Safecity Emerging Leader: Brenda Luisa Marbaniang

Safecity is celebrating the journey of people who have emerged as leaders as our campaigns progressed in their communities through our blog series “Safecity Emerging Leaders“. Read the inspiring stories of these individuals who are passionate about making their neighbourhoods safer with Safecity and have taken action in their own special ways.

Safecity Emerging Leader: Brenda Luisa Marbaniang

My name is Brenda Luisa Marbaniang, born and brought up in Shillong. I came to Mumbai seven years ago to pursue my studies further. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Public Policy. I have a strong interest in Research Analysis and Policy Making which I hope to take up as my career as I aim to use the tool of policy making and bring about small changes in our society. Apart from my academics, I have a passion for baking and have recently started my own part time business. I enjoy singing and am a part of a choir. I also enjoy adventurous sports, academic reading, gardening, art and craft and I am an animal lover especially cats.

I had the great opportunity to learn about Safecity through Vandita Morarka who is the Legal and Policy Officer at Safecity. I worked as a policy intern and took part in a project with regard to sexual harassment at railway stations and street markets. I had the opportunity to indulge in field work through community engagement and discussed the issue of “public safety”. With the use of a questionnaire method we were able to collect a number of reports on sexual harassment in public spaces, which we further analyzed and designed policy solutions for the same.

As my interest lies in policy making, Safecity gave me a platform to learn and understand some of the practical aspects of policy making. Through the exposure of on-ground field work , it gave me an insight of what I learn as a Public Policy student, that is to understand the relationship between the State and the Society. It  helped me understand the public’s needs and their expectations from the government. It also made me realize the importance of the role of Street Level Bureaucrats in achieving proper implementation of policies. This experience has also helped me build my confidence in Team building as much of my field work experience included collaboration with others.

I would like to thank Safecity, for giving me this opportunity to contribute in bringing about a change in the lives of women. The team has encouraged me and made me believe that our small efforts can bring about changes to the many social issues we have today and I hope to continue making that difference. Working with Safecity has been a great learning experience, It was a great privilege to be a part of the Safecity team that has treated me  like family. I thank them for their immense support and guidance throughout this journey.