‘She Matters 2.0’ Empowers Marginalized Women Through Arts-Based Leadership Training in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, July 09, 2025: Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the CSR arm of Omega Healthcare, in collaboration with Katradi, an initiative of Wind Dancers Trust (India), concluded the second edition of the She Matters leadership program at Mannmuqi Village, Tamil Nadu. The three-day immersive camp empowered 50 women from marginalized communities through creative arts, self-exploration, and practical skills training.

The initiative aimed to nurture grassroots leadership among women through traditional art forms such as storytelling, theatre, and dance. Participants engaged in sessions addressing caste and gender-based barriers, financial literacy, and reproductive health, equipping them to become community mentors and facilitators.

“True empowerment begins when women rediscover their strength and lead with purpose. She Matters 2.0 reflects our belief that leadership is not reserved for a few, but must be nurtured at the grassroots, especially among women who have long been denied space, voice, and opportunity. By creating immersive experiences rooted in empathy, we’re not just building individual confidence but also investing in sustainable, community-led change that grows stronger with each woman who dares to lead,” said Sunanda Rangarajan, CEO of OFSI.

The program focused on helping women reclaim leadership roles in their communities, with many participants preparing to lead workshops on gender-based violence, stereotypes, and financial independence. Through shared experiences and reflection, the camp facilitated a collective process of healing and empowerment.

“The arts give us the empathy and courage to question generational injustice. In She Matters 2.0, we saw how creativity becomes a tool for truth-telling, connection, and collective healing. These women were not just taught leadership skills but also trained to execute it at grassroots level. Through shared stories, movement, and reflection, they broke silences carried for generations,” said Sangeeta Isvaran, Founding Trustee, Katradi.

The camp was held at Mannmuqi Village, a 15-acre farm-stay near Chennai, providing a peaceful environment for self-reflection and community-building. For many participants, it was their first experience of independent travel and public speaking.

“The program aligned deeply with our belief in creating spaces that nourish both body and spirit. These women spend their lives caring for others, often without access to rest or reflection. It was a privilege to offer them a space where they could feel safe, seen, and supported,” said Sujatha Natarajan, Co-promoter of Mannmuqi Village.

OFSI continues to implement integrated social impact programs across South India, while Katradi has worked in over 35 countries using the arts to address social issues such as gender-based violence and mental wellness.