Nafisa Barot is a seasoned advocate for gender-sensitive institutions and rural empowerment. With over four decades of experience, she has been actively involved in movements related to water, gender justice, conflict transformation, and sustainable development. Her efforts have influenced people and policies in coastal Gujarat, focusing on building hope and development options for marginalized communities.
In 1981, Nafisa co-founded Utthan, an organization dedicated to empowering women and demonstrating the effectiveness of gender-sensitive institutional mechanisms and technologies. Through women's leadership and community participation, Utthan has successfully addressed the challenges faced by the most marginalized groups. Nafisa's commitment to institutional sustainability led to the establishment of leadership succession within Utthan in 2016. She continues to serve on the organization's board and mentors its new leadership.
Nafisa's expertise and dedication have been recognized internationally. She has served on the boards of various local, national, and international platforms and networks, contributing to the advancement of sustainable development and community-based initiatives. Her exceptional work in conservation and sustainable development earned her the T.N Khoshoo Memorial Award from ATREE in 2005. Additionally, her leadership in promoting women's roles and addressing their needs in the water sector led to her receiving the Women in Water Award from the International Water Association in 2020.
Nafisa holds a Bachelor's degree in Food and Nutrition from M.S. University, Baroda, which has provided a strong foundation for her work in improving livelihoods and empowering marginalized communities.