Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Suparna Chaddha

Simply Suparnaa © Media Network has been chosen as an India WEPs Awards SME Champion in the Community category by United Nations Women.

Suparnaa has also been conducting workshops with students across 12 states on Violence against women. The network strongly believes that leadership and spirituality are interconnected and have the potential to bring a larger change in society.

She is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in media, advertising, television, radio, print, events, and new-age media.

Suparna featured in India’s first photo book displayed at LVMH Paris stores.
It was for a Women’s Day campaign in 2022, in its most authentic form.

Suparnaa’s tryst with the social and development issues began while making her critically acclaimed documentary on the aftermath of the Kashmir quake covering the devastation and observing the plight of the affected natives closely.

Leading the development issues beat for Radio Netherlands Worldwide further underlined her interest in the sector. This was soon followed by international media houses BBC WST- CI hosting her blogs on various development issues.

Suparnaa has authored an anthology of stories from her ancestral journal Biswin Sadi

(being archived through the National Archives of India), in the pre and post-partition era with Harper Collins.

In Conversation with Suparna Chaddha – Preeti Juneja

Q. You have met people across the spectrum, and each brings wisdom, experience and learning. How do you decide which story is powerful enough to be featured while curating content?

I think human experiences are similar across the world. Individuals face similar challenges despite the evident differences in age, gender, and religion. We all experience joy, sadness, losses, etc. A story that can help you relate to the experience or the learning with your own ‘unique’ circumstances is often a story well-told. The intent behind all the stories is to help connect with the emotion, empathize with the circumstances if possible and inspire at best. This is true with individual stories as well as the larger intent of the platform.

Q. UN speaks of Sustainable Development Goals, listing 17 Goals to Transform Our World. Under Gender Equality, it states that if you are a woman, you can address unconscious biases and implicit associations that form an unintended and often invisible barrier to equal opportunity. Can you share a few examples of how you have addressed this issue professionally or personally?

Dedicating oneself to achieving gender parity is a lifelong commitment that seamlessly integrates into personal and professional life aspects. Rather than being an agenda-driven initiative, it is a comprehensive way of life. My spiritual beliefs led me to worship divinity in a feminine form, referred to as ‘Devi Ma.’

Understanding the unifying force of energy in all living and non-living entities as ‘Shakti,’ I recognize its transformative and expressive nature, often represented in a feminine form symbolizing creation.

Aligning core values with this principle becomes a catalyst for working towards the welfare of all, a commitment reflected in both SABERA and the womenengangered.org (WE) trust. SABERA ensures equal participation of speakers and jury members, focusing on empowering girls who have not only transformed their lives through education but have also uplifted their families and communities. The upcoming SABERA event, featuring Shraddha Katti, an inspiring emcee from NGO KRANTI, exemplifies this commitment by providing a platform for those who have overcome challenging backgrounds.

WE, in its decade-long existence, has tirelessly addressed menstrual hygiene and partnered with industry representatives to raise awareness about combatting violence against women. Simply Suparnaa © Media Network is committed to creating content that inspires and drives meaningful change. This commitment is evident in being the first (and perhaps only) platform in India to document steps for seeking justice in cases of heinous crimes, such as sexual violence, through the interview with renowned the Lady cop , Chhaya Sharma, who played a pivotal role in solving the Nirbhaya case. SABERA’s recognition of IPS Chhaya Sharma further underscores the acknowledgement of contributions to the country in this crucial area.

Q. What is important to you as a facilitator – the person, the position, the story? Being in a power position, how do you campaign the cause to shift mindset? What is the longest it has taken you to move the needle to see positive change in a particular domain?

As a facilitator, the paramount focus for me lies in the narrative—the story holds the utmost importance. The individuals involved and their positions serve as integral components of the storytelling process. In a position of influence, I believe in championing a cause by initiating change from within. Leading by example proves to be the most effective way to advance any cause.

In my advocacy for sustainable menstruation, the journey commenced with my personal experience of using a menstrual cup for a considerable period. Subsequently, I delved into extensive research, exploring the health and environmental benefits and contextualizing the campaign through cultural and geographical references. This thorough approach ensured that the outreach had a significant and lasting impact.

My guiding principle across various endeavours requiring transformative attention is rooted in the belief that change always begins with oneself. Whether it pertains to sustainable menstruation or any other cause, leading by personal example remains a fundamental aspect of my approach.

Q. Woman Endangered (WE), The Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards (SABERA), Simply Suparna.com, and #LikeaBoss – all by yourself, one successful entity after another (big applause). How did you keep the uniqueness of each while, at the same time, aligning all of them to cohesively reach your goal? Was it a natural progression in which one led to another? How did you plan your resources and make time for all of them?

Establishing and managing Woman Endangered (WE), The Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards (SABERA), Simply Suparna.com, and #LikeaBoss has indeed been a fulfilling journey, and I appreciate your recognition. The uniqueness of each entity is carefully maintained while ensuring a cohesive alignment to reach overarching goals.

The evolution of these ventures was not necessarily a linear progression but rather a natural interweaving of passion and purpose. Woman Endangered addresses women’s issues through targeted outreach, emphasizing empowerment and support. Simultaneously, SABERA spotlights developmental initiatives across the nation, aiming to counteract media apathy towards such efforts and the tendency to prioritize sensationalism. This void in media coverage inspired the creation of Simply Suparnaa © Media Network, which is dedicated to showcasing meaningful stories and catalyzing sustainable development.

The synergy between these entities is intentional, with each complementing and reinforcing the other. The common thread lies in building a sense of pride in our nation, fostering sustainable development, and connecting these efforts to the wisdom of our ancestors. Planning resources and time management involves a strategic approach, ensuring that each endeavour receives the attention it deserves.

By recognizing the unique strengths and purposes of each entity, I’ve been able to create a harmonious balance. The interconnected nature of these initiatives allows for a mutually reinforcing impact, ultimately contributing to the overarching goals of empowerment, recognition, and sustainable development.

Q. As a volunteer with the Shree Shakti Consciousness Foundation, do you think the wheels of change are in motion? How do you measure the success of your efforts?

Volunteering with the Shree Shakti Consciousness Foundation (SSCF), I believe the wheels of change are undeniably in motion. While quantitative metrics are essential—such as the impactful reach of over 10 lakh lives through SSCF.in—I find the true measure of success in the personal connections forged during our initiatives.

The profound impact is felt in the hugs from children and the moments shared by women during the regular nutrition drives and medical camps conducted by SSCF. These personal interactions, occurring in the adopted communities on the outskirts of Gurgaon and in Sirasso Rishikesh, serve as the most meaningful indicators of the success of my volunteer efforts.

It’s in these human connections and the positive changes witnessed on an individual level that the true essence of our collective work manifests. For me, success is not just a numerical figure but is reflected in the tangible and heartfelt moments shared with the communities we aim to support and uplift.

Rapid-Fire:

Why are businesses interested in supporting the marginalised? It makes better business sense.
What does a closure on a project mean to you? Self sustainance.
How do you fight your inner battles? With the help of my faith.
Which is the best conversation you have had on Simply Suparna? IPS Chhaya Sharma.

One-Liners:

Empower women to: Empower families, communities and the world at large.
Simply Suparna, values: Values.
I define spirituality as: My way of life.
What’s next in the pipeline: Spreading GOOD far and wide.

DREAMWEB INDIA IS GRATEFUL TO SUPARNA CHADDHA FOR SPARING HER VALUABLE TIME WITH US FOR THIS INCREDIBLE INTERVIEW. WE WISH HER MANY MORE VALUABLE CONVERSATIONS AND HEARTFELT MOMENTS WITH THE COMMUNITIES THAT SHE AIMS TO SUPPORT AND UPLIFT.

About Author

Suparna Chaddha

Suparnaa Chadda the founder of the Simply Suparnaa © Media Network. The Network consciously works toward creating a positive narrative away from sensationalism.

Suparnaa uses her versatile experience in media to curate SABERA (sabera.co). Amidst others, the network stands for causes enabling gender sensitivity and actively conducts workshops on menstrual hygiene through its non-profit arm, Woman Endangered.