Ekta Viiveck Verma

Activist, Change Agent, Entrepreneur, Global soul, Parent, Sales specialist, Social entrepreneur, Startup, Writer/Editor

Ekta is a professional with over 25 years of experience in sales and business development, including stints as an entrepreneur and corporate executive before transitioning to the development sector in 2013. Ekta is the founder of the Invisible Scars Foundation (ISF), which works in the fields of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and workplace sexual harassment (PoSH). She is also the founder of Poorn Viraam, an online project to eradicate rape culture, and an outspoken advocate in this field. She also tries to raise awareness and sensitization about rape culture. Ekta is a GBV Specialist and Women Leadership/Empowerment Trainer who helps businesses in developing DVA and PoSH policies. She is also a Certified PoSH Professional, an IC External Member, a Human Rights Advocate, a Storyteller and Curator, a Social Entrepreneur, and a Development Sector Professional. She is also an active member of several community organisations, including SAHE, SCSC, TiE, and TEDxHyderabad. She was recently featured in the book "She is - Women in Steam," which honoured 75 Indian women in celebration of India's 75th year of independence. On the occasion of Women's Day in 2021, Facebook highlighted her work in building communities. Ekta was also awarded the Women of Worth award by Ladies Circle India in 2021, as well as the Nari Niyogin award for Women in Societal Innovations in 2020. ISF we has helped more than 3100+ survivors directly, based in 64 cities and 12 countries while reaching out to over 35000+ people through awareness and sensitisation sessions. Her organisation has engaged with more than 50 organisations

I'm deeply passionate about fostering connections between individuals and ideas. I firmly believe that every person possesses something truly magical within them, and it's our duty to connect and uncover that magic. Moreover, I place great importance on self-empowerment, particularly for women in India, encouraging them to recognize that empowerment lies within themselves, rather than seeking it externally.

Invisible Scars Foundation (ISF) is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to addressing domestic violence and abuse (DVA), workplace sexual harassment (PoSH), and the eradication of rape culture. ISF takes a holistic and inclusive approach to combatting gender-based violence (GBV), recognizing that it affects individuals of all genders. Their commitment to comprehensive change includes addressing root causes and fostering inclusivity and collaboration. ISF's unwavering dedication is evident in their focus on factors like mental health issues, intergenerational trauma, and challenging societal patriarchal mindsets. Their actions exemplify their commitment to creating a more just and violence-free world for everyone. In conclusion, ISF's vision is to empower 50,000 gender-based violence survivors within the next five years to reclaim their dignity. Their mission is to provide a compassionate and inclusive platform, transcending geographical boundaries, as a beacon of hope for Indian survivors of abuse worldwide. ISF's work is deserving of support, and with this support, they believe their journey will continue to inspire positive change. Technology has become an enabler of support and a facilitator of hope for millions, globally and we need to develop more powerful solutions and do better

Domestic Violence and Abuse, Gender Based Violence, Rape Culture, Sexual Harassment at Workplace

My TED talk will revolve around the incredible potential of technology to address critical human issues, particularly how I harnessed its power to assist survivors of domestic violence and abuse. My journey in the realm of "Tech for Good" has been a journey against the current, yet it has enabled me to aid over 3,100 survivors, both within India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. Remarkably, I've accomplished this without an office, operating from my home, and have gained recognition as an expert in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) matters across various communities. Technology has the dual capacity to be a force for good and a tool for harm. However, the way we wield technology sets a crucial example for the generations to come. It is not just our words but our actions that influence our children. By utilizing technology for good, we pave the way for future generations to learn from our positive example and adopt a similar ethos.

Creating new connections and introducing them to an appropriate audience. I can identify, reach out and strike a chord with many people