On March 15th and 16th, 2023, Dr. Neha Sharma, Director and founder of Aarogyam UK, took part in the prestigious Oxford Women's Leadership Symposium at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. This event, held in partnership with UN Women, brought together thought leaders, change-makers, and advocates.
Dr. Sharma’s participation in the symposium marked a key moment in the ongoing conversation about empowering women in leadership roles, particularly within the context of spirituality and social change. As a practitioner deeply rooted in holistic health and community-based approaches, her series of talks resonated with the event’s theme, offering a unique perspective on the integration of ancient wisdom with modern social work.
Women, Spirituality, and Social Work: A New Approach
Dr. Sharma’s talk series, titled "Women, Spirituality, and Social Work: Theory, Practice, and Setting New Benchmarks in India", shed light on the often underexplored link between spirituality and social work. She emphasized how traditional systems of knowledge, particularly those rooted in Ayurveda, Yoga, and spiritual practices from India, offer rich resources for women in leadership roles.
Drawing from her extensive experience leading Aarogyam and community health projects across India and the UK, Dr. Sharma illustrated how the intersection of spirituality and social work is crucial in creating holistic solutions to societal problems. She argued that spirituality is not just a personal practice but a foundation for compassionate leadership and transformative social initiatives.
Setting New Benchmarks for Women in Leadership
During the symposium, Dr. Sharma focused on how women leaders can integrate spiritual principles into their professional lives to create more inclusive and resilient communities. Her talks highlighted case studies from Aarogyam’s projects in rural India, where women’s spiritual and cultural wisdom has been harnessed to promote community well-being, mental health, and gender equity.
In her words, "The future of social work must embrace the wisdom of the past, especially when it comes to empowering women. Spirituality, when practiced with intention, offers us the tools to heal and uplift not only individuals but entire communities. It is time to recognize the value of this intersection in shaping a more compassionate and effective social work framework."
Women as Catalysts for Change
Dr. Sharma also discussed how women leaders are uniquely positioned to drive change in both rural and urban settings. Through the Aarogyam network, she has seen firsthand the powerful role women play as community builders and healers. Whether through healthcare initiatives, educational programs, or leadership development, women are often the key to creating sustainable social impact.
One of the key takeaways from her talk was the need for global collaboration and learning. By building international networks and drawing on diverse traditions, Dr. Sharma believes that women can set new benchmarks in the field of social work and beyond. She encouraged participants at the Oxford symposium to continue pushing boundaries and to embrace spiritual leadership as a means of fostering empathy, resilience, and collective growth.
Partnering with UN Women for Global Change
The Oxford Women's Leadership Symposium, in partnership with UN Women, provided a global platform for leaders like Dr. Sharma to share their insights. Her contributions aligned with UN Women’s goals of promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide. As a speaker and thought leader, Dr. Sharma’s participation in this prestigious event underscored her commitment to advancing the role of women in leadership, particularly in sectors where spirituality and social impact intersect.
Looking Forward: The Path Ahead
Dr. Neha Sharma’s appearance at the Oxford Women's Leadership Symposium was a testament to her dedication to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world through her work. By setting new benchmarks in the areas of women’s leadership, spirituality, and social work, she continues to inspire women across the globe to take charge of their communities, draw from their cultural roots, and lead with empathy and purpose.
As the world moves toward more collaborative and holistic approaches to social challenges, Dr. Sharma’s work stands as a beacon of how spirituality and social work, when combined, can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
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