A recipient of the ASEAN achievers award, Divya Jain is a social entrepreneur working for the past ten years to provide a solution for the massive unemployable youth of the Indian subcontinent. She is the Chairperson of YFLO Delhi 2023-24 (Young FICCI Ladies Organization) and the Founder of #Because She Can, a nonprofit movement championing women-led development through the power of stories, conversations, and skilling initiatives.
Q. Congratulations on winning the prestigious Anthem awards for your podcast Because She Can. Tell us how did you think of starting a podcast and that too women centric?
A. Thank you so much! I always believe conversations have immense power in shaping perspectives and driving change. Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur leading my own education business at Safeducate & Seekho, I’ve encountered countless scenarios where young girls and women were denied the opportunities they rightfully deserve.
From the beginning, I’ve been driven by a deep desire to make a real impact and contribute to the best of my abilities. After taking over as chairperson of YFLO Delhi, I initiated the ‘Because She Can’ movement. Digital reach holds immense power, and we decided to leverage it to spread awareness and create a platform for impactful conversations and provide a platform for their stories through Because She Can Podcast.
Our efforts even led us behind the walls of Tihar Jail, where we recorded a podcast featuring the unheard voices of the prisoners and providing them with a platform to share their stories and be heard.
Q. Tell us about the podcast and it’s journey over an year. How is it different from others?
A. The podcast has quickly gained traction in just 9 months, accumulating over 9 million impressions, 3000 subscribers, 3000 hours of watch time, and reaching audiences in 13+ countries across 15+ platforms, with 1.3 million views.
Our podcast stands out because it’s more than storytelling; it’s a movement. We are dedicated to empowering women through inspiring narratives and practical advice. Our mission extends beyond the podcast itself to a series of community initiatives aimed at fostering women-led development and empowerment.
Moreover, we also organise the “Because She Can Talks” and speaker events featuring accomplished leaders from various sectors to spark dialogue and inspire action.
Q. How was your experience at the Anthem awards considering many prestigious International icons won this year?
A. Receiving the Anthem award, that too in 3 categories in New York was truly remarkable. I felt deeply honoured to stand among such influential changemakers like Taylor Swift, Matt Damon, Elton John and many others.
However, none of this would have been possible without the support and contribution of the incredible women and individuals who shared in our vision and propelled it forward.
Q. How do you plan to enhance the reach of Because She Can? Now that you have an International recognition, do you plan to engage with inspiring women from other countries?
A. Ofcourse, expanding the reach of Because She Can and engaging with inspiring women from other countries is definitely on the agenda.
We aim to create a global network of empowerment, connecting women from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Q. Share names of some prominent guests who have come on your podcast.
A. We have welcomed some of the most influential guests from across the country, such as Dr Madhu Chopra, the mother of global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas; Dr Shelly Oberoi, the Mayor of India’s capital, Delhi; Jahanvi Panwar, a small-town girl who is a wonder girl of India; Ankur Warikoo, a YouTuber, among many others.
Additionally, we have hosted Ira Singhal, an IAS Officer; Captain Zoya Agarwal, a Commercial Pilot and Commander at Air India; Nupur Agarwal, a Biker Mom and Digital Creator; Harpriya Bains, a Stand-up Comedian; Geeta Tandon, a Stuntwoman; and Malika Pandey, an Assistant Private Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Government of India, among many others.