Project Overview
I am launching a social enterprise to empower women from marginalised communities in India, especially those at risk of being impacted by gender-based violence. The programme will provide an opportunity to gain employable and transferable skills, the chance to earn a fair living wage and not rely solely on the income of males in their households, will provide fair working conditions, a safe supportive space, and support to encourage entrepreneurship to break the cycle of poverty.
As a true social business, profits will be invested back into the beneficiaries to ensure good working conditions are maintained, to allow for additional training and benefits, and to allow more women to take part in the programme. I hope to include more women and expand on positive impact.
I will partner with existing NGOs in India which work with disadvantaged women in marginalised communities, and to focus on marketing their existing skills, of which they have many. The idea is to preserve their skills and traditions, sell their beautiful creations and empower them to become self-sustainable, have ownership of their earnings, and maintain their independence. I’d like to use locally sourced fabrics which would otherwise be thrown away for the products which will be created (for example, using donated traditional Indian saris to create bags and other products).
This programme will provide these women an opportunity to gain employable and transferable skills, the chance to earn an income and not rely solely on the income of males, fair wages, job security and employment benefits.
Close to 70% of India’s population lives in rural areas with limited to no access to basic sanitation, health services, or electricity. Lack of access to these basic services contributes to widespread poverty, unemployment, and increasing indebtedness of households. Women in India are often seen as second-class citizens compared to men, so opportunities are even more limited. Women are not often in control of their finances, family situations or even their own earnings, and marginalised women even more so. Marginalised women are also highly susceptible to gender-based violence, as there is so much stigma surrounding women’s expectations. For example, women who end up being trafficked, raped, or divorced tend to be outcast by society, and are valued even less than women who were not impacted by similar situations.
Wage disparity is widespread, but offering women opportunities to earn income and have a say in their households is empowering and can be life changing for women and their families. Studies show that correcting this gender imbalance can increase the prosperity of the country as a whole. Giving money to a woman is a short-term solution, but empowering her with skills and self-confidence is a change that can’t be undone and the benefits are endless.
Investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.
But they also remain disproportionately affected by poverty, discrimination and exploitation. Gender discrimination means women often end up in insecure, low-wage jobs, and constitute a small minority of those in senior positions. It curtails access to economic assets such as land and loans. It limits participation in shaping economic and social policies. And, because women perform the bulk of household work, they often have little time left to pursue economic opportunities.
The gross national income per capita in India is just $2,020 per year, or roughly $168 per month. By providing an opportunity for marginalised women to obtain transferable skills like sewing, we can help them to achieve financial independence. Empowering women to earn their own steady income means that they will be able to provide food, clothing, and other basic necessities and education for their children and other family members.
According to the UN, When women work, they invest 90% of their income back into their families, compared with 35 percent for men. By focusing on girls and women, innovative businesses and organisations can spur economic progress, expand markets, and improve health and education outcomes for everyone.
Find out more on Shaktiism.com and follow my social enterprise journey on https://instagram.com/shakti.ism
If you’d like to help, please contribute to this empowerment project here.
Even a few $/£/€/₹/¥ can have a big impact in changing a disadvantaged woman(and her family)’s life.
Contribution to Global Goals for Sustainable Development
Eradicating poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice and the key to unlocking an enormous human potential. Still, nearly half of the world’s population lives in poverty, and lack of food and clean water is killing thousands every single day of the year. Together, we can feed the hungry, wipe out disease and give everyone in the world a chance to prosper and live a productive and rich life.
Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society. Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all.
Gender bias is undermining our social fabric and devalues all of us. It is not just a human rights issue; it is a tremendous waste of the world’s human potential. By denying women equal rights, we deny half the population a chance to live life at its fullest. Political, economic and social equality for women will benefit all the world’s citizens. Together we can eradicate prejudice and work for equal rights and respect for all.
Economic growth should be a positive force for the whole planet. This is why we must make sure that financial progress creates decent and fulfilling jobs while not harming the environment. We must protect labour rights and once and for all put a stop to modern slavery and child labour. If we promote job creation with expanded access to banking and financial services, we can make sure that everybody gets the benefits of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Too much of the world’s wealth is held by a very small group of people. This often leads to financial and social discrimination. In order for nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be available to everyone – regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs or economic status. When every individual is self sufficient, the entire world prospers.
Our planet has provided us with an abundance of natural resources. But we have not utilized them responsibly and currently consume far beyond what our planet can provide. We must learn how to use and produce in sustainable ways that will reverse the harm that we have inflicted on the planet.
she will survive 
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