Sheeba Gollapalli, hailing from Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, is a dedicated advocate for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. As the President of iPledge Foundation and an active SDG Agent, Peace Ambassador, and Social Worker, Sheeba channels her passion for social change into impactful initiatives. With a keen interest in traveling and content creation on YouTube, she endeavors to raise awareness and inspire action towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Interviewer: Mr. Sheeba! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Of course. My name is Sheeba Gollapalli, and I hail from Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. I am the President of iPledge Foundation and work actively as an SDG Agent, Peace Ambassador, and Social Worker. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and creating content on YouTube.
Interviewer: What inspired you to become a social worker and advocate for gender equality?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the disparities and challenges faced by women in our society. This ignited a passion within me to work towards gender equality and empower women to take on leadership roles.
Interviewer: How do you integrate your passion for gender equality into your work with iPledge Foundation?
Sheeba Gollapalli: At iPledge Foundation, we design programs and initiatives that specifically address issues related to gender equality. Whether it’s through education, advocacy, or skill-building workshops, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Interviewer: As an SDG Agent, what role do you play in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Sheeba Gollapalli: As an SDG Agent, my role is to raise awareness about the SDGs and mobilize action at the grassroots level. I work with local communities to implement sustainable solutions that contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly those related to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Interviewer: Could you share a memorable experience from your work as a Peace Ambassador?
Sheeba Gollapalli: One memorable experience was organizing a peace-building workshop for youth from diverse backgrounds. Witnessing the transformational impact of dialogue and understanding on fostering peace reaffirmed my belief in the power of grassroots initiatives.
Interviewer: How do you balance your professional commitments with your passion for traveling?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Traveling rejuvenates me and provides fresh perspectives that inform my work. I make it a priority to schedule trips during downtime, allowing me to explore new cultures and recharge before diving back into my advocacy work.
Interviewer: What prompted you to start creating content on YouTube?
Sheeba Gollapalli: I saw YouTube as a powerful platform to amplify messages of social change and inspire action. Through my channel, I aim to share insights, stories, and practical tips on topics ranging from gender equality to sustainable living.
Interviewer: How do you measure the impact of your initiatives with iPledge Foundation?
Sheeba Gollapalli: We utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics, including community feedback, participant testimonials, and progress towards predetermined goals, to assess the effectiveness of our initiatives and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to make a difference in their communities?
Sheeba Gollapalli: My advice would be to start by identifying issues they are passionate about and take small, tangible steps towards addressing them. Collaboration, perseverance, and empathy are key virtues to cultivate on the journey towards creating positive change.
Interviewer: How do you stay motivated and focused amidst challenges?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Reminding myself of the greater purpose behind my work, the impact it has on people’s lives, keeps me motivated during challenging times. Additionally, surrounding myself with a supportive network of peers and mentors provides invaluable encouragement and guidance.
Interviewer: What role do you believe education plays in advancing gender equality?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Education serves as a catalyst for empowerment, enabling individuals to challenge stereotypes, access opportunities, and advocate for their rights. By promoting gender-inclusive education, we can break down barriers and pave the way for a more equitable society.
Interviewer: How do you engage men and boys in conversations about gender equality?
Sheeba Gollapalli: It’s essential to approach conversations about gender equality with empathy and inclusivity, emphasizing the benefits it brings to society as a whole. By highlighting the importance of allyship and fostering dialogue that acknowledges diverse perspectives, we can encourage meaningful engagement from men and boys.
Interviewer: What strategies do you employ to ensure your initiatives are sustainable in the long run?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Sustainability is at the core of our initiatives, and we prioritize community ownership and capacity-building to ensure long-term impact. By fostering partnerships, leveraging local resources, and integrating feedback loops, we create a foundation for sustainable change.
Interviewer: How do you navigate cultural nuances and sensitivities in your advocacy work?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Cultural competence and sensitivity are paramount in navigating diverse communities. We approach each engagement with humility, actively listening to local perspectives, and co-creating solutions that respect cultural norms while advancing our shared goals of equality and empowerment.
Interviewer: What role do you envision technology playing in advancing gender equality?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Technology presents unprecedented opportunities for amplifying voices, connecting communities, and driving social change. From digital literacy programs to online advocacy campaigns, technology can be a powerful tool in advancing gender equality by increasing access to information and resources.
Interviewer: How do you address intersectional issues within the realm of gender equality?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Intersectionality is a cornerstone of our approach to gender equality, recognizing that individuals experience multiple forms of discrimination based on intersecting identities. We strive to create inclusive spaces that honor and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Interviewer: What steps can organizations take to promote gender diversity in leadership positions?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Organizations can promote gender diversity in leadership by implementing policies that prioritize equal opportunity, mentorship programs that support career advancement, and fostering a culture of inclusivity that values diverse perspectives and contributions.
Interviewer: In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges hindering progress towards gender equality?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Patriarchal norms, systemic discrimination, and unequal access to resources are among the most pressing challenges hindering progress towards gender equality. Addressing these root causes requires collective action, policy reform, and sustained advocacy efforts at all levels.
Interviewer: How do you engage with policymakers to advocate for gender-responsive policies?
Sheeba Gollapalli: We engage with policymakers through evidence-based advocacy, coalition-building, and grassroots mobilization to raise awareness about the importance of gender-responsive policies and ensure they reflect the needs and priorities of diverse communities.
Interviewer: What initiatives do you undertake to promote women’s economic empowerment?
Sheeba Gollapalli: We undertake initiatives such as entrepreneurship training, access to microfinance, and capacity-building workshops to promote women’s economic empowerment, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the workforce and contribute to economic growth.
Interviewer: How do you foster mentorship opportunities for aspiring women leaders?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Mentorship is integral to our approach, and we actively facilitate mentorship opportunities for aspiring women leaders through formal mentorship programs, networking events, and peer support groups that provide guidance, encouragement, and career development opportunities.
Interviewer: What role do men play in the fight for gender equality, and how do you engage them as allies?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Men play a crucial role as allies in the fight for gender equality by challenging harmful stereotypes, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting respectful relationships. We engage men as allies through targeted outreach, education, and fostering spaces for dialogue and collaboration.
Interviewer: How do you address the issue of gender-based violence in your advocacy work?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Addressing gender-based violence requires a multifaceted approach that combines prevention, intervention, and support services. We work to raise awareness about the root causes of violence, empower survivors to seek help, and advocate for policies that hold perpetrators accountable.
Interviewer: Can you share a success story from your work that particularly resonates with you?
Sheeba Gollapalli: One success story that resonates with me is the transformation of a young woman who, after participating in our leadership program, went on to become a vocal advocate for girls’ education in her community, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams despite adversity.
Interviewer: How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your programs and initiatives?
Sheeba Gollapalli: We prioritize inclusivity and accessibility by designing programs that accommodate diverse needs, whether it’s through providing language interpretation, wheelchair accessibility, or adapting content to cater to different learning styles and abilities.
Interviewer: What future goals do you have for iPledge Foundation?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Our future goals for iPledge Foundation include expanding our reach to underserved communities, scaling up successful initiatives, and forging strategic partnerships to amplify our impact in advancing gender equality and sustainable development.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Sheeba! Any final thoughts you’d like to leave our audience with?
Sheeba Gollapalli: Thank you for having me. I would like to encourage everyone to join us in the journey towards gender equality and sustainable development. Together, we can create a more just and equitable world for present and future generations.
