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Bharti Kannan
Gender | Health | Tech | Rights | Social Entrepreneur in Menstrual Health | My work has enabled over 200 k menstruators understand their bodies, own their lived experience, seek health, dignity, agency wrt menstruation
Professional Background
Bharti Kannan is a dedicated Menstrual Rights Advocate with an impressive portfolio in sustainable initiatives focused on menstrual policies, advocacy, programming, and activism. As the founder of Boondh, Bharti has been instrumental in creating a unique hybrid social enterprise that merges menstrual research and practical applications, aiming to create an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses both science and societal impact. With a vision to grow Boondh into a leading institution over the next decade, Bharti is making significant strides in addressing menstrual health issues through innovative programming that champions equity and access.
In addition to her work with Boondh, Bharti is developing a Resource Justice Fund in India, advocating for new-age funding models that are intersectional, feminist, and participatory. This initiative aims to enable access to capital for marginalized communities, thereby amplifying the voices and needs of those often left unheard in traditional funding frameworks. Through this work, she seeks to challenge existing power dynamics and promote resource equity in a country where such efforts are critical.
A compassionate leader committed to continuous growth, Bharti embodies feminist principles and emphasizes teamwork and collaboration within her various roles. She is actively enhancing her managerial skills and thematic expertise, showcasing her commitment to personal development and effective team leadership. To further this goal, she has invested in a multi-year therapeutic program focused on self-improvement, which she believes is essential for improving both personal and organizational outcomes and impact.
Education and Achievements
Bharti has built a solid educational foundation, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate effectively for menstrual rights and resource justice. She holds a Master of Science in Disaster Management from the renowned Tata Institute of Social Sciences, where she developed strong analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of various socio-political challenges. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Biotechnology from Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy, allowing her to bridge the gap between science and societal needs, particularly in health-focused advocacy.
Her early education at the Bell School laid the groundwork for her academic journey, culminating in her XII Standard completion, providing her with a diverse educational experience. Through her academic endeavors, Bharti has exhibited a passion for leveraging science and managerial knowledge to improve community health outcomes, particularly regarding menstrual health.
Notable Engagements
Bharti’s career trajectory is a testament to her commitment to social advocacy and women's rights. She has held various prominent positions in several respected organizations, enriching her expertise and broadening her professional horizons. As the former Project Lead TechSakhi at Point of View, she played a pivotal role in leveraging technology for gender-related initiatives. Similarly, her position as a Grant Writing Consultant at Dhun.life enabled her to craft compelling proposals that secured funding for vital health initiatives.
Bharti's engagement with Women Deliver as a Planning Committee Member allowed her to participate in global dialogues surrounding women's health and rights, further enhancing her understanding of international advocacy. Her expertise was also recognized through her role as a Campaign Consultant at Oxfam India, where she contributed to campaigns aimed at advancing social justice and equitable access.
Additionally, her involvement as the Young Person ASRH SWG Co-Chair at the Inter Agency Working Group (IAWG) underlines her dedication to advancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights. Drawing from this experience, she previously participated in the Surge Impact program and worked as a Freelance Fundraiser for Samarthya, showcasing her versatility and commitment to sustaining impactful initiatives.
Moreover, Bharti’s affiliations with esteemed programs like Action For India as an AFI Forum 2017 Fellow and her recognition as a Changemaker 2016 at Global Action on Poverty highlight her leadership and innovative thinking in addressing pressing societal issues. Her varied roles as a Consultant at Swasti Health Resource Center and PROGRAM OFFICER at Crisis Aid India demonstrate her extensive experience in both research and on-the-ground program implementation, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
As a Research Assistant at People’s Science Institute (PSI) and a Project Executive at DHAN Foundation, she contributed to critical research projects that shaped policy and practice within health and development sectors. Her early career as an intern at the Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT) and the Indian Red Cross Society provided her with foundational experience in health-focused research and humanitarian efforts.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Bharti Kannan has received acknowledgment for her innovative approaches to social justice and women's empowerment. She is recognized for her ability to blend scientific insights with social advocacy, which has made her an influential voice in the discourse surrounding menstrual health. Her dedication to promoting menstrual rights through sustainable initiatives has positioned her as a leading figure in this field, influencing policies and practices at both local and national levels.
Her commitment to continuous learning and growth, exemplified by her participation in various programs and her focus on mental wellness through therapy, highlights her belief in the correlation between personal well-being and social impact. By investing in herself, Bharti aims to create a ripple effect that benefits her team, the communities she serves, and the broader movement for menstrual rights.
Bharti's entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy for resource justice will undoubtedly continue to inspire change in India and beyond. As she works towards achieving her vision for Boondh and the creation of an intersectional Resource Justice Fund, she exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate leader and steadfast advocate who is poised to make lasting impacts in the field of menstrual health and gender rights.