Empowering women from various walks of life

From braving harsh weather and treading the unchartered path to standing up for themselves, these women have pushed their limits and reached for the sky. 

Over the years, many women have been inspirational voices, leaders, role models, and changemakers paving way for progress and advancement globally. However, often several talented women are deprived of the opportunities they deserve due to societal and communal pressures, lack of education, support, and most importantly financial independence.

To address this glaring gap in the workforce, Adani Foundation – the CSR arm of the Adani Group – has been continuously working towards empowering women from the rural and tribal pockets of India by giving them the platform to become self-reliant and confident entrepreneurs. On this International Women’s Day, we look at how women from various walks of life not just challenged societal norms but overcame every obstacle to make a difference at grassroot levels. For Jarina Bibi, things were not easy when she decided to ease up the family’s financial responsibilities by taking up a job, a few years back.

“Coming from an orthodox family and being an introvert, myself, convincing my family to allow me to work was not an easy call. I wanted to be financially independent, but I wasn’t supported by my family,” says Jarina.

39-year-old Jarina Bibi, who belongs to Kanakprasad village, Odisha, didn’t give up and decided to take a stand for herself. “I decided to begin afresh and began working with the Adani Foundation as a SuPoshan Sangini. I started out working in the field along with the Anganwadi workers,” adds Jarina. Gradually, Jarina gained the community’s trust and conducted various workshops for the villagers. She now owns a shop in the village as an additional source of income.

“We have always believed that gender parity is a critical aspect when it comes to the progress of any nation, and every woman irrespective of her geographic location must be given a fair and equal chance,” says Vasant Gadhavi, executive director, the Adani Foundation.

Hilly terrains, remote locations, and harsh weather often pose a difficult challenge when it comes to medical emergencies. Dr. Priyanka Gautam, medical officer, at the Adani Mobile Healthcare Unit (MHCU) Sainj, Himachal Pradesh, since 2019 feels says, “Coming from a medical background I was always confined to a limited space. However, things changed when I joined the Adani Foundation in 2019 as a medical officer.”

“From planning and executing medical camps that are spread in remote areas braving poor connectivity, landslides, and fresh spills of snow or rain, it wasn’t easy, but the team has always encouraged and supported me to fulfill my duties. I feel grateful to be working with such an amazing team and realize my dream of helping as many as possible.”

“The Adani Foundation has been putting continuous efforts in initiating and executing various educational and skill-based initiatives across many villages, districts, and states in India that can empower women,” adds Vasant.

 When 24-year-old Shilpa Nayka, from Deshalpur, Mundra, Gujarat, wanted to work after completing her studies, her decision wasn’t supported by her parents who were farmers and were skeptical about their daughter’s safety. “When I joined the Utthan project by the Adani Foundation I got a chance to work as a teacher in a government primary school and it became slightly easy to convince my parents,” says Shilpa.

“Seeing a student show steady progress and improvement always makes me happy,” adds Shilpa. Now even her parents support her wholeheartedly and the family is slowly becoming financially independent due to Shilpa’s steady income.

While these are some of the admirable examples of women of grit and perseverance fulfilling their dreams, the Adani Foundation, over the years has successfully implemented several programs in 5,675 villages across 19 states. From education-based programs, and skill development centers these programs have so far helped several women to become self-sufficient.