Meet the Unsung Heroes: 4 NGOs Empowering Women in Real Time

Imagine a bustling village nestled in the heart of rural India. Here life unfolds like chapters in a well-worn book, each page filled with tales of resilience, determination, and quiet strength.

In this village, amidst the whispering winds and golden fields, live women whose stories are woven into the fabric of society. Their contributions are often overlooked but their impact is profound.

What do you think would matter more to these women? Real changes like access to better health facilities, skill building, and earning opportunities? Or, just some ceremonial program in the honor of women's day?

As most of you would have guessed, real changes AND real empowerment!

There are NGOs who think just like you and have been working with tremendous dedication to facilitate real changes. i2u Social Foundation has been building an ecosystem to support nonprofits like these and many more. It's i2u’s vision to contribute towards women empowerment by helping such NGOs.

It's about time you meet them. But before that let's understand why they focus majorly on women empowerment.

Empowering Women: The Catalyst for Societal Transformation

Women are like the silent pillars of strength that hold families, communities, and nations together with unwavering resolve. It won't be an exaggeration to call them the backbone of our society.

From tending to fields under the scorching sun to nurturing children with tender care, their roles are multifaceted and indispensable. Yet, for centuries, women have faced barriers to equality, denied access to education, economic opportunities, and decision-making spaces.

However, amidst these challenges, a silent revolution is underway, led by the indomitable spirit of women and supported by the tireless efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). By empowering women, these NGOs are not only transforming individual lives but also strengthening the very fabric of society.

Women's empowerment is not merely a slogan but a catalyst for societal transformation. When women are empowered, they become agents of change, driving progress in their families, communities, and beyond.

By providing women with education, skills training, and economic opportunities, NGOs are unlocking their potential and catalyzing positive ripple effects across society.

Through their initiatives, NGOs empower women to break free from cycles of poverty and oppression, enabling them to build better futures for themselves and their families. Moreover, by investing in women's education and entrepreneurship, these organizations are fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Architects of Change: Stories of Resilience and Hope

Sarika Ashdhir: Crafting a Path to Self-Reliance with Skilled Hands Foundation

Sarika Ashdhir's impactful journey commenced with a profound realization amidst the hardships of rural life. It ignited her passion to establish the Skilled Hands Foundation.

Driven by a vision to empower marginalized communities, Sarika embarked on a mission to bridge the gap towards self-reliance.

Her NGO has diverse training programs to help equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge. This lays the foundation for sustainable livelihoods, especially for women.

Despite encountering numerous challenges along the way, Sarika's unwavering dedication and resilience have propelled the Skilled Hands Foundation forward. Her journey hasn't been a bed of roses. She faced several hurdles in securing funding, overcoming logistic needs, and encouraging community participation. But she navigates each obstacle with determination and grace, fueled by her unwavering commitment to make a difference.

Through her tireless efforts, Sarika has already impacted countless lives, offering hope and opportunities where there once were none.

Her work serves as a beacon of empowerment that inspires others to join the movement towards positive change.

Sarika continues to lead the charge, guiding the Skilled Hands Foundation towards new milestones and greater impact. i2u Social Foundation feels proud in sharing her story as it stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in creating a better world for all.

Sarita Bhatia: From Grief to Empowerment with Yash Sewa Samiti

Sarita Bhatia's journey from grief to empowerment tells you everything you need to know about the power of human resilience. Following the passing of her late husband, she found solace in a newfound purpose: empowering women through the Yash Sewa Samiti. Despite the challenges she faced as a widow, Sarita's determination to make a difference never wavered.

Through Yash Sewa Samiti, Sarita channels her passion for education and philanthropy into tangible actions aimed at uplifting the marginalized. She has been instrumental in establishing self-help groups and providing training opportunities to help empower women. The sole aim is to guide them towards becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs.

Despite several challenges, Sarita's perseverance led to remarkable achievements. These include winning awards for her microenterprise endeavors and securing projects to create opportunities for women in her community.

Sarita's story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. Through her leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others, Sarita inspires individuals everywhere to embrace their inner strength and strive for positive change in their communities.

Indu Singh: Educating and Empowering with Ipsha Samaj

Now, let's introduce you to Indu Singh. Born into a middle-class family in the 1960s, Indu has braced challenges like a braveheart only to emerge victorious in the face of adversities.

Her journey started at a time when society put forth numerous challenges for girls seeking education. The reason was clear and simple: prioritizing traditional gender roles.

Despite facing opposition, Indu's parents championed her education, instilling in her a passion for teaching and a desire to make a difference.

After years of tutoring fellow students and pursuing her own education through self-study, Indu recognized the need for early childhood education and skills training among women in her community. In response, she founded Ipsha Samaj Kalyan Kendra in 2015, dedicated to empowering women and children through education and skills development.

Since its inception, Ipsha Samaj has provided livelihood training to thousands of women, equipping them with the skills necessary for self-reliance and economic independence.

Indu's firm resolve to empower women and children has earned her recognition and accolades. This includes being featured in a film by the Better India Team in 2021.

Indu Singh's story serves as an inspiration to all. It demonstrates the transformative impact of education and empowerment in creating a brighter future for individuals and communities alike. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to uplift and empower those in need, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and opportunity.

Pallabi Ghosh: Fighting Trafficking with Impact and Dialogue Foundation

It's not everyday you get to meet a real life hero who has fearlessly fought against a crime syndicate.

Pallabi Ghosh exemplifies courage, compassion, and relentless determination. Her journey began over two decades ago when a childhood incident sparked her curiosity about missing children. This curiosity evolved into a deep-seated passion for combating human trafficking, a crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of society.

Through her organization, Pallabi has led countless anti-trafficking raids across India, rescuing over 10,000 individuals from various forms of exploitations. These include child marriage, forced labor, and prostitution. Her brave efforts have shed light on the root causes of trafficking, like poverty, unemployment, and unsafe migration. Pallabi works relentlessly to raise awareness about the plight of victims.

Her own safety has been jeopardized. She receives grave threats as the syndicate of trafficking views her as a sworn enemy. But Pallabi remains undeterred in her mission to bring traffickers to justice and provide support and rehabilitation to survivors.

Her courage and determination have earned her recognition and respect both nationally and internationally.

Empowerment Begins with You: Take the Pledge this Women's Day

There are several Pallabi, Sarita, Indu, and Sarika in our society who can together bring monumental changes in the society. All they need is a little support, lots of encouragement, and fair opportunities.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us pledge to support NGOs like the Skilled Hands Foundation, Yash Sewa Samiti, Ipsha Samaj, and Impact and Dialogue Foundation, along with countless others. These nonprofits are making a tangible difference in the lives of women and communities.

You can also reach out to i2u Social Foundation to help you invest your time, efforts, or money for the upliftment of women belonging to the underserved sections of the society.

Together, let us stand in solidarity with women worldwide and commit to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Author: Mayurii Rajvanshi

An avid animal lover with a soft spot for the social sector, Mayurii Rajvanshi is a freelance writer and content specialist on a mission to help brands tell their stories better. She believes powerful storytelling has the potential to change the world for the better.