Empowerment Archives - Woman Endangered

Empowering Women One Pink toilet at a time

Suparnaa Chadda — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 07:36:15 +0000

The festive Diwali week began on an auspicious note with an invitation from Deepa Menon to interact with the remarkable beneficiaries of PVR Nest. While preparations for the upcoming SABERA Jury kept me busy, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to connect with women whose incredible stories embody the very mission of SABERA: celebrating impact and change.

The event was hosted at the exclusive Directors Club Lounge in Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj—a hidden gem that I explored during a short tour courtesy of PVR representatives. However, the heart of the experience was the interaction at the conference facility, where I shared a delicious five-course meal with eleven inspiring women managing Delhi’s ‘Pink Toilets’ turned ‘Garima Grihs’.

The Pink Toilets Initiative: Recognized by SABERA

The Pink Toilets initiative, honored by the SABERA Awards, is a stellar example of how public-private partnerships can drive real change. What began as a civic facility for women has been transformed into safe, clean spaces and hubs for empowerment under PVR Nest’s guidance.

Managed by an inspiring group of women like Kiran, Kavita, Babita, Pooja, Laxmi, Chandini, Anjum, Monika, Mithilesh, and Reena, these centers now offer skilling courses in sewing, beauty, and hygiene. They’ve also become safe spaces for breastfeeding and community education, impacting neighboring areas by promoting cleanliness and health awareness.

Lakshmi, who oversees the RK Puram center, reflected on her journey:
“Initially, I would burst into tears when people in the community taunted me for asking them to keep their surroundings clean. Even my family questioned why I wanted to work in a toilet. But thanks to the persistence and encouragement of my cohort leaders, I persevered. Today, I am respected for the work I do.”

These centers have not only provided a source of income for these women—many of whom are now the primary earners in their families—but also created safe, welcoming spaces that benefit entire communities.

PVR Nest’s Power of One Program: Driving Social Impact

The Power of One program by PVR Nest highlights the potential of grassroots initiatives to create a ripple effect of positive change. This public-private partnership focuses on uplifting women and girls from vulnerable urban slum communities by providing skilling opportunities and socio-economic advancement tools.

The program’s WeRise Changemaker initiative has been specially designed to build leadership and communication skills for community leaders. Members of the Pink Toilets initiative participated in the first edition of this program, which is helping them develop the confidence and knowledge to become role models and changemakers.

I was honored to lead the opening session, “Every Woman is a Leader,” where I shared insights about harnessing inner strength to inspire and influence positive change in one’s community. It was an engaging and humbling experience, with each woman’s journey serving as a testament to resilience and empowerment.

A Day of Inspiration

The day concluded with meaningful conversations over a sumptuous five-course meal at the Directors Lounge. I returned home deeply inspired by the courage and determination of these women, who are breaking barriers and creating ripples of change in their communities.

The Pink Toilets initiative, recognized by the SABERA Awards, stands as a powerful testament to how women when given the right tools and support, can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.

SABERA 2024 are scheduled for December 11th at the India Habitat Centre, where more such stories of Impact will be celebrated. To attend register and reserve delegate passes here

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Breaking the Silence: Empowering Students to Combat Gender based Violence Against Women

Suparnaa Chadda — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 05:50:14 +0000

Empowering Future Generations: A Workshop on Combating Violence Against Women

On September 21, 2024, I had the privilege of conducting a transformative workshop at VIT Pune, aimed at combating violence against women. This session marked my second interaction with the talented second-year BTech students at this esteemed institution. My first visit in 2022, as part of an impactful initiative, rolled out in collaboration with JOSH TALKS and their client TVS, involved engaging engineering students across twelve states in India on this crucial topic.

Read about the in-person workshops with VIT Pune

Understanding Gender-Based Violence

At the core of this workshop was a comprehensive understanding of what gender-based violence entails. Participants delved into its various forms, recognized the phases of life where such violence can occur, and discussed effective prevention strategies. We highlighted the importance of understanding these elements and taking action to eradicate this grave societal issue and ensure justice for victims.

A key highlight of the session was the inclusion of insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma, the head of the Special Unit for Women and Child in the Delhi Police. Her instrumental role in cracking the infamous Nirbhaya case provided the students with a real-world perspective on the urgency and complexity of addressing violence against women.

Insights from the Pre-Workshop Survey

Before the workshop, we surveyed 36 participating students to gauge their knowledge of gender-based violence. The results were revealing:

Over half of the respondents (19 out of 36) believed that at least one in every three women faces some form of violence in their lifetime.
About half of the respondents (14) thought that only two out of ten victims ever seek justice.
A similar number (13 respondents) felt that violence against women begins in infancy.

These statistics underscore the pervasive nature of violence and the critical need for ongoing education and awareness on this issue.

A Platform for Inquiry and Inspiration

The hour-long workshop encouraged an open and engaging dialogue among the students, regardless of gender. Their eagerness to ask questions demonstrated a shared commitment to understanding and combating violence against women. Many expressed the need for continued discussions and workshops, highlighting the importance of integrating these conversations into educational settings.

Meet the Facilitator

The session was led by Suparnaa Chadda, widely known as Simply Suparnaa, the founder of the Simply Suparnaa Media Network. A notable UN Women Awardee, Suparnaa has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s rights and empowering communities through education and awareness. Her passion and expertise were pivotal in guiding the workshop, inspiring countless students to become advocates for change. Suparnaa also acknowledges SDG-aligned initiatives through the annual SABERA Awards which includes लैंगिक समानता (Gender Diversity & Inclusion).

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we concluded the workshop, it became clear that knowledge and awareness are the first steps toward making a tangible impact in the fight against violence against women. By instilling these values in young minds, we can foster a generation of leaders who are committed to creating safer environments for all.

This workshop not only educated students but also equipped them with the tools to inspire change in their communities. It’s time to turn awareness into action! For hosting a workshop with your university students write to womanendangered@gmail.com or suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com

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Extraordinary Women Making a Difference

Suparnaa Chadda — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:31:48 +0000

SABERA AWARDS shines a light on extraordinary women

The world faces many challenges, but amidst the adversity, incredible women rise as beacons of hope. The SABERA Awards (Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards) recognize these changemakers for their outstanding contributions to society. As nominations open for SABERA 2024, let’s celebrate some of the remarkable women honored in recent years:

1. Brinda Poornpragna: Championing Education Equity

Brinda PoornPragna, CEO of eVidyaloka Trust and a SABERA Awardee, understands the critical role education plays in empowering underprivileged communities. Her social enterprise leverages technology to bridge the gap in quality education, making it accessible even in remote areas.

2. Sugandha Sukrutaraj: Empowering Adults with Disabilities

Sugandha Sukrutaraj, founder of AMBA and a SABERA Awardee and Ashoka Fellow, is an inspiration. With 19 years of experience, she’s crafted a sustainable livelihood solution for adults with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Her program focuses on visual data entry and peer training, fostering mainstream inclusion and empowering individuals.

Read about more women changemakers awarded by SABERA over the years here >>

3. Jyotika Dhawan: A Journey of Inclusion

Jyotika Dhawan’s story is one of dedication and growth. A 2023 SABERA awardee, Jyotika’s passion for inclusion has been a constant force. From receiving recognition in 2018 to winning the award in 2023, she’s consistently pushed boundaries for diversity and equity in workplaces.

4. Iram Maimuna: Superhero for our Planet

Iram Maimuna, Managing Director of E-Waste Social Pvt Ltd., is a champion for environmental responsibility. Her company connects businesses with responsible e-waste recyclers, tackling the growing problem of electronic waste and its impact on our planet.

5. Chandini Di: Voice of the Streets

Chandini Di’s story is one of resilience. Once a young girl living on the streets, she overcame poverty and hardship to become a powerful voice for underprivileged children. Through her NGO Voice of Slum, Chandini Di empowers street children and works towards a brighter future for her community.

6. Dr. Sudha Kidao: Shaping Educational Landscapes

Dr. Sudha Kidao, a SABERA Awardee and Honorary Managing Trustee of the Foundation For Excellence India Trust has dedicated over a decade to shaping education in India. Through her service as both a donor and volunteer, she’s played a crucial role in improving educational opportunities across the country.

7. Meera Shenoy: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Meera Shenoy, a SABERA Awardee and the founder of youth4jobs (Y4J), is a recognized changemaker. Y4J has become the largest organization in South Asia mainstreaming youth with disabilities in education and employment. Through her work, Meera has impacted millions of lives, empowering youth with disabilities and their families.

These are just a few examples of the extraordinary women honored by SABERA. Their dedication, passion, and resilience inspire us all. By supporting their missions and spreading awareness about their work, we can join hands in creating a lasting impact and building a brighter future.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of SABERA awardees!

Do you know a woman making a significant difference in the world? Encourage them to apply for the SABERA Awards and help us celebrate their achievements. Let’s continue to shine a light on the incredible women creating a more just and equitable world.

Nominate a Changemaker for SABERA 2024

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Empowering Women: Insights from IPS Chhaya Sharma at SABERA

Suparnaa Chadda — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:16:31 +0000

IPS Chhaya Sharma’s words resonate powerfully, echoing the depths of her experiences, as the guest of Honour at the 6th edition of SABERA. Sharma, known for cracking the infamous Nirbhaya case, shed light on crucial issues often overlooked in society while acknowledging SABERA, as a platform that amplifies the voices of the silent workers including and celebrates those often overlooked, and the remarkable efforts in forging collaborations.

During her address, Sharma underscored the essence of empowerment, with economic enablement. Yet, she stressed that mere job opportunities are insufficient. For women, acceptance within male-dominated forces remains a significant challenge, compounded by issues like access to basic facilities and balancing familial responsibilities.

The discussion extended to gender mainstreaming, where Sharma passionately advocated for decision-making power for women. She highlighted the stark reality of unsafe spaces, citing alarming statistics where 95% of rapes occur at the hands of known perpetrators. The perpetrators, often shielded by familial ties, evade justice, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.

Sharma’s insights challenge prevailing narratives, offering a nuanced perspective on women’s safety and inclusion. She commended SABERA’s efforts to confront uncomfortable truths and foster dialogue beyond sensationalized media portrayals.

Moreover, Sharma emphasized the pivotal role of supportive men, advocating for inclusivity. She urged for a societal shift towards creating environments where women can thrive without fear, or men being endangered with their empowerment, thereby truly enabling the nation.

IPS Chhaya Sharma’s address at SABERA’s 6th edition stands as a testament to her distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment. As the proud recipient of two Special Duty Medals for her services in remote and insurgency-affected areas in the northeast of India, and the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Her recent accolades, include the Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation by the Government of India.

IPS Chhaya Sharma’s insights at SABERA’s event serve as a reminder of the transformative power of individuals dedicated to creating positive change in society. Her remarkable achievements inspire us to strive for a world where justice, empowerment, and inclusivity prevail.

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