New Delhi, October 29, 2025: Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has announced that its flagship women empowerment initiative Sakhi has generated a cumulative credit of ₹125.71 crore, benefiting more than 25,455 women across 2,167 self-help groups (SHGs) in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Manjari Foundation and Chaitanya Trust, continues to strengthen financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among rural women through access to formal credit, savings, and livelihood opportunities.
The credit generated through Sakhi Federation has enabled women to invest in small businesses, improve household infrastructure, support children’s education, and manage financial emergencies without dependence on informal credit sources. The SHGs have created a sustainable system of community-based financial growth, where every rupee reinvested contributes to the overall prosperity and resilience of families and villages.
Launched as part of Hindustan Zinc’s broader community development vision, Sakhi focuses on promoting economic self-reliance, leadership, and social empowerment among women. The program provides training in financial literacy, business management, and skill-building while nurturing entrepreneurship through microenterprises.
The initiative has helped transform lives across rural Rajasthan. Farzana, a widow from Kayad, Rajasthan, rebuilt her life by joining the Peer Baba Self-Help Group under the Sakhi programme. After receiving food processing training at the Sakhi pickle unit, she established a stable income stream to support her family and children’s education. Recognized with Business World’s Social Impact Leader Award, she shared, “Working here has given me hope for a better future for my children. I now have the confidence to manage my home and finances independently.”
Similarly, Indra Meena, a single mother from Zawar, joined the Sakhi Namkeen Unit and went on to become one of its top earners. Today, she serves on the Board of Directors of Sakhi Utpadan Samiti, mentoring other women in entrepreneurship.
“The Namkeen Unit near my home has been a blessing. These didis I work with are not just colleagues, they are my family,” she said with pride.
Under the Sakhi and Microenterprise programmes, Hindustan Zinc has established 14 production units and 208 stores, generating over ₹231 lakh in revenue through rural brands such as Daichi (edibles) and Upaya (textiles). The initiative has also driven ₹11.63 crore in interest earnings and ₹22.90 crore in savings, building strong market linkages and creating employment opportunities across more than 200 villages.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality, decent work, and economic growth, the Sakhi initiative continues to redefine rural development by empowering women as key drivers of social and economic change.
Beyond Sakhi, Hindustan Zinc’s community interventions—ranging from education, healthcare, and livelihood enhancement to water conservation, sports, and environment initiatives—have touched over 23 lakh lives across 2,350 villages. Through its ongoing efforts under the Anil Agarwal Foundation, including the flagship Nand Ghar programme, the company continues to advance its mission of inclusive and sustainable community development, setting benchmarks in responsible corporate citizenship.
