Shilpi Singh is an Indian women's rights activist . She helps with the rights and rehabilitation of Indian women in rural areas, to prevent human trafficking, child marriage in Bihar, India.
Social Work She is the director of Bhoomika Vihar, a not-for-profit organisation.It was established in 1996 with the objective of empowering the marginalised, particularly women and girls at risk of forced or early marriage, with education and skill development, which would expand their socioeconomic opportunities.She rescued around 275 women from trafficking in the Seemanchal region Bihar. and provided support to domestic violence survivors, she acknowledged domestic violence to have a straightforward connection with environment,climate change. Singh participated in advocating for the opening of crisis centers where rescued women could get all assistance in one place that is free from discrimination and has government protection. Through her organization, Bhoomika Vihar, Shilpi signed an MoU with the Canadian Embassy and NSS Bihar to create gender youth speakers to campaign for gender awareness and sensitivity.
Major Initiatives Under Shilpi's leadership:
Anti-Human Trafficking Campaigns: These campaigns focus on creating awareness about human trafficking, educating vulnerable communities, and building networks to support rescue operations. Rehabilitation/Reintegration Programs:Bhoomika Vihar facilitates immediate aftercare/reintegration services, including counseling, legal aid, and vocational training, to help survivors rebuild their lives. Education and Empowerment: Recognizing the importance of education, the organization runs educational programs for children and young adults to empower them with knowledge and skills necessary for a better future. Focusing on joyful digital learning and through STEAM module to cope up the learning gap of Urban and Rural students. Joyful Learning Centers & First-Generation Graduates: Bhoomika Vihar has established Maike Centers: Joyful Digital Learning Centers, which have acted as a bridge for children who were once out of school. These centers not only provide education but also serve as a means of empowerment, preventing early marriage and protecting young girls from the dangers of trafficking. Many of these students have gone on to become first-generation graduates, breaking the cycle of marginalization through sustained educational support. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Shilpi Singh actively engages with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for stronger laws and policies to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
Durga Jattha To encourage and have participation from local community girls and women, Shilpi initiated forming groups of vulnerable adolescent girls, which is called Durga Jattha. There are 20 girls in a group from the same Panchayat. The girls in the group conduct meetings on regular basis for discussion on vices in the community and they inform to the local government authorities for corrective actions. At present, 50 such groups are active in Araria and Katihar districts of Bihar. Under this structure of Community Driven and Girl Led Leadership, the group publishes their own handmade newspapers using herbal colours and food grains. The newspaper is shared with Panchayati Raj authorities/ Police and media personnel on regular interval. The group acts against early marriages of girls in rural areas, they also identify and motivate school dropout girls to take part in regular education system.
Digital Storytelling Shilpi has utilized digital storytelling as a medium to document and highlight the lived experiences of women and girls from marginalized communities, particularly those affected by trafficking, gender-based violence, and social exclusion. Through a series of documentaries such as I Exist, One Night Bride, Lajja, Swaha:Resilience Beyond Borders and Jhatka the organization presents narratives that explore both the challenges and resilience of individuals navigating complex socio-economic realities. Films like One Night Bride, which has received significant viewership, examine the realities of trafficked brides and forced marriages, while Lajja and Swaha address issues related to stigma and gender-based violence. Other documentaries focus on themes of cyber exploitation, social rehabilitation, and economic empowerment. These projects serve as a resource for raising awareness, fostering discussions, and contributing to broader efforts around gender justice and social change.
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