G20 Recognizes Dr. Birla’s Advocacy for Women’s Empowerment: A Step Towards an Inclusive Global Community

Dr. Neerja Birla, a visionary educator and prominent mental health advocate, was honored at the esteemed G20 Empower India Summit and G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment held at the Mahatma Mandir convention center in Gandhinagar on August 1st.

The G20 Empower India Summit gathered influential leaders and change-makers from diverse sectors, united in their commitment to address critical global issues related to women’s empowerment, gender equality, and inclusivity.

At the summit, Dr. Neerja Birla received recognition from the G20 Empower body acknowledging her remarkable contributions to women’s empowerment and mental health advocacy. Dr. Birla is renowned for her progressive, dynamic, and versatile leadership, driven by her passion and unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact on society.

Throughout the event, Dr. Neerja Birla highlighted the significant economic impact of mental health in India. On being honored at the G20 for her contribution to Women’s Empowerment. “This recognition further strengthens our shared dedication to building an inclusive world where every woman can unlock her fullest potential. Let us persist in advocating for gender equality and empowering women, as their success is paramount to a flourishing global community.”

Dr. Neerja Birla on ABET’s Commitment to Transforming Education and Mental Health:
“As the Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), I remain dedicated to transforming education and promoting mental health in India. Through Mpower’s counseling, therapy, and training programs, we have impacted over 20 million individuals, making mental health a priority for all sections of society.”

According to The Lancet Psychiatry (2017), mental health conditions caused a total economic loss of $1.03 trillion in 2017, with projections reaching $1.54 trillion by 2025. The need for intervention is pressing, as the National Mental Health Survey 2016 reveals that 150 million people in India could benefit from support, yet only 10-12% receive treatment.

As the Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), Dr. Neerja Birla remains dedicated to transforming education and promoting mental health in India, positively impacting lives across all sections of society. Under Dr. Birla’s leadership, Mpower has become a leading mental health institution in India, impacting more than 20 million individuals through counseling, therapy, and training programs. The Aditya Birla Integrated School ranks #1 among Special Needs Schools in India, and the Aditya Birla Education Academy empowers educators with state-of-the-art resources and global partnerships. Dr. Birla’s work also extends internationally, focusing on sustainable development and promoting social equality.

Her appointment as an advocate of the G20 alliance for the Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation (EMPOWER) further solidifies her influential role in advancing women’s economic representation on a global scale. Additionally, holding the esteemed position of Global Chair Mental Health at the G100, an empowered club of the world’s top 100 women leaders, she actively champions inclusivity and women’s empowerment.

The themes of the G20 Empower India Summit and the G20 Ministerial Conference on Women Empowerment revolved around women-led development, promoting sustainable, inclusive, and equitable global economic growth. The conferences underscored ‘women-led inclusive development as the cusp of inter-generational transformation,’ highlighting the transformative power of women’s leadership in shaping a better future for all.

More than 600 participants from around the world attended these significant gatherings, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations to drive positive change for women and marginalized communities worldwide.

Dr. Neerja Birla’s recognition at the G20 Empower India Summit exemplifies her unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to creating a more equitable and inclusive world, where education and mental health are accessible to all.