Spotlight - Women’s Empowerment

Service & Social Programs | Updated: | 2 min read


Spotlight - Women’s Empowerment  

"The role of women in the development of society is of utmost importance. In fact, it is the only thing that determines whether a society is strong and harmonious, or otherwise. Women are the backbone of society." ~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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“The role of women in the development of society is of utmost importance. In fact, it is the only thing that determines whether a society is strong and harmonious, or otherwise. Women are the backbone of society.”

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s unique Women’s Empowerment Program, provides vocational training, micro-finance venture incentives, self-development workshops, and self-help groups for disadvantaged women across the world. The program was launched in 1985 in Bangalore, India, as VISTA India (Value Integrated Services to All).

  • Rural women reached through different initiatives: Over 111,000
  • Self-Help Groups formed in the areas of food processing, bag making, tailoring and embroidery, agarbatti rolling and arecanut plate making: Over 623
  • Project “Pavitra” for menstrual health and hygiene: Over 115,800 girls across India, Nepal, Cambodia, Bhutan and Africa benefited through various workshops conducted by more than 5,910 trainers
  • Project “Shakti”: Over 704 women trained since 2023 in this new initiative aimed at empowering women by honing their entrepreneurial spirit and providing a holistic way to financial independence.

Inspired by the project’s success, the program was replicated in other parts of India, and other countries including Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Iraq.

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