Meta Title: Trisha Shetty Biography – Lawyer, UN Youth Leader, Activist & Founder of SheSays
Meta Description: Learn all about Trisha Shetty – Indian human rights activist, UN Young Leader, and founder of SheSays. Discover her work, awards, education, social impact, and more.
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Introduction
Trisha Shetty is a prominent Indian human rights activist, lawyer, and UN Young Leader, recognized globally for her efforts in promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and legal reform in India. As the founder of SheSays, a non-profit organization working for gender justice, Trisha has built a movement that empowers thousands of women and youth to raise their voices against sexual violence and discrimination.
This in-depth blog post covers Trisha Shetty’s biography, early life, education, career, global recognition, and her impact on shaping a more just and equitable society in India and beyond.
Trisha Shetty – Quick Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Trisha Shetty |
| Profession | Lawyer, Human Rights Activist |
| Organization | Founder & CEO, SheSays India |
| Birth Year | 1991 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 34 years |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Education | B.A. in Political Science; Law Degree |
| Awards | UN Young Leader, Forbes 30 Under 30 |
| Known For | Women’s rights, Legal reforms, Youth advocacy |
| @trishabshetty |
Early Life and Education
Trisha Shetty was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra. A bright student with a keen sense of justice from an early age, she was always vocal about social inequalities and the need to speak up against injustice.
She pursued her undergraduate studies in Political Science, followed by a Law degree, and then later studied Global Affairs and Human Rights at Columbia University and the University of Geneva.
Her formal education, combined with her deep empathy for marginalized communities, laid the foundation for her work in advocacy and activism.
Career – Founding SheSays
What is SheSays India?
In 2015, Trisha founded SheSays, a youth-led NGO focused on gender equality, legal education, and advocacy against sexual violence. The initiative began as a response to the gaps in access to justice for survivors of sexual assault in India.
Core Areas of Work:
- Educating citizens on legal rights
- Providing resources for survivors of gender-based violence
- Lobbying for policy change and systemic reform
- Promoting sexual health awareness
- Collaborating with global institutions for youth engagement
SheSays India created India’s first legal aid website for sexual assault survivors, offering multilingual, user-friendly resources for navigating the legal system.
Impact and Global Recognition
Trisha’s bold, no-compromise approach and her strategic use of law, policy, and public awareness have earned her international acclaim.
Key Achievements:
- Named one of the UN’s Young Leaders for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2017
- Included in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 in 2017 under Law & Policy
- Featured by TIME Magazine, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times
- Awarded the Queen’s Young Leader Award by Queen Elizabeth II
- Member of the Obama Foundation’s Leaders Program
- Selected for the Vital Voices Fellowship for Women Leaders
She has spoken at the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and TEDx, advocating for inclusive policy reform and systemic accountability.
Trisha Shetty’s Role at the UN & Global Advocacy
In 2017, Trisha was one of 17 youth leaders globally appointed by the United Nations to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Her work focuses on:
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequality
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
She uses her platform to ensure that governments and institutions are held accountable to their promises of equality, particularly for women, girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and marginalized communities.
Legal Advocacy and Policy Influence
Trisha has played a significant role in drafting legal reforms, raising public awareness about laws relating to:
- Sexual harassment and assault
- Reproductive health rights
- Marital rape
- Online abuse and digital safety
She routinely works with policymakers, educational institutions, and the judiciary to promote gender-sensitized practices, especially in law enforcement and court systems.
Media Presence and Public Speaking
TEDx and Keynotes
Trisha is a sought-after speaker at national and global platforms including:
- TEDx Talks
- UN General Assembly panels
- World Bank forums
- IIMs and IITs in India
- Women in Leadership Summits
Her speeches often highlight the need for youth activism, intersectional feminism, and systemic change in how societies treat survivors.
Social Media & Public Influence
With a strong Instagram following and presence on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, Trisha uses social media as a tool for:
- Policy explanation
- Myth-busting around sexual health
- Legal updates
- Feminist commentary
- Campaign mobilization
Her video campaigns often go viral and contribute significantly to digital civic awareness in India.
Challenges and Backlash
As a fierce critic of patriarchal norms, Trisha Shetty has faced backlash, online trolling, and institutional resistance. However, she continues to fearlessly advocate for survivors, refusing to back down even in the face of personal risk.
She’s been outspoken about:
- Victim-blaming culture in India
- Government inaction on gender crimes
- Need for consent education in schools and colleges
- Media sensationalism around sexual violence cases
Trisha Shetty’s Work with Youth
Trisha believes in the power of youth-driven change. Through SheSays, she runs:
- Campus ambassador programs
- Volunteer networks across Indian colleges
- Workshops on consent, sexual health, and law
- Online petitions and advocacy campaigns
She encourages young people to:
“Not wait for permission to demand justice or change — use your voice, your knowledge, and your platform now.”
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award/Event | Honor |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | UN SDG Youth Leader | Global advocate for gender equality |
| 2017 | Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia | Law & Policy category |
| 2018 | Queen’s Young Leader Award | Honored by Queen Elizabeth II |
| 2020 | Obama Foundation Leaders | Asia-Pacific leadership fellow |
| 2022 | Vital Voices Global Fellow | Women’s rights and advocacy |
| 2023 | Vogue India Women of the Year | Changemaker of the Year |
Trisha Shetty Net Worth & Funding
Trisha Shetty’s personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, but SheSays is a non-profit organization funded through:
- Grants from international agencies
- Crowdfunding campaigns
- Collaborations with foundations like UN Women, Ford Foundation, etc.
- Workshops, paid programs, and strategic partnerships
Interesting Facts About Trisha Shetty
- Was inspired to start SheSays after the 2012 Nirbhaya rape case.
- Believes law and empathy must go hand-in-hand.
- Regularly collaborates with artists, filmmakers, and musicians for social change campaigns.
- Practices yoga and believes in the balance of mental and civic health.
- Has called out brand tokenism during Women’s Day and campaigns.
FAQ Section
Who is Trisha Shetty?
Trisha Shetty is an Indian lawyer, human rights activist, and founder of the NGO SheSays, working to promote gender equality and legal empowerment.
What is SheSays India?
SheSays is a youth-led non-profit focused on legal awareness, survivor support, and gender justice, founded by Trisha Shetty in 2015.
What are Trisha Shetty’s awards?
Trisha has received the UN Young Leader honor, Forbes 30 Under 30, Queen’s Young Leader Award, and recognition from the Obama Foundation.
What is Trisha Shetty’s age?
As of 2025, Trisha Shetty is 34 years old, born in 1991.
Where can I follow Trisha Shetty?
You can follow her on Instagram at @trishabshetty and on Twitter @trishabshetty.
Conclusion
Trisha Shetty is a powerful voice in India’s ongoing fight for justice, equality, and human rights. As a lawyer, activist, speaker, and changemaker, she is transforming systems from within and empowering youth to become active agents of change.
Her story is a reminder that one person, armed with knowledge and purpose, can indeed move millions.
If you believe in a more equal and just world, Trisha Shetty is one name you must follow, support, and celebrate.
