Divya Patnaik , part of research studies and advisory of KAGUL team.
Divya Patnaik is deeply passionate about challenging societal norms and advocating for gender
equity. Her work is rooted in the belief that true social progress comes from addressing systemic
inequalities, especially those that affect women and marginalized communities. At the heart of
her efforts is a commitment to dismantling the biases embedded in our institutions, digital
platforms, and everyday interactions.
Much of Divya’s work revolves around gender justice and the fight against gender-based
violence. Through her role in the TISS-UN project “Protection of Girls and Women from Sexual
and Gender-Based Violence during COVID-19,” she engaged with students and faculty to create
spaces for open dialogue, focusing on empowering communities to recognize and resist these
injustices. She is driven by the idea that education and awareness are powerful tools for social
change.
Her involvement in the Ideosync-UNESCO Information Fellowship allowed her to dive deeper
into the intersection of gender and digital spaces. Co-creating a podcast about women’s online
experiences in India, Divya explored how technology often reflects societal inequalities,
particularly in how women navigate the digital world. This project was a culmination of her
passion for using media and communication to highlight the often-overlooked challenges women
face online.
Divya’s academic journey in sociology and gender, from institutions like TISS and IIT Bombay,
has led her to explore how technology, surveillance, and gender intersect in today’s world.
Through her research and writing, she seeks to better understand these dynamics and contribute
to ongoing discussions about equity and inclusion.
At the core of Divya’s work is a desire to bring conversations about gender to the forefront,
whether through research, campaigns, or workshops. Her commitment to feminist ideologies is
not just theoretical but is deeply embedded in her practical, on-the-ground efforts to create a
more just and inclusive society.
