Shilpi Singh

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.

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

Beyond providing immediate relief and protection, the Aanchal Project emphasizes long-term rehabilitation, equipping over 60 children with education, healthcare access, and life skills training since 2013. This approach aligns with international best practices that advocate for family-based care over institutionalization, as outlined in the United Nations Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children (2010). Through strategic collaboration with local communities, child protection agencies, and legal frameworks, Bhoomika Vihar is working to restore dignity, security, and opportunities to vulnerable children while strengthening child welfare policies.

The project's impact has been widely recognized, particularly in academic discourse. The Rajasthan Sociological Journal (Vol.-16, October 2024) highlighted the Aanchal Project as a transformative model for rehabilitating orphaned and abandoned children in Bihar. The study underscores the effectiveness of Bhoomika Vihar’s community-driven, non-institutional care approach in providing a sustainable and child-centric alternative to institutional care. Furthermore, it illustrates how education and skill development play a crucial role in mitigating the economic and social vulnerabilities of these children, ultimately preparing them for independent and secure futures.

Awards

Vital Voices & Reliance Foundation Women Leader (2022-2023) – Recognized for leadership in social activism.

Secret Superstar Campaign (Aamir Khan Initiative) – Featured for impactful work in grassroots activism.

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Delegate (2015) – Selected by the U.S. Embassy for leadership in combating human trafficking.