October 16th, 2023 : Rural women are pivotal in boosting agricultural and rural development. But their contribution is often underappreciated. Recognising their contribution, the United Nations celebrates International Day of Rural Women on October 15. This global observance acknowledges rural women's role in overcoming challenges around them. This year, the focus is on addressing the global cost-of-living crisis and equal opportunities in rural areas.
The theme aligns with UltraTech's commitment to social welfare and women's economic empowerment, in line with Sustainable Development Goals. UltraTech's CSR teams work to empower socio-economically marginalized women and promote gender equality where they operate.
Microenterprise formation:
In 2020, the CSR team at Baga Cement Works, an integrated unit of UltraTech, in Himachal Pradesh empowered 200 women from 15 villages by creating a microenterprise. It focuses on diverse livelihoods like detergent and milk product supply chains, turmeric value chains, and value-added milk products. Today, these women run the microenterprise successfully, earning an average monthly income of Rs. 3,000, benefiting their families and communities.
Tailoring and embroidery training:
Arakkonam Cement Works, a grinding unit of UltraTech, in Tamil Nadu provided free training in tailoring and embroidery to 2,202 marginalized women in nearby villages. 780 of these women found employment in local textile companies, highlighting the impact of skill-building on individual lives and communities.
Safety jacket production facility:
In Rajasthan, the CSR team of Birla White, a unit of UltraTech, supported Prayas Sakhi Mandal. It is a local women's self-help group. The CSR team helped them in producing 975 safety reflective jackets for shop floor employees. This initiative increased women's income and workplace safety, benefiting their families and communities.
Coaching and infrastructure for education:
UltraTech’s integrated unit Kotputli Cement Works, located in Rajasthan, has been offering specialised coaching to marginalised girls studying in the 10th standard since 2009. Around 95% of these girls have successfully qualified in the 10th class state board exams, with a zero-dropout rate, breaking barriers and achieving academic success.
Support for health, wellness, and nutrition:
Maihar Cement Works, an integrated unit of UltraTech, in Madhya Pradesh launched Project Ojashwani to improve the health and nutrition of 120 adolescent girls from a tribal community. UltraTech facilitated blood tests, medical treatment, and regular monitoring, contributing to these girls' well-being and academic performance.
Also, Kotputli Cement Works distributed 90 nutrition kits to marginalised pregnant women, promoting health, hygiene, and nutrition.
These stories demonstrate UltraTech's commitment to women's socio-economic empowerment and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. As we celebrate International Day of Rural Women 2023, we find motivation in these endeavours, showing how corporate social responsibility can facilitate positive change and gender equality in rural communities.
