At Railway Children India, women are not just changemakers; they are the foundation of resilience, compassion, and transformation. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we take a moment to recognize the inspiring women who shape lives—mentoring, protecting, and uplifting children and communities.
From senior leaders driving strategic change to outreach workers ensuring the safety of vulnerable children, from volunteers empowering adolescent girls to mothers embracing newfound confidence, every woman at RCI carries a story of strength and impact.
Read on to hear the unique voices of these extraordinary women—their challenges, their victories, and their unwavering commitment to building a world where every child is given the opportunity to grow.
Lopamudra Mullick: A Mentor Who Builds Leaders
“Women face myriad professional and personal challenges, often together. Evidently, it gets quite overwhelming for them to cope with these challenges. Being a mother, I am well-versed in this balancing act, and therefore, I approach them with empathy.”
When asked about her leadership style, Ms. Lopamudra Mullick, Senior Manager Programme and Strategic Alliance, takes a moment but encapsulates it in one word—empathetic.
“Prioritizing mentorship and open communication, I strive to foster an empathetic and inclusive environment at Railway Children India. Being a mother, I am well-versed in this balancing act, and therefore, I approach them with empathy.”
She is swamped with brainstorming sessions, strategy breakdowns, reviews, reports, and collaboration meetings day after day. Yet, in the hustle of ticking all the boxes, she is unerring in spotting that junior who is worried about her ailing father or the timid newcomer who is sitting by herself.
A popular leadership quote states, “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” Living this approach in her role, Ms. Mullick inspires confidence among her subordinates. “I strive to make everyone feel heard and valued. In our spirited team members, I see immense potential, urging me to empower them to take on leadership roles and provide a platform of equal opportunities.”
“I attempt to understand the diverse perspectives each of the girls brings to our organization. Whether it’s their safety or their personal life, they bring important insights that help us curate a flexible, respectful work environment filled with constant reconfirmation of faith, especially from our valued female employees.”
Nida Siddique: A Voice for Vulnerable Children and Families
Overseeing Family Reintegration, Child Safeguarding and Training, Ms. Nida Siddique routinely interacts with children who have faced unspeakable trauma and their families. “When interacting with them, one needs to approach with utmost sensitivity,” explains Ms. Siddique.
“The way most women are brought up, we are engineered to consider every aspect, fool-proof every undertaking. I believe this multidimensional perspective has made it a habit for me to practice empathy in my everyday tasks.”
In addition to working with families and parents, Ms. Siddique leads Life Skills and Gender Sessions in the communities. Deriving from her experience of working with groups of adolescent boys and girls, she describes the changing landscape with contentment and hope. “In girls, I am witnessing a positive transformation, where with critical thinking they are beginning to assert their voices, question biases and stereotypes, and engage in meaningful discussions.”
Vidya: Protecting Children at Railway Stations
Currently overseeing outreach at Delhi Cantt and Sarai Rohilla railway stations, Vidya has climbed the ladder from being an outreach member. Traversing the busy railway stations, thoughts of her safety would often grip Vidya. This uncertainty gave rise to a resolve—public spaces need to be secure and safe for all girls and women, and she would contribute to this mission in her capacity.
As a Child Welfare Officer, she prioritizes safety in all her undertakings. “There are all kinds of people at the station. Some are good, some are bad. It is our job to protect the children from all the people so that no vulnerable child escapes our sight.”
Kajal: Championing Education & Empowering Girls
“Education has played a very big role in my life. That is why I believe that all girls should complete their education.”
With this belief, Kajal ventures into Tulsi Nagar community, turning tides with the countless activities and sessions she helps conduct in the Child Activity Center. Here, she has developed a strong bond with adolescent girls, who speak with her about their myriad emotional and physical issues.
Leveraging the trust that all the girls have in her, Kajal guides the motley group in pursuing higher education and living a life of endless possibilities. Not only girls but countless single mothers inhabiting the communities also find a source of motivation in Kajal as she urges them to step out of their fear and face the world with confidence.
I was once helping a girl secure admission in a hospital for her heart surgery. During this time, I observed her mother’s reluctance to join me in any of the procedures. When I enquired about the cause, she said she felt underconfident and fearful of her surroundings. Not having ventured out of her home for any social or formal outing, she lacked self-belief. Communicating with her and showing her the benefits of financial and social independence, I urged her to pursue a full-time job, which would fill her with confidence. She, too, gathered courage, found a job as a domestic help, and is now feeling much in control of her and her children’s lives.
Amna: A Friend to All
As a volunteer assisting at the Tulsi Nagar community, Amna has helped several families with crucial tasks, such as enrolling children in schools and helping secure updated Aadhar Cards.
Her role takes Amna to countless families, where she interacts with parents, grandparents, children, and teachers alike. In all of her interactions, Amna noted one sentiment echoed by every parent and child—”Bacche apne maa baap ka future hote hai. Bacchon ke liye jo bhi sahe hai, maa baap karna chahte hai.”
During her visits to the community, Amna is welcomed by mothers and children alike. However, her warm personality comforts mothers and allows them to open up and share personal challenges, which they otherwise hesitate to share. Sharing about her evolved bond with parents and adolescent girls, Amna says “unko hum mein ek friend milta hai, jiske saath vo kai problems share karti hai, phir hum bhi unko koi solution suggest kar sakte hai.”
(They find a friend in us with whom they share many problems, then we can also suggest some solution to them.)
A Mother: Nurturing a Brighter Future for Her Children
As a mother of three, Mansi faced a mixed bag of challenges. For her elder daughter, she sought an enriching environment that would nourish her talents, while for her son, she sought good company that would push him towards constructive ventures.
“Jab Railway Children India basti mein aaya, tab mere teeno baccho ke liye mujhe help mili. Meri badi beti ab center ke karate classes mein jaati hai, jahan usse acchi taaleem mil rahi hai, usko gold medal bhi mila.”
“Mera beta ab bahar ghumne ke bajaye Child Activity Center mein rehta hai, padhai karta hai, seekhta hai, aur mere chhoti beti ka Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana mein account bhi khulwaya. RCI ke members meri bohot sahayta karte hai.”
