Sharmila Sinha: From ‘3rd daughter’ to US Hall of Famer

Sharmila Mona Sinha, born in Calcutta as the third daughter, was determined to break free from the cultural expectations of her society. As a young girl, she often felt the disappointment associated with being another daughter in a culture that prioritized sons. However, her journey to becoming a US Hall of Famer was not without its influences.

During her volunteer work at a Mother Teresa orphanage in Kolkata, she witnessed the stark realities of poverty and gender disparity. The orphanage had very few boys, as abandoned boys were more likely to be adopted. This realization left a lasting impression on Sinha, instilling in her a sense that challenging the status quo was not an alien concept to her family.

It was only in her teens that she learned about her grandmother's involvement in organizing women during India's freedom movement, further fueling her desire to challenge societal norms. Sinha pursued her education in the United States, graduating from Smith College with degrees in economics and art history, and later earning an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Her corporate career took her to Wall Street, where she worked as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley before moving into corporate America, where she gained experience with companies like Procter & Gamble and Elizabeth Arden. It was during this time that she began to question whether her skills in business could be used to make a difference in the women's rights movement.

Sinha's philanthropic work began with her leadership of Women Moving Millions, a network of women philanthropists who have collectively committed over $1 billion to organizations supporting women and girls. She also co-founded Raising Change, which helps social-impact organizations strengthen their fundraising and organizational capacity.

Additionally, Sinha played a pivotal role in establishing the Asian Women’s Leadership University and became a trustee at her alma mater, Smith College. She further expanded her reach by becoming an executive producer of documentaries, and by supporting campaigns for the Equal Rights Amendment and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum.

In recent years, Sinha has taken on a more direct approach to women's rights by serving as CEO of Equality Now, an international organization focused on eliminating discriminatory laws affecting women and girls. Her work now encompasses advocating for legal reforms to address issues such as child marriage, sexual violence, and women's economic rights.

Sinha's journey from a third daughter in Calcutta to a US Hall of Famer is a testament to her resilience and determination to break barriers. Her story is not just an accolade for a prominent philanthropist, but a powerful example of how individuals can use their skills and resources to create lasting change in society.