Rebalancing power through storytelling: Shenali Rajaratnam’s expanding influence on global leadership
- Editorial Team SDG5
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Following earlier reporting on the rise of Shenali Rajaratnam, including her creation of Power of Women (POW), a platform amplifying women-led innovation and digital inclusion, new developments illustrate how rapidly her influence has continued to expand. Insights originally captured in an interview by filmmaker and writer Vinta Nanda offer a deeper understanding of how POW has evolved from a digital gathering into an ecosystem intersecting policy, community leadership and cultural change.
A values-led framework gaining international traction
Rajaratnam’s earlier work introduced the foundations of a movement centred on equitable access, ethical technology and collaborative leadership. The latest developments show these principles maturing into structured models that operate across regions. Her projects, most notably POW and the We Are The Hope Foundation, now form a cohesive network supporting women and young people through digital training, community initiatives and leadership development.
This approach aligns with the wider ambitions of organisations operating within the Global Society and reflects the intent of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially those addressing gender equality, education and reduced inequalities. Rajaratnam’s position within these frameworks highlights the increasing relevance of leadership that is both culturally grounded and globally connected.
A shift from isolated initiatives to ecosystem-building
Unlike earlier stages, which focused on developing pilot programmes, Rajaratnam’s current work reflects an effort to build durable systems capable of scaling. Leadership clubs initiated in Uganda, initially highlighted as local experiments, have evolved into replicable models being adopted across India. These programmes integrate confidence-building, digital literacy and environmental awareness, forming the basis of long-term capacity building for young women.
Communities themselves have shaped this progression. Rajaratnam notes that demand for structured support has grown in regions where gender inequities, limited digital access and socio-economic challenges converge. The shift from individual projects to ecosystem-building is a deliberate response to this reality.
Consolidation of her role within G20 engagement spaces
Rajaratnam’s involvement in global governance has also taken on new dimensions. Her earlier contributions to Civil20 discussions have expanded into advisory responsibilities, including support for restructuring the Civil20 International Advisory Committee. Her capacity to navigate diverse policy areas, ranging from AI governance to STEM access and youth leadership, has positioned her as a connector between civil society, policy groups and young leaders.
During Brazil’s G20 Presidency, she helped facilitate collaboration among engagement groups working on climate, women’s leadership, digital transformation and education. Under South Africa’s Presidency, recommendations she contributed were incorporated into the Civil20 Final Declaration, demonstrating tangible policy relevance.
Expanding cultural narratives around leadership and gender
Rajaratnam places increasing emphasis on cultural storytelling as a mechanism for societal change. Her 4R Principles: Reflection, Recognition, Respect and Resolution, guide communication strategies across the POW ecosystem, shaping content for digital campaigns, youth programmes and international dialogues.
She argues that sustainable progress in gender equality requires a shift in cultural norms as much as policy reform. This includes more nuanced depictions of leadership in media, as well as invitations for men and boys to participate in gender conversations. Her observations from Uganda, where girls requested that leadership training be extended to boys, illustrate her commitment to inclusive, non-competitive models of empowerment.
Growing momentum and the next phase of expansion
Rajaratnam is preparing for a significant expansion of POW’s programmes. Plans include a large-scale storytelling curriculum, further digital skills training and cross-continental partnerships involving India, Africa and the United States.
These developments reflect a broader trend within movements aligned with the Global Society and the SDGs, with community-rooted initiatives increasingly intersecting with international governance, cultural dialogue and digital innovation. The challenge ahead will be maintaining coherence across this expanding network while staying aligned with the values that underpin her work.
Acknowledging the source
This article draws on themes and insights originally documented by Vinta Nanda, whose work—as a filmmaker, writer and editor—has long focused on socially conscious storytelling, media representation, and cultural change. The original interview, which provides a deeper look into Rajaratnam’s journey and vision, can be found at:
Readers are encouraged to consult the original article for full context and additional detail.