Manish Jha
Manish K. Jha
Meet the People Powering Our Mission
At WomenServe, our impact is only possible because of the passionate, talented individuals working every day to create lasting change in the communities we serve. Through this series of team member interviews, we’re shining a light on the people behind the scenes — their journeys, motivations, and the values that drive their work. Get to know our dedicated team as they share their stories in their own words!
Manish K. Jha
Education Grant & Capacity Building Program Lead
1. Can you briefly describe your role at WomenServe?
My primary responsibilities are leading the planning, execution, and evaluation of the education program, monitoring the performance and progress, and ensuring objectives are met. I also provide professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of the education, water, and livelihood teams. Through this work, I collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, community members, and industry partners. I have been with WomenServe since the beginning of 2023.
2. What motivated you to join WomenServe?
The opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of women, especially in a region where gender inequality is more pronounced, is a strong motivating factor for me. I also appreciate the opportunity to implement sustainable development practices, innovative business models, and training programs for women. It is a fulfilling, dynamic, and rewarding career!
I am a seasoned development professional with extensive experience of 17+ years in managing national and international organizations. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from Delhi School of Social Work, Project Management certification from Alison Ireland, and an Executive MBA from Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi with specialization in 'Urban-Rural Community Development'.
Additionally, I received a certificate in ‘Peace and Conflict Resolution’, from University of Delhi, a 'Library Educator Course' (LEC) from Tata Trusts, 'Youth Development’ from Tata Strive (in a Learning Category) and ‘NGO Management' from the Delhi School of Social Work.
My beliefs in promoting gender equality and breaking down societal barriers draw me to WomenServe as an ideal platform for implementing these values.
3. Can you tell us about your previous work experience before joining WomenServe?
Prior to joining WomenServe I was working with India’s leading philanthropic organization named ‘’Tata Trusts’’ as Team Leader. I have successfully overseen the Education portfolio of Tata Trusts in both the Central and Western Himalayan regions, resulting in remarkable outcomes and substantial influence for 10 long years. Before that I worked for a New York based Anti-trafficking organization and spearheaded the effective operation and maintenance of KGBV, a residential girl’s hostel for underprivileged students in 6 states of India where I demonstrated strong coordination skills while working closely with various state Education Departments.
Experience in managing educational programs in difficult geographies prepared me for the challenges of Western Rajasthan. Also, as an education expert, my problem-solving skills, flexibility and communication skills have prepared me for my current role.
4. Were there any particular projects or accomplishments in your past roles that you’re especially proud of?
I have many cherished memories from my previous associations but three milestones in my career stand out above all. These achievements have given me immense satisfaction and recognition from eminent personalities like Mr. Ratan. N Tata (Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and former chairman of Tata Sons) and Gloria Steinem (American journalist, and social activist).
The 2015 Nepal Earthquake, also known as the Gorkha Earthquake, struck on April 25, 2015, with a magnitude of 7.8, causing widespread destruction across the country. The earthquake killed nearly 9,000 people, injured over 22,000, and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The disaster prompted a massive humanitarian response both within Nepal and internationally. I was the first person from the entire Tata Group to land at Kathmandu on April 27 for relief and rehabilitation work. Along with providing immediate response through Community kitchen, psycho-social trauma counselling my focus was on to build resilience against future disasters by strengthening infrastructure in schools, enforcing better building codes, and training communities particularly school stakeholders on disaster preparedness.
I enhanced the development of Blind Sports in India through collaborative efforts with National Institute of Visually Handicapped (NIVH), Dehradun, Uttarakhand Blind Sports Association (UBSA), and Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF).
I aided 25,000 girls and women involved in Intergenerational Prostitution in various locations including West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
5. How does your previous experience influence your work at WomenServe?
There are many skills and lessons from my past that I apply to my role at WomenServe.
(A) Project Management Skills: Ability to create and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and schedules influence my work at WomenServe.
(B) Budget Management Skills: Ensuring the project stays within financial constraints and resources are effectively allocated.
(C) Cost Benefit Analysis Skills: Evaluating the financial viability of projects and making decisions based on PIP and project impacts.
(D) Cultural Competence Skills: Working effectively with diverse teams and understanding different cultural or contextual needs of Western Rajasthan influence my work at WomenServe.
After years of working in the development field, as a professional I realized the importance of recognizing the various intersections that affect women—such as class, race, disability, and geographic location. From my experiences I have learned that approaches to empowerment that ignore these intersections may end up reinforcing existing inequalities within communities. Guided by this knowledge, I focus on community-led initiatives rather than top-down interventions. This approach may take longer but leads to true sustainable change that involves building capacity, strengthening institutions, and creating resilient social and economic systems.
6. What do you find most rewarding about your work at WomenServe?
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with WomenServe in Western Rajasthan is witnessing the direct impact on the lives of women, particularly at Baap and Naya Gaon where traditional gender roles have limited their opportunities. Empowering women to gain independence, access education, or start their own businesses is bringing real change to families and communities through the efforts of WomenServe. This is very rewarding!
An accomplishment that stands out to me is the Academic Mentorship Program initiated in December 2023 aimed to support 12th grade girls of 4 schools in Phalodi preparing for their Board examinations. The initiative focused on enhancing academic performance, providing emotional support, and building confidence among girls, leading to outstanding results with 96 girls graduating to college from the school. The program demonstrated the power of structured support, mentorship, and resource availability in transforming educational outcomes.
7. How do you see the impact of WomenServe's work in the communities we serve?
Western Rajasthan has unique cultural challenges, such as deeply rooted patriarchal norms. Through designing culturally sensitive programs that engage both women and community, promoting gender equality within these norms and by sharing ideas on skill-building programs such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, I am making a difference in creating a sustainable livelihood for women, enabling economic independence.
8. What changes have you witnessed as a result of our programs?
The implementation of WomenServe education programs in western Rajasthan has led to noticeable changes in the region. Some of the key impacts include:
(A) Steady increase in the literacy rates of girls and graduation rate. 96 girls have successfully graduated from the program.
(B) Notable rise in the enrolment of girls in both primary and secondary education. Womenserve has led many awareness campaigns, incentives like academic mentorship programs and the life skills sessions have played a major role in keeping girls in school.
(C) Retention rates have also improved as families begin to recognize the value of educating girls, which decreases early dropout rates, especially in higher grades.
(D) I have also observed a slow but steady shift in traditional gender roles. Educated girls of Baap are increasingly challenging the notion that their primary role is confined to household chores. The WomenServe Education program empowers them to seek more equitable roles within their families and communities.
9. What are your passions or interests outside of work?
I have multiple interests! I enjoy exploring topics related to culture, history, philosophy, mythology, and sociology, as they allow me to dive deep into understanding the human experience and the universe. I also have a passion for storytelling, whether through books, movies, or history, as stories connect people and provide new perspectives. Creativity and art fascinate me as well, particularly how they reflect culture and evoke emotions.
I enjoy exploring new ideas through reading, especially topics related to culture, art, and history. I also love writing—whether it is creative storytelling or reflecting on interesting subjects. I find music to be both a great escape and a source of inspiration, and I often get lost in different genres.
My interest in understanding different cultural practices compliments my work at WomenServe, especially with girls and education stakeholders, in a few key ways. By understanding the unique cultural context of Western Rajasthan, I am able to provide guidance and suggestions that are culturally appropriate and resonate with the women and communities I work with. Empowerment strategies that succeed in one region might not work in another. My cultural knowledge helps tailor solutions that fit the traditions, values, and social dynamics of WomenServe target communities.
10. Who has been an inspiration to you in your professional journey?
Martin Luther King Jr. is the source of inspiration for me in my professional journey. His commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent resistance has always served me as a guiding light. His ability to articulate a vision and mobilize people towards a common goal is especially relevant in roles that I am involved in leadership and education.
I always draw inspiration from his dedication to equal opportunities and his belief in the transformative power of education. His emphasis on perseverance and the importance of standing up for what’s right is also very motivating when facing challenges during work.
As a colleague I am highly impressed by Dr. Nioma’s vision and mission which are often pivotal in shaping the impact of WomenServe. I am particularly impressed by the clarity, ambition, and relevance of Dr. Nioma's vision and love for the community she serves. Her vision to create a world where every woman has access to education and opportunities through her 100% involvement in actionable steps to achieve, is highly inspiring and motivating.
Dr. Nioma often tells us, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." This idea always reminds me that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of empowering women or transforming education. Also, she showed unwavering kindness and understanding toward those in need. I always believe that in the field of education and empowerment, fostering deep empathy for the people we serve, understanding their struggles, challenges, and dreams is crucial and Dr. Nioma’s influence has impacted me a lot.
11. What is a fun or surprising fact about you that people might not know?
A unique or quirky trait about myself is the ability to memorize tiny, personal details of the people I meet, like someone's favourite destination or their hobbies. It might seem small, but this builds strong rapport and trust.
Another quirky trait about myself as a foodie is the ability to pair the most unusual ingredients in creative ways—like adding a dash of sweets to chicken or sprinkling rock salt on dark chocolate. I often approach food like a fun experiment, embracing new flavours with curiosity, while having an encyclopedic knowledge of where to find the best, off-the-beaten-path eateries.
12. How do you envision the future of WomenServe?
My hopes for WomenServe is to continue to focus on creating sustainable change, enhancing opportunities, and fostering a culture of leadership and independence.
Here are a few goals I envision:
Education & Literacy Programs: Strengthening access to quality education for women and girls in rural areas, focusing on both basic literacy and higher education, as well as digital literacy, which is increasingly important in today's world.
Economic Empowerment & Skill Development: Expanding programs that help women in western Rajasthan gain financial independence by offering training in traditional crafts, modern skills, and entrepreneurship. This could include more partnerships with local industries and online platforms to market their products and services.
Leadership & Representation: Encouraging and enabling more women to take on leadership roles in community governance, local businesses, and political spheres, thereby becoming role models for future generations.
Sustainability & Scaling: Establishing a model that not only impacts western Rajasthan but can be replicated in other regions, ensuring the sustainability of programs through local leadership, continuous funding, and technological integration.
13. What message would you like to share with the WomenServe community?
Empowerment begins with understanding and support. Together, we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and contribute. Let us build a community where each voice is heard, and each person’s potential is recognized and nurtured. By working together, we can overcome challenges and achieve lasting positive change for everyone.
People in USA should know these appended things about Western Rajasthan:
(A) Access to quality education is a major issue. Schools are often under-resourced, and there are high dropout rates, particularly among girls. Educational inequalities perpetuate the cycle of poverty and limit opportunities for future generations.
(B) Women and girls in western Rajasthan face considerable gender-based disparities. Cultural norms often restrict their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Early marriage and limited mobility further compound these issues.
(C) Certain communities, such as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, face social and economic marginalization. Discrimination and exclusion exacerbate their vulnerabilities and limit their access to resources and opportunities.
(D) Western Rajasthan, characterized by its arid climate and limited resources, faces significant economic challenges. Many communities rely on subsistence farming, which is vulnerable to droughts and climate change. There is a high level of poverty, and economic opportunities are often limited.
Through it all, I am motivated to keep striving for the mission of WomenServe. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of gender. Empowering girls and women not only help individuals but can lead to broader societal benefits, like improved communities and economies. The idea that by supporting women, we can create a ripple effect that fosters greater equality and opportunity is really inspiring.
14. Can you share a favourite quote or mantra that you live by?
‘’Action speak louder than words.’’
The idea that "actions speak louder than words" reflects the principle that what we do often carries more weight than what we say, particularly in the realm of values and impact. In my work with WomenServe, this phrase deeply resonates with both my approach and the tangible outcomes I aim to achieve.
Empowering through Actions: Empowerment goes beyond advocacy or promises. It is about providing opportunities, resources, and creating safe spaces for women to learn, grow, and lead. By taking concrete steps like offering skills training or facilitating income-generating activities, I am showing commitment to change.
Leading by Example: My actions as a leader or facilitator in the organization reflect the values of empowerment, resilience, and respect. By actively engaging with the girls I serve, understanding their challenges, and addressing them practically, I set an example that inspires trust and confidence.
Sustainable Impact: Rather than just talking about change, I foster it through sustained efforts—whether it is in education, or Learn to Earn opportunities for girls and women. The changes in their lives, their stories of transformation, are proof that my work is impactful.
15. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey or your role?
I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how education can transform the lives of girls in Western Rajasthan, especially in the more remote regions like Baap. In places like Naya Gaon or Bari Sidh where tradition often restricts girls’ opportunities, education has served as a powerful tool for empowerment. I have seen women and girls who were once confined to household roles now stepping into leadership positions within their communities.
Through education, they not only gain knowledge and skills but also the confidence to make decisions about their own lives, from economic independence to health and family planning. Many women, once shy and hesitant, become vocal advocates for their rights and their children's education. They inspire others in their communities to break the cycle of limited opportunities. Education certainly creates ripple effects that lead to greater societal changes. Women become role models, influencing younger generations to pursue education, changing mindsets, and breaking down long-standing barriers. It has been inspiring to witness the resilience and determination of these women and to see how education can unlock potential and change lives, one woman.