Rajani, Founder and Executive Director of Sahyogi, is a living testament to resilience, courage, and the transformative power of women’s leadership. With over 24 years of experience in the social development sector, she has dedicated her life to advancing gender equality, empowering women and adolescents, and challenging patriarchal norms that limit opportunities and voices across Bihar.

Born and raised in Patna, Rajani pursued a degree in Sociology followed by a Master’s in Rural Development — grounding her in both theory and practice. Yet her life took a difficult turn when she was married at the age of 16, and soon found herself trapped in a cycle of emotional and physical abuse — even during pregnancy and after the birth of her daughter. Despite repeated attempts to make the marriage work, the violence persisted. Drawing on immense inner strength, Rajani made the courageous decision to return to her parents’ home with her infant daughter — determined to rebuild her life with dignity.

In 2000, she began working with a local NGO, where she first experienced the power of women’s collective action. It was there she realized a critical truth — economic empowerment alone cannot liberate women unless they are aware of their rights and have the confidence to claim them. This insight became her lifelong mission: to create a platform where women could learn, lead, and transform their lives.

In 2008, despite limited resources and countless challenges, Rajani founded Sahyogi, a grassroots organization rooted in the belief that change begins with awareness and grows through collective strength. Her journey from a survivor of violence to a community leader has inspired a movement for gender justice across Bihar. By 2016, Sahyogi had begun to expand rapidly, building networks of empowered women and adolescent girls who now act as catalysts of change in their own communities.

From enduring violence to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment, Rajani’s journey embodies the spirit of Sahyogi — proving that when one woman rises, she uplifts countless others. Her story continues to inspire a generation of changemakers committed to equality, justice, and dignity for all.