Empowering Women: Unveiling the Remarkable Impacts and Collective Growth

Jyoti Agarwal, a prominent entrepreneur from Pune, is dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions for over 20 years. As Trustee of Sterlite Tech Foundation, she focuses on women's empowerment and spearheads Vedanta Medical Research Foundation's Oncology Centre. In an engaging conversation with Industry Outlook, Jyoti delves into the emergent changes and notable impacts, particularly in empowering rural women in India, highlighting collaborative efforts and the importance of such initiatives in advancing gender equality in progressive India.

Initiatives for women's empowerment in progressive India hold significant importance in advancing gender equality. How do you see their impact on uplifting women?

Standing in the 21st Century, it may seem that immense progress has been made towards Gender Equality, but the reality in several Indian villages is very different. Women are still subjugated and thought of as mere homemakers. Their opinions and ambitions hardly get the attention they deserve. Marriage gets priority over higher education, and their dreams remain unfulfilled. I have always believed that women are capable of so much more. An empowered woman is not only more confident, but she is also clearly aware of the importance of education for herself and her children. She has the potential to excel professionally and manage her entire household while doing so. With this ideology, I wanted to be the enabler that would take them through their journey of self-discovery. I wanted to lay the foundation of a platform that would groom them not to be just employed but to lead change and economic development in their communities. Thus, JeewanJyoti became the change women envision to achieve true and sustainable development. 

Empowering rural women in India is a collaborative effort. Can you throw some light on the initiatives taken and your thoughts on them? 

Government and non-governmental organizations are working on a multi-pronged approach to empower rural women in India. Today, we have several initiatives that address issues like gender bias, education, financial security, legal aid, skill development, financial independence, healthcare, and overall well-being. However, challenges like limited access to healthcare, social stigma, and inadequate infrastructure persist. 

JeewanJyoti focuses on providing a holistic environment for growth and development, promoting economic development through entrepreneurship, and building a solid foundation through vocational and interpersonal skills. With a holistic approach reinforced through vocational training, self-help groups, and a production house, the program has been working to change the lives of rural women. Our Vocational Training Centre at Ambavane offers six months of training courses on beauty culture, tailoring, fashion designing, computer skills, and 1-year training in nursing. Qualified experts and teachers conduct workshops, and the trainings are certified by the Maharashtra State Board of Vocational Education. 

Recently, we have started the job-oriented MKCL KLiC courses in association with Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd. This will open multiple job opportunities for students enrolled in the computer course. 

I truly believe that they always had potential; they just needed a platform to upskill themselves and make their skills marketable. With JeewanJyoti’s help, today these women are not just homemakers but forerunners and protagonists for younger girls in their villages. I envision an India full of empowered and confident women who will change age-old perspectives of rural communities about working and independent women. 

Women initiatives typically offer various forms of support to enrolled women. What notable impacts or significant changes have emerged as a result?

Apart from overall personality development and giving these women the exposure they need to emerge as confident individuals, our program supports them by providing transportation facilities and creche for young mothers alongside healthcare, nutrition, and wellness for all women enrolled in the program. We have set up Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to reach the grassroots. Here, women are upskilled in aspects like cooking, masala making, agriculture, and animal husbandry, among others, to make them marketable. 

Further, by providing them with microfinancing through national banks, the SHGs have been given the necessary financial assistance to scale their enterprises. We even offer women training and earning opportunities through a newly set up production house, preventing the need to travel to nearby towns and cities for work. 

Talking about impact, over four thousand students have benefited, and the program has impacted twenty thousand lives. Out of which 450 + students have their own business now. JeewanJyoti has formed 100 SHGs across 18 villages in Maharashtra. Microfinancing of over INR 70 lakh through national banks helped 16 women SHGs start their own 29 enterprises. 32% of beneficiaries now earn a livelihood through jobs, small enterprises, self-help groups, and their own business. The JeewanJyoti production house now has a global clientele. And we're not slowing down; we're committed to making a difference in every corner and touching every deserving life. 

Could you elaborate on the notable impacts and considerable growth being spearheaded by women from various communities today? 

Women's empowerment can unlock India’s true potential and build a brighter future for all. Winds of change are here and statics proves the same. In India, over 70 million women are today associated with SHGs significantly contributing to the rural economy. Around 80% of agricultural work in India involves women, highlighting their crucial role in food production. 

At JeewanJyoti, there are so many incredible stories that it's hard to know where to start. Each woman's journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a symphony of resilience, determination, and triumph. From modest beginnings, these women are painting the sky with their dreams and leaving an everlasting mark on the world.   Overcoming orphanhood, financial constraints, and personal tragedies, our student, Suvarna, joined JeewanJyoti and excelled in tailoring and beauty courses. Today, she runs a successful home-based business, teaches at the institute, and earns a steady income of INR15,000-20,000 per month, empowering her family. 

Our student Vaishali's journey is a testament to perseverance. Despite her poor eyesight, she refused to let challenges hinder her dreams. Through the support of JeewanJyoti, she honed her skills and became a skilled artisan, inspiring others with her dedication and hard work. 

These are just a few examples. Women empowerment programs not only provide skill development and vocational training but also instill confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of overall well-being.