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Shwetha Rajendran
Bangalore
Bio
Youth Advisory Group (YAG) 2023 - 2024 @ World Bank Solutions for Youth Employment
Founder, She as a Virago | Co-Founder, Svaasam ( Incubated by NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore) | National record for youngest female Randonneur |
Alone we can do so little, together we can do soo much
Entrepreneurial
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Communication
Citizenship
Data Orientation
Grit
Applied Empathy
Hands on
Community Collaboration
2024-02-21 10:50:08
Founding She as a Virago
What began as a two-person team has now grown into a 50-member project at Virago. Throughout our journey, our focus has always been on people. Today, we are thrilled to have harnessed the power of youth for social welfare, particularly in the realms of women and children's well-being. With over 1000 beneficiaries already impacted, our vision extends beyond mere numbers. We aim to scale our impact to reach 10,000 individuals, recognising that our mission is not just about numerical growth but about meaningful change.
2024-02-21 10:44:03
Social researcher (Rural Women Entrepreneurship)
I've been actively engaged in experimental research aimed at developing a method or curriculum to assist rural women entrepreneurs in scaling up their businesses. Together with Assistant Professor Melvin Victor, we are exploring various entry modes into online business, such as WhatsApp, Amazon, and other platforms, to determine their effectiveness. This endeavor provides me with a comprehensive understanding of small rural businesses and enables me to maintain close ties with the beneficiaries.
2024-02-21 10:30:06
Project Blaze (Information Tech for Career Guidance)
We at Virago, have been actively working on Project Blaze. The program uniquely combines crucial life skills—such as problem-solving, communication, and leadership—with fundamental computer literacy, fostering a well-rounded skill set. Emphasizing the importance of technology, participants learn not only how to use computers but also how to leverage them for educational advancement, aligning with the demands of our modern world. We are also ideating on a user friendly application for students with limited technological knowledge. Thus making them skilled enough to take up internships as young adults.
2024-02-21 10:25:06
Project Prakriti (Occasional Sustainability)
One major issue identified is the significant waste generated during festivals and special occasions. In response, we've introduced the concept of "occasional sustainability." Since sustainability is a relatively new concept and requires gradual implementation, it can't happen overnight. To begin integrating sustainability into our daily lives, we encourage people to adopt sustainable practices during special occasions. As part of this effort, we collect waste generated by cloth pieces given as return gifts during major events. This waste is then repurposed through upcycling into bags and other accessories by rural women. These products are sold at a modest profit margin, with the proceeds used to empower more women in similar situations.
2024-02-21 10:16:58
Financial Literacy sessions for sanitation workers
Have developed a particular curriculum for training BBMP sanitation workers on basic financial literacy which includes budgeting, post office schemes available, risks and insurance rates. Not just that we even teach them basic English and numerals, including writing their name in English and 1-20 numbers in English, currency values and we also have a conversation around menstrual hygiene with them. More than 50 women sanitation workers have been impacted by this project and 12 volunteers have been engaged through this project.
2024-02-20 13:19:20
Youth Advisory Group (YAG) 2023 - 2024 @ World Bank S4YE
I am one of the 142 Youth Board Members of the World Bank, and I am currently engaged with the World Thematic Group focusing on disability and gender. Our primary task involves offering feedback on government policies and assessing their stance on sustainability.
2024-02-20 13:10:52
Speak out Campaign
In 8th grade, I initiated a campaign in collaboration with my school counselor, Ms. Hemalatha, to tackle bullying, eve-teasing, and molestation occurring both within and outside the school premises. We encouraged students to express their concerns by writing on a designated board installed for this purpose. Subsequently, the counselor would address these issues. The primary objective was to empower students to speak up and provide them with training on handling such situations without being silenced.
2024-02-20 12:33:02
Felxi-Student Volunteer
During my time in college, I became acutely aware of significant challenges faced by students regarding volunteerism. One major obstacle was time constraints. To address this, I conceptualized a project called "Flexi Student Volunteer," tailored specifically for college students interested in volunteering during their free time. The project eliminates rigid schedules by allowing volunteers to participate whenever they have a free hour. The point of contact (POC) then posts opportunities on a WhatsApp group, and volunteers conduct sessions in nearby schools. These sessions primarily focus on menstrual awareness for girl students and financial literacy for municipal sanitation workers.
2024-02-20 12:23:19
Project Blossom (Menstrual awareness and Reusable sanitary nap Dist.)
I've had the privilege of facilitating menstrual health and hygiene sessions for over 250 female students throughout Karnataka. In partnership with a social enterprise based in Auroville, we're working to distribute reusable cloth pads to marginalised girls between the ages of 12 and 17.
2024-02-19 20:58:22
Animal Lover (Feeding Rides)
As an avid cyclist, I have made it a personal routine to feed approximately 10-15 dogs whenever I go out for rides, which is nearly every day. Animals, including dogs, cats, cows, goats, etc., seem to gravitate towards me wherever I go. Additionally, I have a beloved adopted pup named Julie, who was rescued from a remote location near Nagarbhavi.
2024-02-19 20:48:57
Switchboard Mapping and Water Aerator (School)
This marked my initial involvement with Reap Benefit, during which I was a member of the eco club. It was here that I embarked on my journey as a changemaker by participating in the Green School Program, where I contributed to saving 23,26,640 liters of water per year.
2024-02-19 20:41:14
Svaasam (A waste-management Startup)
Svaasam is a sustainable startup, thriving to end the non-biodegradable (11.6 billion bags) waste generated by tea bags across the world. I am currently working towards researching the right composition/working of the tea bag, by making it completely dissolvable in the milk/water, all while being organic.
2024-02-19 20:33:33
Solve Ninja Leadership Accelerator (Blanket Distribution Drive)
As part of the Solve Ninja Leadership Accelerator program, I initiated a campaign to distribute blankets. Our team, Virago, gathered 50 kilograms of discarded clothing and collaborated with Lavanya and her team of rural women partners to upcycle them into vibrant patchwork blankets. These blankets were then distributed to 50 homeless individuals in Bangalore. The project aimed to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural women while serving a noble cause. As a result of this initiative, the participating women experienced a 30% increase in their revenue.
2023-07-22 14:39:28
Virago's Covid-19 Fundraiser (2020-22)
While listening to the radio, I stumbled upon news about disabled individuals diligently providing grocery kits to migrant workers every day. This prompted me to question why I wasn't contributing to society during the pandemic, considering I have full use of my limbs. Subsequently, I took the initiative and created a poster on PosterMyWall soliciting funds. Initially, progress was slow, but through personal efforts, I managed to raise 12k by reaching out to family friends. During the second wave of the pandemic, I formed a team and initiated a crowdfunding campaign on Give India, which successfully raised 52k. Our primary objective was to ensure quality assistance for as many people as possible. We directly approached manufacturers and negotiated significant discounts, with some even generously donating items. Thanks to these efforts, we were able to assist over 150 daily wage families with INR 64000 This experience taught me the importance of starting small and never losing hope, as there are always brighter horizons ahead.
Bio
Youth Advisory Group (YAG) 2023 - 2024 @ World Bank Solutions for Youth Employment
Founder, She as a Virago | Co-Founder, Svaasam ( Incubated by NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore) | National record for youngest female Randonneur |
Alone we can do so little, together we can do soo much
Entrepreneurial
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Communication
Citizenship
Data Orientation
Grit
Applied Empathy
Hands on
Community Collaboration
2024-02-21 10:50:08
Founding She as a Virago
What began as a two-person team has now grown into a 50-member project at Virago. Throughout our journey, our focus has always been on people. Today, we are thrilled to have harnessed the power of youth for social welfare, particularly in the realms of women and children's well-being. With over 1000 beneficiaries already impacted, our vision extends beyond mere numbers. We aim to scale our impact to reach 10,000 individuals, recognising that our mission is not just about numerical growth but about meaningful change.
2024-02-21 10:44:03
Social researcher (Rural Women Entrepreneurship)
I've been actively engaged in experimental research aimed at developing a method or curriculum to assist rural women entrepreneurs in scaling up their businesses. Together with Assistant Professor Melvin Victor, we are exploring various entry modes into online business, such as WhatsApp, Amazon, and other platforms, to determine their effectiveness. This endeavor provides me with a comprehensive understanding of small rural businesses and enables me to maintain close ties with the beneficiaries.
2024-02-21 10:30:06
Project Blaze (Information Tech for Career Guidance)
We at Virago, have been actively working on Project Blaze. The program uniquely combines crucial life skills—such as problem-solving, communication, and leadership—with fundamental computer literacy, fostering a well-rounded skill set. Emphasizing the importance of technology, participants learn not only how to use computers but also how to leverage them for educational advancement, aligning with the demands of our modern world. We are also ideating on a user friendly application for students with limited technological knowledge. Thus making them skilled enough to take up internships as young adults.
2024-02-21 10:25:06
Project Prakriti (Occasional Sustainability)
One major issue identified is the significant waste generated during festivals and special occasions. In response, we've introduced the concept of "occasional sustainability." Since sustainability is a relatively new concept and requires gradual implementation, it can't happen overnight. To begin integrating sustainability into our daily lives, we encourage people to adopt sustainable practices during special occasions. As part of this effort, we collect waste generated by cloth pieces given as return gifts during major events. This waste is then repurposed through upcycling into bags and other accessories by rural women. These products are sold at a modest profit margin, with the proceeds used to empower more women in similar situations.
2024-02-21 10:16:58
Financial Literacy sessions for sanitation workers
Have developed a particular curriculum for training BBMP sanitation workers on basic financial literacy which includes budgeting, post office schemes available, risks and insurance rates. Not just that we even teach them basic English and numerals, including writing their name in English and 1-20 numbers in English, currency values and we also have a conversation around menstrual hygiene with them. More than 50 women sanitation workers have been impacted by this project and 12 volunteers have been engaged through this project.
2024-02-20 13:19:20
Youth Advisory Group (YAG) 2023 - 2024 @ World Bank S4YE
I am one of the 142 Youth Board Members of the World Bank, and I am currently engaged with the World Thematic Group focusing on disability and gender. Our primary task involves offering feedback on government policies and assessing their stance on sustainability.
2024-02-20 13:10:52
Speak out Campaign
In 8th grade, I initiated a campaign in collaboration with my school counselor, Ms. Hemalatha, to tackle bullying, eve-teasing, and molestation occurring both within and outside the school premises. We encouraged students to express their concerns by writing on a designated board installed for this purpose. Subsequently, the counselor would address these issues. The primary objective was to empower students to speak up and provide them with training on handling such situations without being silenced.
2024-02-20 12:33:02
Felxi-Student Volunteer
During my time in college, I became acutely aware of significant challenges faced by students regarding volunteerism. One major obstacle was time constraints. To address this, I conceptualized a project called "Flexi Student Volunteer," tailored specifically for college students interested in volunteering during their free time. The project eliminates rigid schedules by allowing volunteers to participate whenever they have a free hour. The point of contact (POC) then posts opportunities on a WhatsApp group, and volunteers conduct sessions in nearby schools. These sessions primarily focus on menstrual awareness for girl students and financial literacy for municipal sanitation workers.
2024-02-20 12:23:19
Project Blossom (Menstrual awareness and Reusable sanitary nap Dist.)
I've had the privilege of facilitating menstrual health and hygiene sessions for over 250 female students throughout Karnataka. In partnership with a social enterprise based in Auroville, we're working to distribute reusable cloth pads to marginalised girls between the ages of 12 and 17.
2024-02-19 20:58:22
Animal Lover (Feeding Rides)
As an avid cyclist, I have made it a personal routine to feed approximately 10-15 dogs whenever I go out for rides, which is nearly every day. Animals, including dogs, cats, cows, goats, etc., seem to gravitate towards me wherever I go. Additionally, I have a beloved adopted pup named Julie, who was rescued from a remote location near Nagarbhavi.
2024-02-19 20:48:57
Switchboard Mapping and Water Aerator (School)
This marked my initial involvement with Reap Benefit, during which I was a member of the eco club. It was here that I embarked on my journey as a changemaker by participating in the Green School Program, where I contributed to saving 23,26,640 liters of water per year.
2024-02-19 20:41:14
Svaasam (A waste-management Startup)
Svaasam is a sustainable startup, thriving to end the non-biodegradable (11.6 billion bags) waste generated by tea bags across the world. I am currently working towards researching the right composition/working of the tea bag, by making it completely dissolvable in the milk/water, all while being organic.
2024-02-19 20:33:33
Solve Ninja Leadership Accelerator (Blanket Distribution Drive)
As part of the Solve Ninja Leadership Accelerator program, I initiated a campaign to distribute blankets. Our team, Virago, gathered 50 kilograms of discarded clothing and collaborated with Lavanya and her team of rural women partners to upcycle them into vibrant patchwork blankets. These blankets were then distributed to 50 homeless individuals in Bangalore. The project aimed to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural women while serving a noble cause. As a result of this initiative, the participating women experienced a 30% increase in their revenue.
2023-07-22 14:39:28
Virago's Covid-19 Fundraiser (2020-22)
While listening to the radio, I stumbled upon news about disabled individuals diligently providing grocery kits to migrant workers every day. This prompted me to question why I wasn't contributing to society during the pandemic, considering I have full use of my limbs. Subsequently, I took the initiative and created a poster on PosterMyWall soliciting funds. Initially, progress was slow, but through personal efforts, I managed to raise 12k by reaching out to family friends. During the second wave of the pandemic, I formed a team and initiated a crowdfunding campaign on Give India, which successfully raised 52k. Our primary objective was to ensure quality assistance for as many people as possible. We directly approached manufacturers and negotiated significant discounts, with some even generously donating items. Thanks to these efforts, we were able to assist over 150 daily wage families with INR 64000 This experience taught me the importance of starting small and never losing hope, as there are always brighter horizons ahead.