'The desire to help people drives me'

So when a friend suggested that she join an NGO and apply her skills to this sector, Sonali Khan jumped at the opportunity.

While she was in Mumbai, she heard of Breakthrough, an international Human Rights NGO which focuses on issues like violence against women, HIV/AIDS, immigration policy, youth and community leadership and human rights education. They were, at the time, looking for someone to help them work with media initiatives.

She decided to join them and today she spearheads the media communications and campaigns of Breakthrough. In conversation with Insiyah Vahanvaty, she tells us about the ventures Breakthrough has undertaken, her experience as a woman in the field, and the challenges she has faced.

This Political Philosophy graduate from Jawaharlal Nehru University claims that this is her calling, and she is now completely engaged in fighting the issues that plague so many women across India. "If I hear even one story of someone that the organisation's work helped, it's enough to gear me for more. The desire to help people and make it better for them is what drives me," says this dedicated lady.

When asked what advice she would like to give fellow career women, she says, "Be positive. Think of solutions, not problems, otherwise they'll just bog you down. And make sure that your family knows exactly what you're doing and how important it is for you. They have to appreciate who you are and what you do. In turn, we also need to respect our partners and strike a balance that works."

What have been the landmark campaigns you worked on for Breakthrough?

My first campaign with them was What Kind Of A Man Are You? This was an awareness and prevention campaign targeted towards men, asking them to wear condoms.

When this campaign was launched, everyone was talking only about high risk groups- we talked about how women in the general population are also vulnerable. And the positive women face violence and blame even though they might have contracted the disease from their husbands. We raised the issue of men taking up the cudgels to protect such women.

Now I have moved to Delhi and have spearheaded two campaigns including Bell Bajao.

What is a woman's role in modern day India?

There is no modern day India without women. In every sphere, whether its political, economical, personal…women have a role to play. It's critical for women to assert their rights and demand an environment of support wherein they can be free to play their roles.

What kind of challenges have you faced as a woman

There have been many. To balance work and family is not easy. When you are a mother, things just change. You have to think about exam times, school timings… Sometimes you have to pick one over the other.

However, as a woman, I'm lucky to be working in a women's organisation where the problem areas are relatively fewer.

Luckily, my husband is a very supportive man and has always stood by me.

Also, my professional life has a bearing on my personal life. My children are very aware of what I do and the issues I am working for. I hope I am raising a feminist son and daughter. I think they are all very proud of me.

Breakthrough has launched two new initiatives- Bell Bajao, a campaign that targets men, asking them to raise their voices (Ring the Bell) against domestic violence. The Government of India is Breakthrough's partner in this initiative.

They also encourage people to blog about their experiences too on http://www.bellbajao.org/blog.php