Dalmia Bharat Group, India’s leading conglomerate with businesses in cement and sugar, announces the successful empowerment of 18000 women on International Day of Rural Women. Through the establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), these women are provided essential skill training and access to vital resources for sustainable livelihood development. In collaboration with various organisations like NRLM, NABARD, etc. Dalmia Bharat organizes various training initiatives like micro-enterprise development, handicraft production and others in both farming and non-farming sectors. All these activities are conducted in communities settled around their regions of operation across 12 states in India. These initiatives aim to upskill rural women to empower them, diversify their income sources and provide access to formal credit systems.In the states of Assam and Meghalaya, Dalmia Bharat organizesskill development and enterprisetrainingsin livestock rearing, mushroom cultivation, agri-nutri gardens, tailoring, beauty services and many more. They have enabled over 1200 womenin the region to become financially independent earning a monthly income ranging from Rs.4000 to Rs 10000, significantly improving their individual well-being and the ability to support their families.
Commenting on the company’s initiatives on International Day of Rural WomenMr. Ashok K. Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundationsaid, “Rural women in developing countries play a vital role in food security and economic development but face severe marginalization, including limited land ownership, higher illiteracy rates and unequal earnings compared to men. Dalmia Bharat is dedicated to uplifting marginalized rural women through holistic programs that bolster their income while managing household responsibilities. Our commitment aligns with UN Sustainable Goals, promoting self-reliance and gender equality for an inclusive and sustainable India, where empowered women drive community and national development.”
Among the prominent initiatives in the region, Dalmia Bharat in collaboration with NABARD is providing training to empower SHGwomen with goat-rearing skills for micro-enterprise development. Additionally, the ‘Silai School’ program in partnership with USHA International supports women in Assam and Meghalaya by encouraging income generation through sewing. Training in nutrition, health, and entrepreneurship options along with ‘Agri Nutri Garden’ workshop equips women with the knowledge to establish small-scale businesses in food processing, creating products like pickles, jams, jellies, and squash from locally available produce.
International Day of Rural Women, observed annually on 15th October, celebrates the vital role of rural women in agriculture, food security, and rural development. It highlights the need to empower them, address inequalities, and aligns with global goals for gender equality and sustainable development.
