursue their dreams, take on leadership roles, and be active participants in social, political, and economic change.

Women as agents of change

1. Politics: Politics has been a tough arena for all, women in particular. It poses immense challenges, right from cultural and societal norms to outright discrimination. By entering and excelling in the political field, women challenge and dismantle the barriers, proving that leadership is defined by capability and vision but not by gender. One such politician is Indira Gandhi, the only woman Prime Minister of India. She broke the barriers in a male-dominated political landscape. She demonstrated that women could lead with decisiveness, leaving a lasting mark on Indian politics.

Research has shown that women in leadership positions tend to focus more on policies that prioritize public health, education, and social welfare. Their approach to governance often emphasizes inclusivity, empathy, and long-term sustainability, all of which are essential for the development of thriving societies. Former Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, had been promoting education, healthcare, and gender equality. She positioned Finland as one of the world’s most progressive countries.  

Also, women politicians have often shown exceptional leadership during crises, whether political, economic, or social. Their ability to make quick, compassionate decisions while balancing pragmatic solutions with empathy has been a hallmark of their leadership. Angela Merkel, who had been Germany’s chancellor for 16 years, led the country through the European financial crisis, the migrant crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She is widely known for her calm and methodical approach to crisis management.

2. Literature: Women have always been powerful agents of change in literature, both as writers and characters. They have often challenged the rigid gender norms and stereotypes imposed on women by society. Their writing provides new representations of women, challenging the traditional roles assigned to them and opening up new spaces for female expression, identity, and independence. Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own and Mrs. Dalloway explored the constraints that society placed on women, particularly within the realms of creativity, independence, and mental health. Woolf’s idea that women need financial independence and personal space to create art was groundbreaking for its time. Similarly, Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper depicted the psychological oppression of women through the story of a woman confined to a room for her mental health.

Women writers have used literature as a platform for advocating women’s rights and feminist ideals. Their work has inspired generations of readers to reconsider the status of women and the inequalities they face in both private and public life. In her seminal work The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir questioned the historical and cultural oppression of women, arguing that women had been historically defined in relation to men. Her philosophy laid the foundation for modern feminist thought and activism. Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique helped ignite the second wave feminist movement in the 1960s, revealing how suburban housewives in America were trapped in a cycle of domesticity and discontent.

Women writers have often focused on rewriting history from a female perspective or telling stories that were previously ignored or erased. Through their works, they reclaim narratives and provide insight into the experiences of women who have been historically marginalized. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novels explore the intersection of gender, race, and immigration, giving voice to African women and their stories in a global context.

3. Climate change: Women, especially those from marginalized communities, have been at the forefront of grassroots environmental movements. Since they have a deep understanding of local ecosystems, they are likely to be directly affected by climate change impacts, such as water scarcity, food insecurity, and other extreme weather events. This connection drives their activism and advocacy for solutions that address the needs of their communities. Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmental activist, found the Green Belt Movement, which planted millions of trees across Africa. The movement has been addressing deforestation and promoting environmental conservation.

Women have also been advocating for climate justice. It calls for addressing the inequitable impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, ensuring that those who have contributed least to the problem are not left behind in the solution. Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been an outspoken advocate for climate justice. Her foundation—the Mary Robinson Foundation—Climate Change—works towards the human rights dimension of climate change.

4. Social movements: Women played an important role in a wide range of social movements, from civil rights and labor to feminism and environmental justice. It has not only been crucial for advancing the causes they championed, but it has also been essential in redefining gender roles, empowering marginalized communities, and challenging oppressive systems. Women have led the charge for women’s rights and women’s liberation from the suffragist movements to contemporary gender equality campaigns. Leaders of the US suffrage movement—Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton—were instrumental in securing suffrage rights for women in 1920. As a journalist and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, Steinem raised awareness on issues such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and sexual autonomy in the 1960s. She continues to influence feminist discourse today.

Women have also been central to civil rights movements, fighting for racial justice and equality in the face of systemic racism, segregation, and oppression. Their leadership in grassroots organizing and protests helped shape the trajectory of civil rights movements across the world. Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Alabama sparked the Montgomery Bus boycott. She became an icon of the American Civil Rights Movement. Angela Davis was instrumental in the fight for racial justice, particularly in her advocacy for incarcerated Black individuals and her leadership in the Black Panther Party.

Across the globe, women have proven themselves to be indispensable agents of change. They have been driving movements, policies, and innovations, and they made lasting impacts on society. Through their activism, leadership, and unwavering commitment, they have challenged oppressive systems, advocated for the marginalized, and contributed to profound societal transformations. However, their journey is ongoing, as challenges such as gender inequality, environmental crises, and social injustice continue to persist. Empowering women through supporting them to become independent like Smile Foundation does and ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes remain essential to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Ramesh, a 10-year-old from a drought-stricken village in Maharashtra, once spent his days weaving through Mumbai’s traffic signals, selling trinkets to survive. His family, having migrated to the city in search of work, ended up living on the streets. Ramesh’s dreams of attending school were buried under the weight of his circumstances. That changed when he was identified by a development organization, enrolled in a local government school, and given access to books, uniforms, and support. Today, having passed his 10th-grade exams with distinction, Ramesh aspires to become an engineer.

His story is echoed by millions of children across India—bright, resilient, and eager to learn, yet denied the basic right to education. Ramesh’s journey underscores how timely interventions can break generational poverty and reshape futures.

A systemic crisis: The scope of out-of-school children in India

India holds the distinction of having the world’s largest child population. Yet, according to UNESCO’s 2022 report, over 6 million children in India remain out of school. Many are engaged in informal work, domestic labor, or begging. The roots of this crisis are structural and multifaceted.

Poverty remains the largest barrier, with parents often relying on their children’s earnings to survive. The 2011 Census reported over 10 million child laborers, a figure that continues to challenge national education goals. Girls are especially at risk—pulled out of school due to entrenched gender roles, early marriage, or the lack of basic infrastructure like safe toilets. In rural areas, the problem is compounded by dilapidated schools, insufficient teachers, and cultural norms that deprioritize education for girls.

These challenges are not just a reflection of inequality; they are a warning sign. When children are denied education, a nation loses out on human potential.

Education as the most powerful equalizer

Education is a lifeline. It empowers children to break the cycle of poverty, gain financial independence, and build healthier lives. A Brookings Institution study found that the likelihood of escaping generational poverty doubles with access to secondary education.

Education also has ripple effects. The World Health Organization reports that every additional year of education for girls can reduce child mortality rates by 2–10%. Educated children are more likely to make informed health decisions, resist exploitation, and advocate for themselves and their communities.

But beyond statistics lies a deeper truth: education gives children dignity. It opens doors to opportunity and agency; something every child, regardless of background, deserves.

Transformative initiatives: Turning the tide

Over the years, India has launched several landmark policies to improve access to education:

• The Right to Education Act (RTE) mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14. While implementation gaps remain, it lays the foundation for inclusive education.
• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan integrates school education and emphasizes quality, infrastructure, and equity.
• The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, feeding millions of children daily, has not only improved nutrition but also incentivized attendance—reducing dropouts by as much as 30%.

Additionally, organizations like Smile Foundation have developed grassroots interventions by providing access to healthcare, remedial education, and family support, helping children like Ramesh transition from the streets to structured learning environments.

Looking ahead: A vision for inclusive education

Despite progress, systemic barriers continue to deny many children a fair start. To truly bridge the education gap, a multi-pronged approach is needed:

• Universal preschool education: Strengthening and scaling up Anganwadis (community child care centers) will provide early learning foundations, particularly in marginalized areas.
• Digital inclusion: Smart classrooms, online learning platforms, and mobile-based education can close the rural-urban divide—if investments are made to overcome the digital gap.
• Teacher training and motivation: Teachers must be empowered through continuous professional development and fair compensation to ensure they become enablers of transformation.
• Parental engagement: Parents must be involved in the education process and made aware of the long-term value of keeping their children in school.

These interventions, when pursued in concert, can ensure that no child is left behind.

A shared responsibility

The path from streets to schools is not paved by policy alone; it requires empathy, collaboration, and sustained effort. Government agencies must prioritize marginalized communities. Development organizations must scale successful interventions. Corporates must support education through CSR initiatives. And citizens must champion the rights of every child.

Ramesh’s story is a reminder that with the right support, even the most disadvantaged children can rise, thrive, and lead. By ensuring equitable access to quality education, we can turn India’s greatest challenge into its most enduring strength.

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Believe it or not, kindness is the key ingredient of happiness. One cannot thrive in society without being kind or experiencing the act of kindness in any form. Kindness, as the American dictionary puts it, is the quality of being generous, gentle, helpful, and caring towards other people. In simple terms, it is showing consideration for others and showing love in action. It involves actions, words, or gestures that show care, empathy, and a desire to make someone’s life better, whether through small acts of service or thoughtful gestures. Like the wonders, it is at once simple and complex, covering itself with multiple layers yet making itself visible. It can be as simple as a smile, a compliment, or helping someone in need. It is all about treating others with respect and understanding, without expecting anything in return. This trait seems to be inbuilt in most living beings. Yet many choose to bury it deep under their skin for their own reasons. 

Understanding the science behind kindness

The science behind kindness touches upon psychology, neuroscience, and even evolutionary biology. When a person engages in kind actions, our brains release a variety of chemicals that impact our emotional and physical well-being.

In response to kind actions, our body releases oxytocin (the love hormone), dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter), endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers), and serotonin (the mood-regulating neurotransmitter). Studies show that practicing kindness leads to an increase in happiness, reduces stress levels, and builds emotional resilience, benefiting overall well-being. Research shows that people who engage in consistent acts of kindness have better emotional well-being, feel more connected to others, and are generally healthier.

Kindness is crucial for survival. As social creatures, we rely on cooperation and reciprocity. Being kind will strengthen social bonds, create support networks, and promote group survival. The sense of community and belonging that comes with kindness is essential for both individual and collective well-being. Kindness has a rippling effect on society. It not only benefits the giver and receiver but also those who witness it. People who witness kindness can feel inspired to perform their own kind acts. This ‘rippling effect’ can create a culture of kindness that spreads through communities. It’s a powerful, positive force that can improve not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.

Volunteering is a form of kindness

Volunteering is a voluntary act of a person or group to give their time and labour for community service without any monetary compensation. It can take many forms, ranging from helping individuals or communities in need, supporting nonprofit organizations, or contributing to social, environmental, or humanitarian causes.

Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to practice kindness because it involves giving your time, energy, and skills to help others without expecting anything in return. In reality, you are contributing to something larger than yourself by helping others in need. This selfless act is a direct demonstration of kindness. It benefits both the giver and the receiver. It also has long-lasting positive effects on community cohesion.

How does volunteering benefit mental health?

Time and again, studies have shown that volunteering can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Engaging in volunteer work can help in improving the psychological well-being of a person in numerous ways. Some of them are discussed below.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety: When a person is involved in volunteer work, he experiences an increased sense of happiness and fulfillment. It is because the brain releases oxytocin to create a sense of warmth, connection, and joy; dopamine to make us feel happy and satisfied; and endorphins to improve mood and reduce stress. Engaging in meaningful activity is the best way to temporarily take our minds off personal worries and find a sense of calm and balance. Further, volunteering often provides a sense of purpose and meaning, and it is a powerful antidote to feelings of emptiness or depression. Research shows that people who volunteer regularly experience lower levels of depression compared to those who don’t.
2. Boosts self-esteem and confidence: When a person helps others without expecting anything in return, he feels valuable and important, especially when he sees the positive impact of his actions. This in turn will boost his self-worth and encourage a sense of purpose. Also, volunteering will help him to learn and develop new skills, take on new challenges, and gain a sense of mastery. Feeling effective and competent contributes to a more positive self-image. Meanwhile, completing tasks and achieving goals in a volunteer setting gives one a sense of accomplishment, leading to greater satisfaction with their actions. This in turn will help him to enhance his confidence level.
3. Supports cognitive health: Volunteering often involves learning new things, problem-solving, engaging in social interactions, and emotional processing. Many volunteer roles require critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, be it for planning events, coordinating activities, or troubleshooting issues. These activities in turn will stimulate cognitive functions and help maintain mental sharpness. Also, when one learns a new skill or concept that challenges their brain, they are developing their cognitive resilience. Regularly engaging in new experiences keeps their mind flexible and sharp. Learning new information, interacting with different people, and remembering details related to volunteer work can help enhance both short-term and long-term memory. The mental challenge of recalling tasks and adapting to new environments keeps the brain engaged and active.
4. Promotes a positive mindset: Volunteering encourages a person to think about the needs of others rather than dwelling on their own problems. By focusing on the well-being of others, one can gain a new perspective on their own challenges, making them seem less overwhelming. Also, when people are exposed to people in even more difficult situations, they feel a great sense of gratitude. It in turn will shift their attention from what’s lacking in their life to what’s abundant. Volunteering helps one understand different perspectives and increases empathy for people with varied life experiences. When one connects with others through compassion, it not only benefits them but also reinforces positive emotions in themselves. Acts of kindness and empathy boost emotional well-being. Studies show that altruistic behaviors activate areas of the brain associated with happiness and well-being. The more one gives, the more positive emotions they experience.
5. Fights isolation and loneliness: Volunteering provides you with an opportunity to meet new people, form friendships, and become part of a supportive community. Regular social interaction with others through volunteering helps foster a sense of belonging and connection. This is not just waves of loneliness, but also crucial for good mental health. Strong relationships support positive thinking and create a sense of social fulfillment.

Volunteering is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health. By improving mood, reducing stress, building social connections, and increasing self-esteem, it helps create a positive feedback loop of well-being. It also nurtures a positive mindset by providing opportunities for personal growth, creating social connections, boosting self-esteem, and fostering feelings of gratitude and purpose that are essential for mental well-being. Whether it’s the sense of accomplishment, the relief from stress, or the social bonds formed, volunteering offers a multitude of mental health benefits that can improve one’s overall quality of life.