Winnie Singh is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Maitri, a New Delhi-based humanitarian NGO established in 2005. With over two decades of experience in public health and social work, her career is defined by a philosophy of "identity, dignity, and respect" for India’s most vulnerable populations.
Her approach is deeply rooted in empathy—a trait she attributes to a "compassionate upbringing" where she was encouraged from a young age to share with those less fortunate.
Winnie Singh’s most prominent contributions is her work with the abandoned widows of Vrindavan. After witnessing widows fighting over meager rations in 2008, she worked tirelessly to provide a life of dignity for those abandoned by their families and society. She established two ashrams that provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, and healthcare for more than 200 abandoned elderly widows. She emphasizes "conscious ageing," encouraging the women to find joy through dance, music, and community, moving them from "isolation to celebration."
Drawing from her own life experiences and observations, Winnie has been a vocal advocate for “happy and healthy families” supporting survivors of domestic violence with Counseling and healing and helping them recognise their rights.
Maitri’s origins lie in Winnie’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Shillong, Meghalaya, 2005. She integrated HIV/AIDS work with domestic violence prevention, recognizing that health and safety are deeply interconnected for vulnerable women.
Winnie’s work extends to urban slums, focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty through education and health. Her Children's Supportive educational program and skill building has created some productive and responsible individuals making a change.
Winnie Singh holds a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Miranda House, Delhi University.
She believes that compassion is not just a feeling but a "transformational force" capable of restoring the human spirit.
"Do not forget your elders and discard them when you think you have no use for them, as you owe everything to them." — Winnie Singh
