Dalit Social Worker Seema Gautam Honoured at the 10th Martha Farrell Awards

New Delhi: Recognizing an unyielding commitment to marginalized communities, Gorakhpur-based Dalit social worker Seema Gautam has been conferred the prestigious Most Promising Individual Award at the 10th Martha Farrell Awards for Excellence in Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality.

The annual awards ceremony, which honors outstanding individuals and organizations championing gender justice, was held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra in New Delhi.

This year, the Martha Farrell Foundation witnessed overwhelming national participation. The foundation received 139 nominations in the individual category and 117 nominations in the institutional category from across the country.

Emerging as the winner among five distinguished finalists, Gautam was recognized for her transformative grassroots activism. Through the Ambedkar Pathshala Sewa Trust, she works extensively with Dalit women and survivors of caste-based and sexual violence.

Her essential interventions assist vulnerable women and their families in securing vital legal assistance and government compensation. She also plays a crucial role in connecting them to public services, education, and livelihood opportunities.

Gautam’s impact extends far beyond individual support. She successfully spearheaded a massive land rights movement that mobilized nearly one lakh women, men, and young people.

This relentless advocacy directly contributed to pivotal government orders securing the land rights of approximately 800 families. Her work deeply connects the struggle for land with fundamental dignity and justice, significantly advancing the empowerment of women from marginalized communities.

The prestigious accolade was presented to Gautam by Mamta Saikia, the Founder of Mosaic Impact and former CEO of the Bharti Airtel Foundation.

During the ceremony, accolades were also presented across three other major categories. These included the Special Jury Award for an individual, the Best Organisation for Gender Equality, and the Special Jury Award for an organisation.

Reflecting on her recognition, Gautam emphasized that the accolade is a catalyst for future action.

“This award is not the end of my journey, but a new responsibility to raise the voices of women and marginalised communities even further,” Gautam stated. “It has strengthened my belief that consistent, community-led work can transform even the most difficult struggles into meaningful change.”