CNV2-I2-3-Women Empowerment

“CSR is not just about managing, reducing and avoiding risk, it is about creating opportunities, generating improved performance, making money and leaving the risks far behind."

.... Sunil Misser, Head of Global Sustainability Practice, PwC

SBI Foundation is the CSR arm of State Bank of India, undertaking CSR activities for the Bank and its subsidiaries. SBI Youth for India Fellowship is one of SBI Foundation’s flagship programmes. It is a 13-month long rural development fellowship which provides a platform to the educated urban youth to work in remote rural locations of India.

Empowering women in rural India

Women in rural India are the key stakeholders in any development programme, they are at the forefront of any initiative taken for the betterment of their communities. Yet, they are subject to patriarchy and that often restrains them from exercising their rights. According to UN’s report on ‘Rural Women and the Millennium Development Goals’, putting more income in the hands of women translates into improved child nutrition, health and education. It results in overall development of the woman and her surroundings.

Understanding the importance of this issue, SBI Youth for India fellowship has a dedicated thematic program area for projects that focus on women empowerment. Each year our fellows work on several projects that aim at making women financially independent and improving their health, sanitation and mental wellbeing.

While our fellows are working on empowering women, one community at a time, we have two distinct stories from Rajasthan and Uttarakhand where the women have shared their perspective on such CSR initiatives.

From the Deserts of Rajasthan

“I am no longer a Liability” – Nehraj Sa, Barefoot College, Rajasthan

Working with SBI Youth for India fellow, Bidyapathi Ray (2016-17), in the production unit for a health supplement, Nehraj Sa is the only woman in her entire family who has stepped out of her house to work for a living. Her family continues to follow the ‘pardah system’ and working with anyone who is not a blood relative is looked down upon.

Initially, there was a resistance from her community and immediate family members, but, since her contributions are helping the family, they have started supporting her, “My family thinks of me as an asset and no longer a liability. This is only possible because of such interventions.”

She is currently involved in the production and packaging of health supplement, she was inspired by looking at the other women working at the unit to join this group. “Once we started working, Bidya Bhaiya made us realise that we are not inferior to anyone. He has ensured we feel strong and confident,” she added.

The heath supplement production unit has a team of women from the rural villages of Rajasthan. This unit produces a traditional food supplement called ‘Amritchuran’. Along with acting as a nutritional mix for children and women, it also promotes women empowerment by giving employment to women and letting them take charge.

From the Hills of Uttarakhand

“This income generating initiative has empowered 60 women from our village.” – Munni Bohra, Himalayan Blooms, Uttarakhand.

Munni Bohra (40) had never been to a city before she participated in an exhibition set-up by Himalayan Blooms in New Delhi. Himalyan Blooms is a non-profit venture started by SBI Youth for India fellow, Pratibha Krishnaiah (2014-15), during her fellowship period. Post the 13-month duration, she continued to expand her initiative into an all women driven social venture.

This enterprise was started with an aim to empower the women in the hill communities, who despite making significant contributions to the economy, they were not given due respect. When Munni started working for Pratibha, she had her reservations for the girls who had left the comforts of a city life to come and work for the benefits of her village. “Slowly, we realised that all this girl wanted was to see the women of our village strong. Her enterprise has given employment to over 60 women in our village. A few of them were stranded by their husbands and their families, now the community looks at them with respect because they are financially self-sufficient,” said Munni Bohra. Though not well versed with English, Munni is now able to write professional e-mails to vendors, buyers and other stakeholders of the enterprise. This, she thinks is her biggest achievement.

Through this platform, SBI Youth for India fellows are empowering women to be independent and realising their potential. These projects are also raising awareness on a woman’s contribution to the holistic development of the society.

Anvi Mehta, Dy Program Manager, SBI Youth for India Fellowship