Sandhya Nair
Director of Strategic Alliances, Gender Expert
Sandhya's journey from the vibrant streets of Kamathipura, Mumbai's red light district, to her current role as Director of Strategic Alliances at Save the Child Foundation embodies a tale of resilience and dedication to the empowerment of women and children. Despite facing numerous challenges and limited opportunities during her formative years, Sandhya found refuge and encouragement within organizations like Kranti, which are committed to uplifting the daughters of sex workers. Her decision to pursue her passion for advocacy and education exemplifies her bravery in breaking societal norms and forging her own destiny. Since joining Save the Child, Sandhya has tirelessly pursued her mission of instilling hope and empowering marginalized communities, drawing upon her personal experiences to champion the rights of women and children.
In addition to her impactful work, Sandhya has delivered multiple TEDx talks, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire others. She recently graduated from the University for Peace with a degree in Gender Studies. Her dedication to working with marginalized communities knows no bounds, as she continues to devote herself to their upliftment through various initiatives and projects. Sandhya's journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's passions amidst adversity, making her a true champion of empowerment and social change.
After studying Gender Studies and Peacebuilding in Costa Rica, Sandhya developed a profound understanding of gender issues, social justice, and conflict resolution. This education equipped her with the skills and insights needed to tackle gender inequality and promote peace across different communities. Upon completing her studies, she returned with a strong commitment to applying what she had learned and giving back.
Now, she works with Save the Child to make a tangible impact. For instance, she leads the implementation of a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program for youth in Uganda, a project closely aligned with her academic background. This program empowers children through education, fostering critical thinking skills and emotional resilience. By incorporating the lessons she gained in Costa Rica, she ensures that the initiatives she leads promote gender equality and peacebuilding, creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Sandhya was born in Kamathipura, Mumbai’s notorious red-light district, where poverty, exploitation, and stigma overshadowed every aspect of life. Her mother, a sex worker, embodied strength in the face of adversity, but she grew up burdened with shame and self-doubt. At the time, she couldn’t envision a future beyond those streets—until she found Kranti, an NGO that would change her life forever.
Through therapy, education, and self-discovery, she reclaimed her voice and began to heal. What began as a personal journey soon became a mission to uplift others. Today, she leads global projects focused on education, gender equality, and emotional healing, driving change for those who are often left behind. Every challenge she has faced fuels her passion to fight for a world where dignity, equality, and opportunity are the rights of all, not the privilege of a few.
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Building a Global Movement for Empowerment and Social Justice
Empowering Corporate Leaders & Teachers Through Emotional Intelligence:
Sandhya leads corporate workshops aimed at developing empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Her approach empowers teams to create inclusive and supportive environments, transforming corporate cultures to prioritize mental well-being and diversity. In addition to her work with corporate leaders, she trains teachers to build trauma-informed, emotionally supportive classrooms, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive. Through her efforts, she bridges the gap between emotional intelligence and professional success, fostering healthier and more inclusive spaces in both corporate and educational settings.
Gender Equality and Health Advocacy in Uganda:
As an advocate for gender equality in Uganda, Sandhya Nair leads programs that tackle period poverty, reproductive health education, and HIV/AIDS awareness. She works directly with women and youth, equipping them with critical skills and resources to break cycles of inequality. Through her efforts, Sandhya ensures that education and health serve as tools of empowerment, rather than barriers to progress. Her commitment to these causes reflects her broader mission to uplift marginalized communities and foster a more just and equitable society.
Room to Read – Empowering Young Minds Through Stories:
One of Sandhya Nair's proudest projects is Room to Read, where she connects virtually with youth in Uganda to foster empowerment and literacy. In this program, she guides students through books that broaden their perspectives, focusing on themes such as self-worth, ambition, and understanding the world. After each chapter, the students participate in storytelling, letter writing, and reflective exercises, allowing them to shape their own narratives and develop into future leaders. Through this initiative, Sandhya helps young people build confidence and a sense of purpose.
The Art of Dialouge:
The Art of Dialogue is a transformative initiative led by Sandhya Nair, designed to empower marginalized women from the slums of Bangalore through creative expression and open conversations. This program offers women a platform to share their emotions and stories through various artistic mediums, while also engaging in meaningful dialogue that promotes healing and personal growth. By combining art with open communication, the initiative fosters a sense of community and empowerment, helping these women find strength in their voices and experiences.
Creating Tangible Impact on the Global Stage
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85+ Global Talks: Featured on platforms like BBC, TEDx, Quint, Brut, and Josh Talks, my speeches have reached over 8.5 million people worldwide. Each talk sheds light on the resilience of marginalized communities and the power of education and empathy to transform lives.
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Workshops for 300+ Teach for India Teachers: Equipping educators with the tools to build emotionally supportive and inclusive classrooms in some of India’s most marginalized communities.
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Leading Global Theatre for Social Change: As a core member of Kranti’s Theatre Troupe, Sandhya has performed in over 50 shows across 12 countries, reaching over 1 million people, using art to challenge social norms and inspire dialogue about sex workers’ rights and human dignity.
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Mentorship and Advocacy for Sexual Health: Sandhya has trained girls in over 20 NGOs across India in sex education and reproductive health, empowering them with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
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Corporate and Teacher Leadership Training: Developing empathy and leadership skills in corporate teams and teachers to create emotionally intelligent, supportive environments where every individual is valued.
Driving Change Today: Sandhya's Current Projects
Room to Read
Virtually Empowering YouthSandhya Nair currently leads Room to Read sessions, virtually connecting with young students in Uganda. Through these sessions, she guides students in exploring books that inspire empowerment, ambition, and a broader understanding of the world. After each reading session, the children engage in creative writing and reflective activities, helping them build confidence and develop critical thinking skills.
Gender Equality Advocacy in Uganda
As part of Sandhya's work in Uganda, she focuses on educating women and youth about period poverty, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS awareness. This initiative brings life-changing resources and education to those who need it most, ensuring that no woman or child is left behind in their fight for dignity and equality.
The Art of Dialouge
The Art of Dialogue is a transformative initiative designed to empower marginalized women from the slums of Bangalore through creative expression and open conversations. This program provides women with a platform to express their emotions and stories through various artistic mediums, while also engaging in meaningful dialogue that fosters healing and growth.
Corporate and Teacher Trainings
Sandhya continues to lead workshops for corporate teams and educators, teaching the value of emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience in both professional and educational environments. The goal is to foster leadership that is grounded in compassion and inclusivity.