The pandemic has changed life as we know it forever, but it also highlighted the spirit of human resilience in all of us. It was particularly inspiring to see some women step up and work to create change during such trying times. With the #ShapeMyWorld campaign, Levi’s® is paying tribute to seven of these fearless women who are determined to leave their mark on the world, and change it for the better.
Iti Rawat had a successful career in the corporate world, but she was itching to do something more. So she quit her comfortable job and founded Women Entrepreneur Foundation (WEFT) in 2018—a non-profit organisation to support and empower budding women entrepreneurs in India. In 2020, the pandemic brought with it another horrific crisis—there was a sharp rise in cases of domestic abuse. When the lockdown was announced in March 2020, Iti sent an email to all the members of WEFT to check in on them. After getting a distressing email from a member of her own organisation, she decided to set up the Red Dot Initiative, in an effort to reach out to and help women suffering from domestic abuse.
Since it is difficult for women to speak out about their abuse, Iti conceptualised a symbol they can signal as a cry for help. “I said, a red dot on the palm would be a symbol for domestic violence. I received so many videos and pictures of women showing the red dot. So far, I’ve managed to rescue 99 women,” she said.
Iti’s story is one of bravery and resilience. She continues to raise her voice to help women escape from citations of abuse and bring them to safety. Once rescued, she helps them find a job so they can be financially independent.
About The #ShapeMyWorld Campaign
The campaign was unveiled on March 8, International Women’s Day—a significant day to celebrate strong women. Conceptualised in 2017, #IShapeMyWorld is a platform created to inspire and empower women across India. Each year, the campaign features a panel of women who have created a significant impact in the past year. These are the women who are constantly challenging what society expects from them and shaping the world on their own terms. For its 7th season, the year-long digital initiative is cheering on the women who created waves during one of the most difficult years of our lives.
The 6 Other Trailblazers Featured On The Campaign
Faye D’Souza
Faye is a journalist with an unbiased voice reporting on real news and facts. Through the campaign, Faye opens up about her disillusionment with the industry and what urged her to step away and start her own independent company.
Seema Samridhi Kuswaha
This is the fearless woman behind the landmark Nirbhaya case. Seema Samridhi has always been a fighter—she fought for her education, to become a lawyer and later one she won Nirbhaya’s case. She is a crusader for women, their equality and progress through the law.
Zoya Akhtar
A force to reckon with in Indian film industry, Zoya’s thought-provoking award-winning films speak for her. Zoya talks about what it takes for her to feel confident and never letting people make her feel any lesser for being a woman.
Sumukhi Suresh
In a world that objectifies women in entertainment and only values women for their glamour, Sumukhi is making waves as a stand-up comedian. She has created a name for herself not only in the live comedy circuit and viral YouTube sketches, but also in films and popular web shows. And now she is taking on the role of a showrunner, creator, and co-writer for a comedy-drama series, proving to the world that creativity and talent have no boundaries.
Trisha Shetty
Trisha Shetty is an activist for gender equality and the founder of SheSays. Her non-profit organisation empowers women by providing them education, legal and medical as well as psychological support.
Raja Kumari
Raja Kumar is an Indian-American rapper and songwriter, who’s amassed global popularity and success. For this campaign, she talks about her sense of belonging, embracing herself to find success on her own terms in her music
