At Ahwalwadi, decentralized production units enable village women to earn an income while caring for their children. This setup fosters a harmonious family environment as young and expecting mothers work alongside their mothers-in-law, making income generation a community activity. Allowing children to observe and participate provides them with valuable training in handwork and strengthens the mother-child bond. Nearly 45 women have been trained in various skills, earning from home. We are now guiding them towards cooperative business models to foster entrepreneurship.
Our initiatives at Ahwalwadi emphasize financial independence for women. Training in saving and managing finances is integral to our program. Women are encouraged to pool their resources, explore cooperative business models, and become entrepreneurs. This approach ensures that income generation is sustainable and empowers women to make informed financial decisions for their families.
Education is a cornerstone of our empowerment efforts. Weekly reading sessions with the women of Ahwalwadi foster discussions on important societal roles and women’s empowerment. Currently, we are studying “Stree Shakti” by Vinoba Bhave, which questions traditional roles assigned to women and presents alternative views. These sessions enhance reading skills and provoke thoughtful discussions on identity, gender equality, and self-worth.
Ensuring the well-being of women in Ahwalwadi involves more than financial empowerment. Our programs include healthcare education, focusing on preventive care, maternal health, and child nutrition. By providing access to healthcare resources and information, we aim to improve the overall health and quality of life for the women and their families.
Self-awareness and mental well-being are critical components of our empowerment program. Weekly meditation sessions and discussions on self-image and self-worth help women build confidence and a positive identity. Through these activities, women learn to question commonly held beliefs about womanhood and embrace a more empowered self-view.
Our post-Diwali meet with the women of Ahwalwadi was a platform to discuss their needs, dreams, and aspirations for the new year. We explored how to improve their village environment and continue our commitment to their holistic development.
Weekly readings and discussions on “Stree Shakti” by Vinoba Bhave trigger conversations around identity, gender equality, and women’s liberation. These sessions are powerful tools for education and empowerment.
Suvarna Kadre, a key member of our community, was felicitated by Symbiosis College at the VM Dandekar memorial lecture for her outstanding work with eCoexist. Her achievement is a testament to the impact of our empowerment programs.
