Maitri is a Delhi-based community founded by Ms. Anjali G Sharma, envisioned with one clear purpose: to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering space where young girls from underrepresented backgrounds can voice their thoughts, grow in confidence, and step into leadership with clarity and courage.
Rooted in community support, compassion, and collective growth, Maitri bridges the gap between aspiration and opportunity by building a strong network of seniors, alumni, and mentors who guide younger girls toward brighter, better-informed pathways. When one girl’s journey becomes a roadmap for another, that is when the true power of community begins.
Over time, Maitri has launched several initiatives that reflect this commitment to empowerment and real, ground-level change. This includes scholarship assistance to ensure that financial barriers never diminish a girl’s dreams. From early handholding in Grade 10 to continued mentorship through college admissions, the support system is structured, steady, and deeply personal.
Beyond academics, girls are encouraged to explore art, storytelling, writing, and performance—honouring their individual journeys and helping them thrive across career pathways. Maitri also champions #BreakingStereotypes and several campaigns, encouraging girls to challenge restrictions, question norms, and embrace the limitless possibilities that leadership and self-belief can unlock.
This year, at the Charter for Compassion Global Youth Conference 2025, six Maitri girls—Taniya Negi, Nandini Yadav, Moumita Malik, Aditi Yadav, Saloni Bhati, and Anjali Kumari—led a panel discussion and spoke powerfully about their journeys. Their session included thoughtful polls and an engaging Q&A, inviting participants to reflect on their own experiences, leadership aspirations, and the impact of mentorship. These conversations highlighted the collective strength of the community and demonstrated how shared dialogue can spark confidence, direction, and meaningful change.
Speaking on a global platform marks a milestone for Maitri, especially as it continues representing girls from small towns, government schools, and humble backgrounds. It amplifies the visibility of grassroots leadership models and reinforces a core belief: when communities invest in young voices, the possibilities for impact become boundless.
This is what Maitri embodies—a space where every girl can rise, speak, and lead with courage, conviction, and unwavering belief in her own voice.
Maitri stands as an example of how community-driven initiatives can create real transformation at the ground level. We extend our message to everyone who believes in this cause: collaboration, mentorship, and shared effort can uplift countless girls and help redefine leadership from the bottom up. We welcome partnerships from individuals, organizations, and communities—whether through mentorship, guidance, or financial support—because every gesture of encouragement fuels another girl’s journey forward.
Heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Anum Mulla, Global Youth Strategist at the Charter for Compassion, for extending the invitation and spending time with the Maitri panelists after the conference. The conversation was filled with encouragement, warmth, appreciation, and laughter as the girls openly shared their journeys, goals, and hopes. It was an unforgettable confidence boost for them.
And a sincere thanks to Ms. Marilyn Turkovich, Executive Director, Charter for Compassion, for always supporting the cause of empowering youth, especially young girls, offering this platform at the Global Youth Conference 2025, and for believing in the potential of every young leader striving to rise and uplift others.
