THE CONSCIOUS
Woman Podcast
#17: Creating a Gender Equitable World with Swetha Totapally
Listen on…
Join your host, Bhavna Toor, as she delves into the deep-rooted gender biases women face from childhood with her guest, Swetha Totapally. In this enlightening conversation, Swetha—Partner and Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at Dalberg Advisors—shares her insights on how early gender biases shape our society and impact women’s opportunities. Together, they explore the intersection of gender equity with economic growth, market inclusion, and public policy.
In this episode, Bhavna and Swetha unpack the complex relationship between government financing, military policies, and gender-based violence. They emphasize how policy decisions influence the safety and rights of women and girls, while also highlighting the need for comprehensive legislation, robust support services, and an active civil society. Listen in to discover actionable steps that you can take to promote gender equity in your home and community.
In this episode, we discuss:
- (00:00) Introduction and Swetha’s journey into gender equality
- (02:42) Early influences that shaped Swetha’s passion for gender equality
- (05:08) The ongoing impact of gender-based violence and the need for solutions
- (09:09) Strategies to combat gender-based violence and foster societal connections
- (15:23) Accelerating gender equality: The role of political will and societal change
- (18:15) Creating equitable workplaces: Swetha’s approach at Dalberg
- (29:15) Balancing leadership and family: Swetha’s personal values and approach
About Our Guest
Swetha Totapally is the Partner and Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at Dalberg Advisors. Over her 13-year career at Dalberg, she has led the firm’s global gender practice, addressing critical issues such as violence against women and girls, sexual exploitation, and unpaid care work. Swetha’s work illuminates the social, economic, and political dimensions of gender inequality, driving decision-makers to enact transformative change.
She has spearheaded numerous research-to-action initiatives, including the world’s largest study on users’ experiences with Aadhaar—India’s national ID system—and extensive research during the Covid pandemic on the impact on women and early childhood development. Her projects on digital engagement in Kenya and India further explore how communities can better participate in the digital economy. Swetha’s distinguished clientele includes the United Nations, Omidyar Network, the Freedom Fund, and the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery.
An advocate for professional diversity, Swetha has played a key role in initiatives like the Dalberg Asia-Pacific Residency Program, ensuring gender diversity within senior leadership. Prior to Dalberg, she advised financial institutions at JP Morgan Chase. A Yale University alumna with a degree in Economics and Mathematics, Swetha is multilingual and resides in Mumbai with her husband and three young children.
Connect with Swetha Totapally: LinkedIn: /swetha-totapally-94784738
Learn more about Dalberg Advisors
Connect with the Host:
Bhavna Toor, Founder & CEO of Shenomics LinkedIn
Learn more about Shenomics’ leadership programs visit website
🎧 Listen now and discover how to navigate ambition with clarity and confidence!
The Conscious Woman Podcast
Expert interviews and intimate conversations with me, your host, Bhavna Toor, all tied together by our mutual passion for living and leading with awareness, purpose, and FUN!
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people—just like you—who are looking to grow with confidence and clarity. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast so you don’t miss out on bonus episodes and fresh insights. Follow now!
Catch up on a
Few Recent Listener Favorites!
New Episodes Every Tuesday
The Conscious Woman Podcast
Expert interviews, and initimate conversation with me, your host, Bhavna Toor, all tied together by our mutual passion for living and leading with awareness, purpose and FUN!
