Every issue is always compounded by factors visible only after greater research and in-depth analysis of the associated thematic areas. Women empowerment is one such social issue whose ranking recently got hit in the SDG India Index 2023-24 . Gender Inequality – SDG (Goal 5) is the only the index in red, which means a performance below 50.
A concerted approach to resolve interconnected challenges was the need of the hour and our women empowerment program, Swabhiman has been championing this cause. It is doing so using a holistic, lifecycle approach to uplift women and adolescent girls across India. With interventions in
- reproductive and child health,
- nutrition enhancement,
- entrepreneurship development,
- digital financial literacy,
- sustainability in communities
- and system strengthening through government convergence,
Swabhiman has made a significant impact in transforming lives and communities.
Health and Well-being: The Foundation of Empowerment
A world where every woman has access to quality healthcare and accurate information about her body is almost a perfect world. Swabhiman is working to make this a reality. The program offers health education and services to women and adolescent girls through awareness campaigns, health camps and partnerships with local health providers. More than medical check-ups, it is about empowering women to take control of their health and their futures.
Take Sunita*, for instance. Before Swabhiman, she did not have access to proper prenatal care. Through the program, she received the necessary health services and guidance, leading to a healthier pregnancy and a thriving baby. Sunita’s story is just one of many, as over 80,000 women and girls have benefited from Swabhiman’s health services. This has resulted in healthier communities and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates.
Nutrition Enhancement: Feeding Minds and Bodies
Swabhiman knows that good nutrition is important for healthy development and works tirelessly to enhance nutritional awareness and practices among women. Through nutrition workshops, cooking demonstrations and community nutrition sessions, women learn about balanced diets, proper infant feeding practices and the nutritional needs of adolescents.
Imagine the impact of this knowledge on a community. Women are now able to make healthier food choices for their families, combating malnutrition and food insecurity. The focus of initiative on locally available, nutritious foods and sustainable agricultural practices has led to healthier families and a more informed community.
Entrepreneurship Development: Building a Future
Economic empowerment is a game-changer for women. Our entrepreneurship development initiatives equip women with the skills and resources needed to start and sustain their businesses. The program offers training in various vocational skills, business management and financial literacy, enabling women to become economically independent.
Consider the story of Indu, who started a cosmetic shop after receiving training from Swabhiman. Today, her business not only provides for her family but also creates jobs in her community. Since its inception, Swabhiman has facilitated the initiation of 84 women-led businesses and small enterprises.
Digital Financial Literacy: Navigating the Modern World
In today’s digital age, financial literacy is of utmost importance. Swabhiman integrates digital financial literacy into its training programs, teaching women how to manage their finances, use digital banking services and leverage financial technologies. This knowledge empowers women to participate fully in the economy and make informed financial decisions.
Think about the difference this makes. Women can now save money, invest in their businesses and access formal financial services. These efforts in bridging the digital divide and enhancing financial inclusion ensure that women are equipped to navigate the modern financial landscape.
Sustainability in Communities: Long-term Impact
Sustainability is at the heart of Swabhiman’s approach. We promote sustainable practices in entrepreneurship and community development. By encouraging community-ownership, the focus is on ensuring that the benefits of interventions are long-lasting and contribute to the overall sustainability of the communities we serve.
System Strengthening through Government Convergence: A Collaborative Effort
Effective collaboration with government bodies is essential for the success and sustainability of development programs. Swabhiman strengthens local systems by working closely with government agencies and aligning its interventions with national policies and schemes. This convergence maximises the benefits of the program and ensures comprehensive support for the communities.
By partnering with government health, education and social welfare departments, the initiatives facilitate access to government services and entitlements for women and girls. This collaborative approach enhances the reach and impact of the program, making sure that the interventions are sustainable and integrated into the broader development framework.
A partnership we are proud of: IndoStar Home Finance Private Limited
Smile Foundation partnered with IndoStar Home Finance Private Limited to launch the Swabhiman project in Modgaon, Palghar of Maharashtra. The launch event at Modgaon Gram Panchayat saw participation from the IndoStar team, government officials including the Gram Panchayat leader, the Principal of Modgaon School and community members. Over a hundred attendees from the neighborhood joined, emphasising the importance of women and child health, nutrition and entrepreneurship development.
The Swabhiman project in Modgaon aims to empower women through reproductive health awareness and entrepreneurship development. We hope to impact 5,000 women and adolescent girls and 280 underserved women. It raises awareness on reproductive and sexual health issues, safe motherhood and family planning, while also improving health-seeking behavior through periodic health camps and workshops.
Business skills training will capacitate women to start their own enterprises. By addressing these critical areas, Swabhiman aims to improve the quality of life, increase family income and advocate for women rights, creating a sustainable and empowered community.
Real Lives Transformed through Lifecycle Approach to Women Development
The impact is evident in the lives of the women and communities it has touched. Over 150,000 women have been empowered through various interventions. More than 1,000 women and adolescent girls trained as change agents are leading community initiatives and advocating for women rights.
One of the shining success stories of Swabhiman is the establishment of 84 women-led businesses and small enterprises. These businesses have provided economic opportunities and contributed to the local economy. Women entrepreneurs who started tailoring, cosmetic, beauty parlous businesses, have become role models in their communities, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Swabhiman’s health interventions have also had a profound impact. Over 80,000 girls and women have gained access to healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. The programme’s emphasis on nutrition support to 35,000+ women and girls has led to healthier families and communities, as women adopt better dietary practices and ensure their children receive proper nutrition.
Swabhiman exemplifies a comprehensive, lifecycle approach to women empowerment. By addressing critical areas such as reproductive and child health, nutrition, entrepreneurship, digital financial literacy, sustainability and system strengthening, the programme has transformed the lives of thousands of women and their communities.
Swabhiman’s success lies in catering to the lifecycle approach to women, which recognises the interconnectedness of various factors that contribute to women empowerment. Here is to a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead a life of dignity and independence.
*(name changed for privacy concerns)
