Participants of Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP) visited the SEF on April 8, 2010. In an interactive session attended by around 25 mid to senior level women professionals, Prof. Ali candidly shared her experiences, inspirations and challenges faced as a woman in her personal life and in varied professional roles as a teacher; teacher educator; President of the Teachers Association and later as the Managing Director of the SEF. The program was organized under the aegis of NRSP - Institute of Rural Management. Prof. Ali shared her professional experiences candidly and explained her struggle in pursuing her goals and the team showed keen interest in Prof. Anita’s accomplishments as a successful and inspiring leader

Orienting the group on the educational and developmental scenario in the country, Prof. Ali elucidated how determination, confidence and courage are instrumental in pursuing goals and averting challenging situations. While narrating her anecdotes, the Professor revealed how dealing with the toughest situations, during her tenure as the President of the Teacher’s Union and later as a Minister for Education, was overcome through confidence in one’s own ability as well as integrity of character and honesty to one’s profession. In the dialogue, while referring to leadership role, she emphasized the importance of frequent interaction with the communities and the need to deliver services pro-actively in the community. She emphasized the need for community ownership, which is essential for sustainability of any intervention.