Interviewing Mayaa SH On Women Empowerment, Gender-Specific Interventions and Winning Naari Shakti Samman 2026...

The Naari Shakti Samman is one of the most prestigious civilian honours in India, conferred annually to recognize the exceptional contributions of women who have demonstrated courage, leadership, and a commitment to social change.Winning this award in 2026 signifies a profound validation of an individual's dedication to empowering marginalized communities, advancing gender equality, or achieving excellence in fields traditionally dominated by men.Naari Shakti Samman 2026 means receiving the highest national recognition for extraordinary achievements in women's empowerment, serving as a testament to one's unwavering commitment to social progress and the advancement of gender parity in India.This honor is not merely a personal accolade but a responsibility to continue advocating for systemic change, ensuring that the voices of women are heard and valued in every sphere of public and private life. By receiving this award, the recipient joins an elite cohort of change-makers whose collective efforts are essential to the nation's development goals, reinforcing the belief that when women are empowered, the entire society prospers.

In its celebrations of International Women’s Day Month, numerous interviews were conducted in  interview-series called by engaging with feminist individuals from across the country, we hope to revisit significant moments and gain new perspectives on our understanding of history through the experiences of these remarkable women.One such power packed name in the realms of women's rights and contemporary literature is of Mayaa SH .

Mayaa SH (born Shivani , May 27th) is an Indian women's rights activist and author. She has campaigned successfully at a nationwide level to end violence against women in India and instilled the power of self belief in women as a 2.0 version of second innings .Her ideology has been instrumental in galvanizing the nation against women atrocities.

One of the most Inspiring feminist,activist ,poetess and a prominent figure in the realms of women's empowerment and social consciousness, Mayaa SH has frequently utilised significant  events to convey messages of unity, purpose, and hope.Mayaa SH is a leading Indian-origin women's safety activist, legal expert, and social worker who has made substantial contributions toward addressing issues related to women's rights, mental health, and social justice in India. Her ideology is deeply rooted in the principles of gender equality, empowerment, and the importance of mental health awareness. One of the central tenets of Mayaa's philosophy is her unwavering advocacy for women's rights. She emphasizes the necessity of women's active participation in decision-making processes at all levels of society. This conviction stems from her understanding that when women are empowered and provided with opportunities to advance, they can make significant contributions to their communities and the nation as a whole.Mayaa's writings frequently shed light on the challenges confronting women in contemporary society, including issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and the stigma surrounding mental health.Mayaa SH is also an accomplished author, with her works translated into multiple languages. Through her activism, she has significantly influenced the discourse around women's rights and empowerment in India.

Who is your mentor in life?

My primary mentor in life has been my  father .My father hails from a family of generations of those who have served the nation, an army officer and a prolific writer himself, played a crucial role in shaping my intellectual development by encouraging me to read extensively and express my thoughts and ideas freely . This early exposure to literature and emphasis on self-expression were foundational to my path as a writer and an activist .There have been numerous influences on my journey, such as my deep understanding of societal injustices and commitment to empowering women , my father has been explicitly  a direct mentor in my early life and literary development.Besides,my inspiration also stems from a desire to challenge patriarchal norms and advocate for women's rights and I view challenges as opportunities for growth . I have also  drawn inspiration from the suffering of individuals, particularly women and young girls facing financial distress or social injustice . My philosophy emphasizes self-belief, determination, and the inherent worth of individuals. I also find inspiration in the concept that "The Impossible Is Always Possible..."

What does success mean to you?

I view success not merely as the attainment of external achievements but as a multifaceted concept deeply intertwined with self-belief, courage, and the pursuit of one's aspirations, particularly for women, to foster personal fulfilment and societal progress .My definition emphasizes that success is about more than just material gains or recognition; it's about the internal journey of empowerment and the impact one makes on the world .I do believe that success is intrinsically linked to the power of dreams, especially for women. She asserts that when women dare to dream beyond societal limitations, they become catalysts for change, breaking free from traditional roles and expectations . This process not only enhances individual self-worth but also contributes to broader societal progress .Dreams serve as a source of motivation and inspiration, pushing women to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, which she considers a fundamental aspect of empowerment.True courage lies in adopting customs that common people might fear due to potential loss or lack of cooperation . For me, success is not just about being clever, hardworking, or resourceful; it's about being deeply loyal to principles and ideals.

What leads you to move forward in life?

One of the foundational aspects of my philosophy for moving forward is self-belief and inner strength. She defines self-belief as being "Loyal to beliefs and harbouring Courage within Oneself," suggesting that an individual's worth and the value of their work are not dependent on external acknowledgment .This internal fortitude allows women, in particular, to challenge societal limitations and pursue their aspirations . I affirm that true empowerment begins from within, with the conviction that "I am Possible," even when faced with seemingly impossible situations . This aligns with my broader message of not "begging" for credit, as the focus should be on intrinsic value and impact rather than external validation .Another crucial element is courage and resilience. I see courage not as the absence of fear, but as a deliberate choice to prioritize what is more important than one's fears . I do use the analogy of titanium, being "as strong as steel but much less dense," to reflect my belief that challenges evolve individuals and make them more triumphant. This resilience means that setbacks, including a lack of credit, should not deter one from their mission; instead, one should "move forward planting their limbs on the chest of obstacles," with victory being certain for those who persevere . According to me "Only those who do hard work are called Courageous," highlighting the importance of continuous effort despite obstacles.

What is your message on Success To The World ?

Success and Hard Work Go Hand In Hand .The notion that hard work directly and invariably leads to success is a deeply ingrained societal belief, often referred to as a "Truthy Lie" because it oversimplifies a nuanced reality. While effort is undoubtedly a component of achievement, it's not the only one, nor is its correlation with success always linear.To understand this relationship, it's crucial to define both terms. Hard work can be described as dedicating time, energy, and resources to an endeavor, striving for excellence, and continuously improving skills through study, training, and practice . It involves persistence and a willingness to push oneself.Success, however, is more subjective. For some, it's objective: earning a living, achieving traditional publication, winning awards, or becoming a bestseller. For others, success is subjective, focusing on personal satisfaction, joy in the process, or the impact on a small, chosen audience . The definition of success can also involve achieving personal goals, such as earning a doctorate later in life, which brings pride and satisfaction.The idea that hard work guarantees success is often a result of survivorship bias, where people focus on individuals who worked hard and succeeded while overlooking the many who worked hard but failed, or those who succeeded without extraordinary effort . This selective focus can be demotivating for those who exert significant effort without seeing desired results .Talent, surprisingly, is also not a direct predictor of success. While it can be a starting point, many talented individuals do not achieve success, and many successful individuals may not be exceptionally talented.Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work" .The ability to keep going despite setbacks, overcoming fear of failure, and understanding that achieving significant goals takes time Focusing on What Matters is a must .Prioritizing key deliverables and minimizing distractions to ensure effort is directed towards high-impact tasks .Attention to Detail is for Ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks, which helps individuals stand out as exceptional performers .Ultimately, while hard work is a necessary ingredient, it is not a sufficient condition for success. A combination of strategic effort, favorable external circumstances, personal resilience, and a clear understanding of one's own definition of success contributes to achieving desired outcomes . Focusing on the process, finding joy in the work, and accepting the unpredictability of objective success can lead to a more fulfilling journey .

How do choices made by women emphasise on Women Empowerment?

The empowerment of women is fundamentally linked to their ability to exercise agency and make autonomous life choices. When women are situated within environments that provide economic freedom characterized by strong property rights, regulatory efficiency, and open markets they are better positioned to leverage their assets, start businesses, and achieve financial independence.By having the liberty to own their labor and participate in the marketplace as both buyers and sellers, women can translate their personal choices into tangible economic growth and security.In addition to economic frameworks, empowerment is often facilitated through targeted interventions, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected settings. Research indicates that when women are provided with access to resources such as credit, savings, and vocational training, they are able to make choices that directly improve their financial and social standing.However, the effectiveness of these choices is often mediated by existing social and gender norms. For an intervention to be truly transformative, it must not only provide resources but also address the restrictive patriarchal structures that may limit a woman's ability to act upon her choices.Ultimately, women's empowerment is most effectively realized when they possess the legal autonomy to control their own assets and the societal support to exercise their entrepreneurial and personal agency without systemic interference.

Gender-specific and gender-transformative interventions help to improve women's empowerment in fragile and conflict-affected settings ? Do you agree?

Research indicates that gender-specific and gender-transformative interventions in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) generally produce positive effects on primary outcomes, such as women’s economic standing, life skills, and political representation.These programs, which include cash and asset transfers, capacity building, and community-driven development, have successfully increased women's access to credit, income, and participation in local political processes.However, these interventions rarely result in significant "trickle-down" effects on secondary behavioral outcomes, such as reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) or shifting deep-seated patriarchal norms and household decision-making power.The limited impact on secondary outcomes is largely attributed to the influence of entrenched gender and social norms, which act as significant barriers to the success of these programs.Because many interventions fail to explicitly address these underlying power dynamics, they struggle to achieve structural change.To improve effectiveness, policymakers and practitioners must design interventions that are explicitly gender-transformative, meaning they actively challenge patriarchal structures rather than merely providing resources. Furthermore, success depends on context-specific implementation and the careful targeting of beneficiaries to ensure that empowerment efforts are sustainable and capable of influencing broader societal attitudes.

How can gender-specific interventions be tailored to address the needs of women in fragile settings?

To effectively tailor gender-specific and gender-transformative interventions for women in fragile and conflict-affected states and situations (FCAS), policymakers and practitioners must move beyond simple resource provision and address the underlying structural barriers that perpetuate inequality. Research indicates that while interventions often succeed in their primary goals—such as increasing income through cash transfers or improving financial literacy via Village Savings and Loan Associations—they frequently fail to produce "trickle-down" effects on secondary outcomes like intimate partner violence (IPV) or shifts in patriarchal social norms.To maximize impact, interventions should be designed with a comprehensive understanding of the local context, specifically by explicitly targeting restrictive gender norms and practices, promoting social capital, and tailoring program components to address specific empowerment outcomes rather than relying on broad, non-specific approaches.Because gender norms act as significant barriers to the uptake and legitimacy of these programs, working directly with local institutions and community leaders is essential to facilitate acceptance.Furthermore, designers should ensure that programs are not just gender-sensitive but gender-transformative, meaning they must actively challenge the power dynamics that keep women marginalized in decision-making processes. Finally, because evidence gaps remain in regions like the Middle East and Latin America, future interventions should be grounded in rigorous, context-specific research to ensure that the strategies employed are appropriate for the unique socio-political landscape of the target population.

What does winning "Naari Shakti Samman 2026" mean to you ?

The 'Naari Shakti Samman' serves as a prestigious recognition of the transformative shift from "women development" to "women-led development" in India.Receiving such an honour reinforces my perspective that women are no longer merely passive beneficiaries of government schemes but are active, essential stakeholders in the nation’s progress toward Viksit Bharat.This recognition highlights that empowerment is a structural, irreversible process rather than a symbolic gesture, validated by the success of initiatives like the MUDRA Yojana, which has provided over ₹14.7 lakh crore in loans to women entrepreneurs, and the mobilization of 10 crore women into Self-Help Groups.The impact of such an award on one's perspective is profound because it validates the holistic, lifecycle-based approach to empowerment that integrates safety, economic independence, and political representation.By acknowledging the contributions of women in diverse fields ranging from STEM, where female representation has reached 43%, to grassroots leadership in rural areas—the award underscores that true empowerment requires addressing systemic inequalities through multifaceted interventions.Furthermore, it emphasizes that when women are empowered through initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi program or the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, they become torchbearers who inspire future generations to break free from economic and social constraints.Ultimately, the 'Naari Shakti Samman' reinforces the belief that the path to a vibrant, equitable society is built upon the collective effort of women who are now scripting a new chapter of leadership and contribution to the nation's growth.

About The Author

Mayaa SH, also known as Mayaa Devi, Mayaa Tai, Mayaa Di, Mayaa Audio SH, Pushpa 'The Fire', Padma Of The East, Lady Robin Hood, Lady Karl Marx,MS Dhoni Of Writing, and Lady Gandhi, is a prominent figure in contemporary literature and women's empowerment.She is a multi-national award winner, a thirteen times world record holder, an artist, a podcaster, a record chart-topping international fastest anthology co-authoress, and has been chosen as number 1 The Modern Literary Stars Of India, 2022 by Cherry Book Awards for making valuable contributions to contemporary Indian literature.Mayaa SH is best known for her efforts to fight for women empowerment and promote transparency in the system for equitable distribution of resources .A developmental feminist and authoress, Mayaa SH has embraced feminism in the course of her journey across her vivid interactions with the women.Mayaa SH is a global humanitarian, a feminist, a literary Luminary in contemporary literature and a women empowerment culturist. She has spearheaded massive campaigns on “Say No To Character Assassination”, “Body shaming” etc.Mayaa SH is a prominent figure in the field of family law and women’s rights advocacy in India. She is recognized as a social and legal activist, focusing on issues related to matrimonial law, mental health, and women’s empowerment. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of matrimonial conflicts and the need for reforms within the legal framework governing personal relationships. Mayaa SH has advocated for a comprehensive understanding of family laws that encompass marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and property rights. She highlights the necessity for legal systems to evolve in response to societal changes and challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. Her insights stress that many issues within matrimonial law stem from deep-rooted biases and misunderstandings about gender roles. One significant aspect of her advocacy is the call for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration. She argues that these methods can help reduce prolonged litigation in family disputes, allowing parties to reach consensual agreements rather than relying solely on judicial decisions. This approach aims to preserve dignity and mental well-being during contentious proceedings. Focus on Women’s Rights has been Mayaa’s prime focus through her remedial reliefs provided to all .Mayaa SH has been vocal about the need for legal reforms that protect women’s rights within marriage. She points out historical amendments to laws, such as those addressing cruelty and desertion as grounds for divorce, which reflect ongoing struggles against patriarchal norms. Her advocacy includes pushing for the criminalization of marital rape, emphasizing moral and legal arguments to support this change.Furthermore, she has emphasised on the psychological aspects involved in family law cases, advocating for an empathetic approach that considers the mental health of all parties involved. By promoting awareness around these issues, she seeks to foster a more equitable legal environment where women are respected as equal individuals with their own rights.Mayaa SH plays a crucial role in advocating for reforms in matrimonial law in India by addressing systemic biases, promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, and championing women’s rights within the legal framework. Her contributions aim not only at legislative changes but also at fostering a cultural shift towards greater respect for individual rights within familial contexts.Mayaa SH is known for her work on self-help books, which have instilled the power of self-belief in countless souls across the country.Mayaa SH is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and uses her platform as a writer, poet, and public speaker to champion women's rights and gender equality.She recognizes that financial struggles are a significant barrier to women's empowerment and equality, and emphasizes that economic opportunities are crucial for women to achieve independence and contribute meaningfully to society.Her work depicts the identity, economic, and social freedom of many, and she has been featured in several magazines and women-oriented publications.Mayaa SH's approach to writing is rooted in realism, allowing readers to learn about life on earth from those who came before us.She usually tries to incorporate writings based on the present or modern era, focusing on societal issues and solutions to problems.Her work includes meditations on language, public and private, and on the role of fiction and alternative imaginations in current times.Mayaa SH is a renowned author, poet, and advocate for women's empowerment, known for her contributions to contemporary literature and her tireless efforts to promote gender equality and social freedom.