Introduction
Trisha Shetty (born 16 September 1990) is an Indian activist for gender equity and the founder of SheSays. She is known for human rights advocacy, especially advocating for gender-sensitive policies and law, quality education, youth and gender representation and preventing sexual violence in India. Her work and advocacy has been recognised by the United Nations, President Obama, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and President Emmanuel Macron. She currently serves as the President of the Steering Committee of the Paris Peace Forum, an international summit launched in 2018, under the leadership of President Macron; to promote good global governance. In 2018, she joined the 8 member Global Leadership Advisory Council of the Museum for the United Nations - UN Live, alongside Ban Ki-moon; Former UN Secretary-General and Darren Walker; President, Ford Foundation. Shetty was named one of India's "7 Most Powerful Warriors" by India Today and was one the honourees of the Vogue India Woman of the Year Award.She was also inducted as one of the 12 Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University in the inaugural batch.
Early life and education
Shetty was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra India. She completed her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Psychology from Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai. She then graduated as a lawyer from the University of Mumbai. In 2018, she was selected as an Obama Foundation Scholar to complete a 1 year specialised training, educational and mentorship program at Columbia University in New York City. The inaugural Obama Scholars cohort is composed of twelve accomplished leaders, who are participating in an immersive program that brings together academic, skills-based and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation.
Career and activism
Shetty founded SheSays in August 2015. SheSays is a youth-led movement to advance gender equality through a multidimensional approach.
In 2016, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth announced Shetty as one of 17 youth leaders selected for the inaugural class of UN Youth Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals. Shetty was selected for her leadership and contribution to end gender inequality and injustice by 2030.
In 2017, Shetty was named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list under the categories Pioneer Women and Social Entrepreneur. She also delivered the keynote address at the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, 2017.
In March 2018, Shetty was selected as one of the 13 Indian's to join the inaugural Young Leaders India-France Club launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, during his State visit to India. The Club Young Leaders India-France aims to build an influential advisory network to promote Indo-French bilateral action.
In June 2018, Shetty was inducted into the final Queen's Young Leader Cohort by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. As a Queen's Young Leader, Shetty received specialised training and mentorship and was invited to a reception hosted by Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street.
Shetty was also co-contributor to the Sunday Times best seller, Feminists Don't Wear Pink (2018), a collection of short stories by activists and female leaders to raise money for the United Nations initiative Girl Up.
On International Day of the Girl Child, Shetty assisted Michelle Obama to launch the Global Girls Alliance under the Obama Foundation. Shetty joined other celebrities including Zendaya, Karlie Kloss and Jennifer Hudson on Today and urged viewers to take a stand for marginalised girls.
In 2018, Shetty became the vice-president of the Paris Peace Forum Steering Committee and the following year she was named the President of the Steering Committee working with President Macron to host an annual event to support international cooperation and global governance to ensure durable peace.