The odds of flourishing, against odds by Dr Shweta Verma

To cite this work: Verma, Shweta (2025). The odds of flourishing, against odds. Disability Dialogues. Sheffield: iHuman, University of Sheffield. 

Dr. Shweta Verma: Since 2002, I have worked as a social work professional in the domain of disability rights, mental health, and child rights.  In 2019, I began my journey as a social entrepreneur, aiming to bring empathy, diversity, and inclusion perspectives to children. I co-founded Ginny’s Planet in 2019 and Ginny KI Duniya Foundation in 2024 (both based in Delhi, India). I also serve as an Executive Board Member in two leading NGOs in India- Shaktishalini (focused on gender), and Dhanak of Humanity. 

“Worst has already happened-what else can happen?”

“I can’t trust people- World is bad!”

“Others always take advantage- The World is unfair!”

“Others should be punished for hurting me.”

“I must have control.”

“This always happens to me!”

These are likely thoughts of a woman who has lived on the street for a few months (or years) and is now entering a shelter home. As the team working at the shelter would engage with her to create a safe space, these thoughts will continue to influence her for a significant amount of time. 

In such a scenario, what does it take for an individual to survive, grow, and flourish when odds are stacked against them? From where I stand and look back today, I see the answer to this question in relationships that people find and form, a web of support systems and response mechanisms (to diverse vulnerabilities) in place, choices and opportunities to feel safe and to aspire for more. 

Two decades ago, I met Suman* at a shelter home for homeless women in Delhi, India. I was part of a mobile mental health team of Saarthak (an NGO working on issues of mental health and intersectionality). Saarthak was then collaborating with Aashray Adhikar Abhiyan (AAA- an NGO that brought visibility to the rights of the homeless population in Delhi). 

Suman had faced abandonment by her family and had a mental illness before she started living on the streets of Delhi. When I met her at the shelter, she was already under treatment for her illness. Before coming to the shelter and also while living there, her daily routine involved having a meal at the nearby Gurudwara (a place of worship in Sikhism, and open to all people from all faiths). She had also taken on a part-time, paid role to help manage some aspects of the shelter home. Ten years later, I met her at another shelter home for the homeless population. The was being run by the same organization. She had shifted as the shelter home shifted. 

From 2002 to 2025, the scenario for the homeless and migrant population in Delhi has changed. The number of shelters is far more. Each shelter is managed by the Govt. in partnership with an NGO. AAA is not the only NGO working on concerns of homelessness, but it still remains among the few that focus on intersectionality and the need for a comprehensive and connected response system. Mental health support reaches, where possible, through partnerships with Govt. run mental health institutions. In the last 20 years, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has influenced legislation related to disability and mental health in India. 

As we progress, what remains important is the reality of how different identities enhance or minimize the risks for a woman. Gender X Status of Homelessness X Mental Illness does bring one into a highly vulnerable position. Add to this mix, the other aspects of life in India- caste /faith X education level X Work opportunities, and so on. The life trajectories of women often appear to change accordingly. 

What I have seen in the different stories of women across ages and shelters is the relationships that they formed with people they shared spaces with, and the significance of stability and support that even a temporary space can offer. As human beings, we tend to discover or strive to create a sense of permanence even when we cohabit temporary spaces. What becomes important in this journey is dignity and a sense of control that we experience every day, along with access to necessary services and resources for our health and well-being. Each interaction adds to how one perceives own journey. 

As we acknowledge and respect a woman’s achievements or contributions despite all odds stacked against her, we remember that she also carries her experiences and impacts within her. For a woman with mental illness, access to support and treatment is important, along with protection from violence, abuse, and abandonment. We need to remember how different parts of her life journey and identities may influence her choices, relationships, and trust today. All this also takes time, effort, and patience. 

*All names have been changed.