They say women can’t have it all—but try telling that to the woman who is a home-maker, has her career and is running an NGO while juggling family, fieldwork, and fundraising emails at 2 AM! The future of women in social service isn’t just about making a difference—it’s about making lasting, systemic change. Leading an NGO as a career well let’s be honest: if you’re looking to load your bank account, this is certainly not your best bet at least in my definition. But if you want to fill your heart, your purpose, and maybe even the world with a little more kindness, welcome aboard! Women have always been the silent architects of change—fighting for the unheard, healing the broken, and building communities from the ground up. Whether rescuing abandoned children, fighting for climate justice, standing undeterred for child abuse or empowering underprivileged, they are redefining impact because their hearts are made to connect with the pained just effortlessly. Of course, challenges exist in multiples & more of them than any carpet of roses. The pay isn’t Wall Street-level, in fact there is no pay if you are leading it like me, and “work-life balance” sometimes means answering calls about someone in need of your help while cooking dinner. Safety concerns, burnout, and gender bias in leadership roles also persist. But here’s the good news: women are rising—taking charge, breaking barriers, and turning empathy into action. So, can social service be a career? Yes—if you measure success in smiles, not salaries. Because while it may not always fill your tummy, it sure does fill your soul.
—- Dr. Nabat Lakhani, Founder of Marham – Resonating Resilience
