In the realm of women's empowerment, social change, and community development, leaders who exhibit a unique amalgamation of vision, strategic proficiency, and an unyielding dedication to ethical values play a pivotal role in driving progress and transformation. Dr. Bollineni Keerthi, the President of Vasavya Mahila Mandali, exemplifies the core tenets of such remarkable leadership. With a profound commitment to gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development, she has steered Vasavya Mahila Mandali towards new horizons.

Keerthi's background in social work has endowed her with a comprehensive understanding of the myriad challenges faced by women in India. Her leadership is characterized by a unique blend of visionary insight and hands-on operational proficiency. She upholds the notion that education serves as the foundation for self-confidence and flexibility, characteristics that she passionately urges women to adopt. Below is an excerpt of Dr. Bollineni Keerthi’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

My life and professional journey have been deeply influenced by my upbringing in a Gandhian atheist family. From an early age, I imbibed values of simplicity, secularism, and a commitment to social reform from my maternal grandfather. I actively participated in social movements alongside him, advocating for several social issues. On my father's side, though from a traditional Hindu family, my father's transformation from a mechanic's assistant to a successful lorry fleet owner taught me invaluable lessons in hard work, time management, and balancing business with family.

My academic pursuits led me to a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, followed by a Master's degree from Andhra University, where I ranked first. Further education took me abroad, studying Social Development and Leadership at Coady International Institute and Public-Private Partnerships at INSEAD Business School Paris. I also completed a PhD from Andhra University. In my personal life, I faced tragic circumstances, losing my husband and daughter. These experiences transformed my perspective, leading me to focus on serving others and advocating for the dignity and respect of women and the girl child. My life's purpose is clear: to empower women and work toward a more equitable society.

Tell us about your journey with Vasavya Mahila Mandali. Also, describe the company’s motto the initiative, and its key areas of expertise.

Vasavya Mahila Mandali, often abbreviated as VMM, is an acronym with a profound meaning. Va stands for Vastavikatha, signifying reality. Sa represents Sangadrusthi, reflecting a social outlook, and Vya embodies Vyakthithvam, symbolizing the development of an individual's personality. This organization is committed to upholding the reality and social outlook while nurturing the personal growth of women. VMM's motto is ‘Change,’ which underlines our dedication to nurturing leaders who can drive positive transformations in society. Vasavya Mahila Mandali was established by my mother - Chennupati Vidya, a Former Member of Parliament from Vijayawada.

I've been associated with VMM for 46 years, starting as a program coordinator in 1977. I've been involved in extensive training initiatives and disaster management, particularly focused on addressing vulnerabilities affecting women and children. Over time, I've progressed to various leadership roles, working with partner NGOs, UN bodies, and donors, sharpening my skills in communication, documentation, and policy development. As VMM's President, I continue to champion transparency, accountability, and progressive policies to serve the community effectively.

What are the current projects and initiatives that Vasavya Mahila Mandali is actively involved in, and how do these projects contribute to creating a positive impact in society?

Vasavya Mahila Mandali is actively engaged in multifaceted projects with a profound societal impact. Our initiatives include addressing the often-overlooked aspects of women's health during peri-menopause and menopause, raising awareness and support for holistic well-being. Moreover, we're pioneering a unique approach to combat gender-based violence by focusing on the mental health and well-being of caregivers and service providers, alongside victims. This research aims to develop a self-help model for mental well-being, catering to the needs of a broader audience. We're also developing a tech-based solution to assist women in securely collecting evidence of domestic violence. Lastly, we're preparing to empower grassroots women leaders, contributing to gender equality, political leadership, improved education, and healthcare standards. These endeavours may not yield monetary profits, but they hold significant potential for non-monetary gains, advancing sustainable gender equality and women's empowerment in society.

Can you provide valuable guidance for women with aspirations to become entrepreneurs or attain leadership roles in business?

My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders is centred on confidence, courage, and adaptability. Education is the foundation for self-assurance. For those already educated, consider internships as opportunities to explore entrepreneurial thinking. Embrace technology, particularly AI and robotics, to tackle societal challenges. Maintain worklife balance for resilience. View adversity as a chance to lead the way for others. Cultivate a community of women entrepreneurs to boost product demand and enhance the presence of women in business, irrespective of their educational backgrounds.

DR. Bollineni Keerthi, President, Vasavya Mahila Mandali

Dr. Bollineni Keerthi is the President of Vasavya Mahila Mandali, leading impactful initiatives for women's empowerment and social change. Her visionary leadership advocates education, selfconfidence, and equality, positively impacting communities in India.