A Life Dedicated to Healing and Justice: The Journey of a Psychologist and Social Change Maker Dr. Madhavi Ganapathi

My professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to psychology, social activism, and systemic change. With over 25 years of experience in social development, I have worked extensively in the fields of women’s empowerment, child welfare, and mental health. My academic foundation spanning psychology, business management, counselling, forensic science, and criminology has equipped me with both analytical and empathetic lenses to address complex human challenges.

Currently, I serve as a PsychoSocial Counsellor/Psychologist at Mahila PS – VSP & WIN Centre, and as a Psychologist in the Social Incubation Center at Central Prison, Visakhapatnam, where I have counselled thousands of individuals across diverse categories. My core identity lies in being a psychologist, change maker, and social activist, blending therapeutic practice with advocacy to create meaningful impact. Recognized nationally as a “Change Maker” by Change.org’s She Creates Change initiative, I have consistently worked at the intersection of mental health, gender justice, and community empowerment.

Contributions & Impact
Over the years, my contributions have spanned counselling, advocacy, training, and program leadership. I have provided rehabilitative services to more than 15000 women and children who were victims of atrocities, trauma, and crisis situations, including natural disasters. My counselling work has extended into correctional settings, where I have addressed nearly 6000 cases in the Central Prison, Visakhapatnam, offering psychological support to individuals navigating incarceration and reintegration.

My activism has been deeply rooted in campaigns against crimes targeting women and girls. As an alumni coordinator for She Creates Change Training Labs, I have mentored and mobilized communities to challenge systemic violence and promote gender equity. Through initiatives like Mahila Mitra, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Police, I have worked to strengthen community-police partnerships for women’s safety.

Beyond counselling, I have played leadership roles in organizations such as Vasavya Mahila Mandali, where I led developmental programs in coastal districts, and Friends Indeed, a Netherlands-based Disabled Children’s Village, where I served as Director of Operations. My tenure as State Program Officer for HLFPPT and India HIV/AIDS Alliance further reflects my commitment to public health and community-driven approaches.

My impact has also been amplified through training and awareness programs. I have coordinated gender sensitization workshops for over 1400 police personnel, facilitated sessions in nearly 99 colleges across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and served as a resource person for initiatives like “Women Friendly Police Stations” and cybercrime awareness. These efforts have not only educated communities but also influenced institutional practices.

Recognition of my work has come through numerous awards, including the SEVA RATNA for excellence in social work, the Exceptional Women of Excellence Award by the Women Economic Forum, and accolades from Rotary International, corporates, and government institutions. These milestones underscore the breadth of my contributions and the trust placed in my leadership.

My membership in multiple Sexual Harassment at Workplace Committees across law universities, hospitals, Police Commissionerate, and corporate units reflects my role in institutional accountability and policy enforcement. Additionally, my active involvement in civil society organizations and commissions, including the SC & ST Commission and the PC & PNDT Act, highlights my dedication to equity and justice for marginalized communities.

Future Vision & Mission
Looking ahead, my vision is to continue building resilient, equitable systems that prioritize mental health, gender justice, and community empowerment. I aspire to integrate trauma-informed approaches into mainstream counselling and advocacy, ensuring that women and marginalized groups receive holistic support that addresses both psychological and structural barriers.

My mission is to expand the reach of psychosocial counselling services, particularly in underserved communities, while leveraging digital platforms to make mental health accessible and scalable. I plan to design bilingual (English and Telugu) training modules, info graphics, and awareness campaigns that resonate across diverse audiences, from grassroots communities to policymakers.

Another key goal is to advance my ongoing research on women’s mental health during menopause, contributing evidence-based insights to shape healthcare policies and interventions. By pursuing a PhD in this domain, I aim to bridge academic research with practical advocacy, ensuring that women’s health issues receive the attention they deserve.

I also envision strengthening collaborations with law enforcement, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to combat gender-based violence. Through structured training, policy advocacy, and community engagement, I intend to foster safer environments for women and children.

Ultimately, my aspiration is to create a legacy of systemic change where mental health is destigmatized, women’s rights are upheld, and marginalized communities are empowered to thrive. By combining my expertise in psychology, activism, and program design, I will continue to drive initiatives that honour dignity, equity, and resilience.