CAPS Open Expert Discussion on Charity, Development, and the Status of Women in India

On Thursday, 15 January 2026, an open expert discussion organized by the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) took place at CEVRO University. The event was primarily intended for students and members of the academic community with an interest in development and social issues in South Asia.

The guest speaker was Marina Shaikh, Founder and Executive Director of the Rising World Foundation, an organization engaged in long-term charitable and development activities in India, with a particular focus on women’s status and their role in social and economic development.

The discussion, entitled “Charity, Development and Women Empowerment in India,” was held in English and was designed as an open academic debate. Students were encouraged to actively participate by asking questions and engaging in discussions covering both theoretical approaches to development cooperation and practical experience from the work of non-governmental organizations.

The discussion was moderated by Jan Zahradil, Chairman of the CAPS Advisory Board, and Jan Železný, Executive Director of CAPS. The moderators focused on linking academic perspectives with practical experience from development projects, as well as on the broader social context of charitable activities in India.

Drawing on her extensive professional experience, Marina Shaikh spoke not only about the strategic management and fundraising activities of the foundation, but also about her direct cooperation with local communities supported by the Rising World Foundation. The discussion addressed a wide range of topics, including poverty in India, access to basic needs for women, local specificities of Indian society, challenges faced by the non-profit sector in developing countries, and the cultural and social diversity of India. Cultural topics, such as the phenomenon of Bollywood, were also briefly mentioned.

At the conclusion of the event, Marina Shaikh accepted membership in the CAPS Advisory Board, thereby further strengthening the expert and international background of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies.

The open discussion provided students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with an expert with international experience and contributed to a deeper understanding of charitable activities, development cooperation, and women’s empowerment in the Indian context.