Women’s empowerment, characterized by the development of women’s power and self-reliance, is a pivotal aspect of societal progress. With the increasing participation of women in various spheres of development, societies are extending comprehensive support to enhance their self-reliance and propel them forward. Initiatives such as preparing female students for competitive examinations and providing vocational training, like sewing, are contributing significantly to women’s empowerment. Economic self-reliance emerges as a cornerstone in this journey, complementing social empowerment efforts. Self-help groups play a crucial role in fostering economic independence among women.
Empowering Rural Women Through Entrepreneurship
In the rural heartland of Sevapuri, Varanasi, the Adani Foundation has been instrumental in empowering women through entrepreneurship. Rural women, with their unwavering dedication, have established a producer firm, crafting bamboo and chemical-free Gangathiri incense sticks. These environmentally friendly products not only contribute to sustainability but also preserve the revered status of cows. With support from the Adani Foundation, these women have received essential machinery to expedite their production process, leading to economic upliftment. Through their endeavors, these women have not only enhanced their livelihoods but also contributed to the broader community.
Financial Literacy and Industry Development
In villages surrounding Mahan Energen Limited in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, the Adani Foundation is fostering industry development and financial literacy among women. Programs aimed at educating women and youth about financial management essentials, coupled with support from various institutions, facilitate skill development and entrepreneurship. The foundation’s initiatives have empowered over 200 members of Usha Kiran Mahila Samiti to contribute significantly to their families’ financial well-being.
Empowering Women Through Skill Development in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, the Adani Foundation is spearheading initiatives to empower rural women through skill development and sustainable livelihoods. Through the establishment of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and training in various income-generating activities such as dairy farming, the foundation has empowered thousands of women across India. Shahnaz Bano’s success story in the dairy business stands as a testament to the impact of these initiatives. By providing training and resources, the foundation has enabled women like Shahnaz to establish themselves as entrepreneurs, thereby transforming their lives and communities.
Empowering Rural Women Through Kitchen Garden Intervention
As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the ACC Adani Foundation is actively enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities through its Kitchen Garden Programme. In Kudithini village, Bellary district of Karnataka, Sarojamma’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of self-help groups and kitchen gardens. The Foundation’s intervention aims to foster community development by empowering women through the cultivation of thriving kitchen gardens. By collaborating with self-help groups and providing necessary resources, the Foundation equips women like Sarojamma with the knowledge and tools to cultivate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Through this initiative, families, including Sarojamma’s, experience improved nutrition and reduced reliance on external markets.
Empowering Women Through Mushroom Cultivation and Waste Management
Driven by its commitment to social responsibility, the Adani Foundation and Ambuja Cements are uplifting marginalized communities by supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs). In Rawan village, Baloda Bazar tehsil of Chhattisgarh, the Dewar community, historically marginalized and economically challenged, has found hope through the Foundation’s Women Empowerment Program. By transforming plastic waste collection into a viable source of income and linking women with waste management initiatives, the Foundation has provided a pathway to improved livelihoods and a brighter future.
Similarly, in Chhattisgarh, women are scripting tales of self-reliance through mushroom cultivation with the support of self-help groups around Energy Generation Limited in Pusaur, Raigarh. Under the guidance of the Adani Foundation, these groups received training and technical assistance to engage in mushroom cultivation. Sandhya Sao, a member of the Bharti Self-Help Group, exemplifies the spirit of women’s empowerment and self-sufficiency. Sandhya and her peers have embraced mushroom cultivation as a means to supplement their incomes and support their families’ educational aspirations.
National Rural Livelihood Mission: Empowering Rural Women
The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) has been pivotal in empowering rural women by facilitating the formation of self-help groups and providing resources across the country.
With over 118 lakh groups empowering more than 14 crore rural families, the NRLM aims to foster self-reliance, curtail migration to urban centers, and create local employment opportunities for women. Through initiatives like these, rural women are empowered to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities’ development.
