February was the month of joy for many rural and tribal women belonging to Zawar, Debari, Chittorgarh, Dariba, Agucha and kayak districts of Rajasthan. Hindustan Zinc hosted a three-day Uthori Gender Equality program on women empowerment in Kasa, Udaipur.

Sakhi project was initiated by Hindustan Zinc on the nuances of social conduct, gender equality and behavior. This initiative aims to connect with women and form groups and organizations that will promote social development, livelihoods and economic development in future.

Hindustan Zinc organized this three-day session under phase 2, covering sensitive topics of sexuality, gender equality, solution strategy, citizenship, social conduct and behavior in society and constitution. The company hired trained gender specialists – Dr. Rakesh Singh from Delhi, Manjari Foundation’s program officer, Shivaom and Shashiprabha from Udaipur to conduct the sessions. 47 Sakhi rural and tribal women were coached to become master trainers. This Uthori campaign was carried out in 2 states, 6 districts, 7 locations, 11 blocks and 54 panchayats.

The first phase apprised 17000+ rural and tribal women on the principle of gender equality and second phase focused on multiple issues, as an act to introduce women empowerment, especially in rural areas. The Sakhi project allows the newly formed, women master trainers to create institutions like Self Help Groups (SHG) that educate communities about solving intricate issues related to social behavior, equality and empowerment.

This campaign was conducted in collaboration with Manjari Foundation with the help of creative films, activities and other innovative mediums. Grassroot level groups and institutions formed through the Sakhi campaign is a great step forward in promoting skill development, entrepreneurship skills and personal finance. By strengthening their leadership qualities, Sakhi helps women to transcend their socioeconomic hurdles, hence bridging the gap of women empowerment in the community.

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