The Jeewan Jyoti Women Empowerment Programme, launched in 2014 by Sterlite Technologies (STL), is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering rural women by equipping them with practical skills for financial independence. Through vocational training in fields such as computing, sewing, nursing, and beauty, the program has successfully empowered over 4,000 women, enabling them to become self-reliant and break free from the cycle of poverty. In the coming year, the program aims to expand its reach to 170 villages.
In a special interview with TheCSRUniverse, Ms. Jyoti Aggarwal, Managing Trustee of Sterlite Tech Foundation and a driving force behind the success of the Jeewan Jyoti Women Empowerment Programme, provides valuable insights into the program's objectives, its profound impact on rural women, and the strategies employed to address their unique needs and challenges. She also discusses the role of corporate social responsibility in promoting women's empowerment and creating a more equitable society.
Join us as we delve into this enlightening conversation, exploring the inspiring journey of Jeewan Jyoti and the incredible efforts of Ms. Jyoti Aggarwal in transforming the lives of rural women in India.
Q&A
Q. Can you tell us more about the Jeewan Jyoti Women Empowerment Programme and its objectives? How does it address the unique needs and challenges rural women face in India?
Jeewan Jyoti Empowerment Institute, established in 2014 in Ambavane, Velhe (Pune, Maharashtra), aims to empower rural women. Starting with 95 students from 20 villages, the program has transformed the lives of thousands of women. The program offers practical skills in fields like computers, tailoring, fashion designing, nursing, and beauty culture, enabling financial independence and a better life. It nurtures entrepreneurial spirit, enhances management abilities, and connects participants with micro-financing opportunities. Women-led self-help groups drive progress and community development. The aim is to break the cycle of poverty and dependency by equipping women with practical skills, empowering them to achieve financial independence, and be catalysts for change in their communities.
Recognizing the lack of public transportation in the area, we have made transportation services available to our students—a rare offering among similar programs in the country. This initiative ensures that women from distant regions can benefit from the program.
Q. What specific skills and training do the women in the program receive? How do these skills contribute to financial independence, entrepreneurship, and empowerment?
We focus on vocational training in computers, tailoring, fashion designing, nursing, and beauty culture, which open doors to financial stability and prosperity. We nurture their entrepreneurial mindset, enhance their management abilities, and connect them with micro-financing opportunities. The curriculum extends beyond vocational skills, including public speaking, confidence development, nutrition and health, life skills, and entrepreneurship support. This comprehensive approach empowers women with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various aspects of life. Many of our students are the first women entrepreneurs in their villages, acting as catalysts for change and inspiring others in their communities.
Jeewan Jyoti is dedicated to empowering women through upskilling and fostering excellence. We provide women with opportunities to serve both national and global customers, thereby expanding their horizons and contributing to societal progress. In addition to skill development, we have an in-house production unit where women can create soft furnishings, apparels for kids, fashionable apparels for women, etc. Through training conducted by renowned experts from Rangasutra, Masterjee, and other esteemed organizations, we ensure that our women are equipped with the necessary expertise to cater to the needs of our diverse customer base.
Q. Could you share the impact and some success stories or examples of women who have benefited from the Jeewan Jyoti program and how it has transformed their lives? How has the program contributed to reducing gender inequality in the communities it serves?
The program has impacted 20,000 lives in 140 villages, facilitating over INR 19 million in micro-financing linkages and we target to cover 170 villages in the next one year. These numbers reflect our commitment to making a positive difference in deserving women's lives.
One of the success stories at Jeewan Jyoti is that of Rupali, who, despite her family’s reservations, joined the Jeewan Jyoti Program for a beauty course. She learned the latest trends and techniques in the beauty industry and is now earning INR 15,000+. Her parents are very proud of her, and so are we. Another inspiring example is Sonali, a 19-year-old artisan from Sonde Sarpale village in Maharashtra. Saloni took the lead in her family from a very young age. She is one of the best tailoring artisans working for a garment brand. Not only does she work hard and earns a respectable income of around INR 10,000 per month, but she also mentors other artisans.
These stories represent the resilience and empowerment fostered by Jeewan Jyoti, which goes beyond skill development to instill confidence and self-reliance in the women we serve. The impact extends beyond individual success stories. By reducing gender inequality, the program has created a ripple effect in the communities it serves.
Q. How do you measure the success and impact of the Jeewan Jyoti program? Do you have any specific metrics or indicators that you use? How do you ensure the long-term sustainability of the program?
At Jeewan Jyoti, we measure the success and impact of our program through a combination of quantitative metrics and qualitative insights. We track the number of women who benefited, the villages covered, and the financial resources generated. Additionally, we gather personal stories and testimonials to understand the transformative power of our program.
To ensure long-term sustainability, we collaborate with local partners, government agencies, and community organizations to build strong networks and ensure community ownership. These partnerships enable us to tap into local resources, expertise, and funding opportunities, enhancing the program's sustainability. We focus on capacity building, skill development, and entrepreneurship support for the women we serve.
Q. In your opinion, what role does corporate social responsibility (CSR) play in promoting women's empowerment and creating an equitable society? Specifically focusing on CSR in women empowerment, what strategies or initiatives most effectively bring about sustainable change?
Creating equal employment opportunities, promoting fair wages, and ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for women are crucial aspects of CSR initiatives. Companies can implement skill development programs, entrepreneurship support, and mentorship programs to enhance women's economic empowerment. This can increase financial independence, improve social status, and reduce gender disparities. CSR initiatives can support programs focusing on girls' education and skill development. This includes providing scholarships, building schools, supporting vocational training, and promoting digital literacy. Companies can empower women with knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue diverse career paths and contribute to societal progress by ensuring equal access to education and skill-building opportunities.
However, sustainable change requires a long-term commitment from companies. CSR initiatives should have a well-defined strategy, clear objectives, and continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and adaptability. CSR initiatives should also address multiple dimensions, such as education, employment, health, and social inclusion, to create lasting impact and promote gender equality. Last but not least, engaging with the local community is crucial for understanding their needs, aspirations, and challenges. Companies should involve women and local stakeholders in designing, implementing, and monitoring initiatives to ensure relevance, cultural sensitivity, and community ownership.
Q. How do you engage the local community and stakeholders in designing and implementing the Jeewan Jyoti program? What strategies have you found effective in garnering support and creating a sense of ownership among the community members?
We consult community leaders, local organizations, and individuals to understand their needs, aspirations, and challenges. By actively listening to their perspectives and involving them in the decision-making process, we ensure that the program is designed to address their specific requirements and align with their cultural context. For example, we discovered transportation challenges and implemented transportation services for students.
We provide opportunities for community members to become program trainers, mentors, or facilitators. By empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively, we create a sense of ownership and pride among community members. This approach ensures sustainability and enables the program to continue and thrive.
Moreover, we organize community awareness campaigns and sensitization programs to educate the local population about the importance of women's empowerment and the benefits of the Jeewan Jyoti program. By creating awareness and fostering dialogue, we build support and understanding within the community, encouraging them to participate and champion the cause actively.
Q. What role do collaboration and partnerships play in the program's success? Can you share any examples of strategic alliances that have enhanced the program's impact?
Working together with like-minded organizations and stakeholders amplifies our impact and enhances the effectiveness of our initiatives. By joining forces, we can leverage complementary expertise, resources, and networks to create more sustainable and far-reaching change.
One notable collaboration that has significantly enhanced the impact of our program is our partnership with the Maharashtra State Board for Vocational Education (MSBVE), through which all our courses are certified by MSBVE, ensuring the quality and recognition of the vocational training we provide. This partnership lends credibility to our program and helps our beneficiaries access better employment opportunities, further contributing to their empowerment and financial stability.
We have also forged a strategic collaboration with the American India Foundation (AIF) for our DEIL program (Digital Equalizer and Improved Learning). This collaboration has been instrumental in making digital education accessible to our beneficiaries. Additionally, we partnered with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Lighthouse Communities Foundation to empower Pune's slum residents through a tailored digital skills program aligned with the Digital Pune and Digital India Mission. This program introduces a tailored digital skills curriculum for individuals aged 14 to 60.
More than 9,25,200 individuals have gained the invaluable gift of quality education. Additionally, over 6,900 children have been granted access to early childhood development programs, ensuring their preparedness for primary education. Furthermore, 2,000 government schools in Maharashtra and Rajasthan have reaped the benefits of ed-tech initiatives, propelling educational progress forward.
Q. The Jeewan Jyoti program has empowered 5000+ women. How do you ensure its continued evolution to meet changing needs and aspirations? Also, with 100+ villages across three talukas, how do you ensure scalability, replicability, quality, and impact?
Through regular assessments and gathering feedback from beneficiaries, we identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to keep the program relevant and impactful. We prioritize continuous learning and innovation by staying updated with the latest research and best practices in women's empowerment and skill development. This allows us to introduce new modules and training methodologies that address evolving challenges in rural communities.
We collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to identify new villages and talukas for program expansion to ensure scalability and replicability. Our strong partnerships and comprehensive training programs for coordinators and facilitators provide consistent program delivery and quality.
Our ultimate goal is to empower women across a broader geographic reach, creating sustainable change in their lives and communities.
Q. How does the Jeewan Jyoti program align with STL's broader goals and values?
STL is a leading optical and digital solutions company committed to transforming lives and connecting the world. Through responsible business operations and community initiatives, STL champions sustainability serves communities, and addresses social and economic inequalities. Jeewan Jyoti, the Women Empowerment program, exemplifies this commitment by providing skill development and empowerment opportunities to marginalized women, contributing to a more equitable society, and supporting India's economic growth.
Jeewan Jyoti's alignment with STL's core values is evident in its integrity, innovation, and collaboration. The program upholds ethical practices, embraces innovation, and actively partners with government agencies and NGOs to maximize its impact. By addressing the gender gap and empowering women through vocational training and livelihood opportunities, it enables economic self-reliance and drives socioeconomic development. STL goes beyond business objectives through this program, making a meaningful difference in society while upholding connectivity, innovation, and sustainability as key pillars of its community outreach efforts.
Q. How do you think CSR initiatives can contribute to the overall development and growth of rural communities in India? Are there any specific challenges or barriers you have encountered in implementing initiatives for women's empowerment? If so, how have you addressed them?
Our CSR initiatives focus on skill development programs that provide vocational training and employment opportunities to rural communities. This helps reduce unemployment, enhance income levels, and promote entrepreneurship among the rural population. Our programs encourage women's education, skill training, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. By addressing gender disparities and empowering women, we contribute to rural communities' overall development.
However, I won’t say there are no challenges. Deep-rooted socio-cultural norms and gender biases pose challenges to women's empowerment initiatives. Limited access to resources such as education, finance, and technology also acts as a deterrent. In many rural communities, women face barriers to participating in decision-making processes and holding leadership positions. Last but not least, women in rural areas face safety and security concerns that restrict their mobility and participation in economic activities.
Through Jeewan Jyoti, we are tackling these challenges. We adopt a multi-faceted approach, including community engagement, capacity building, advocacy, and collaboration with local stakeholders. Our partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, and other organizations are helping in leveraging resources and expertise to overcome barriers and maximize the impact of women's empowerment initiatives in rural communities.
Q. Looking beyond the Jeewan Jyoti program, what other areas of women's empowerment do you think deserve attention and investment? Are there any new initiatives or focus areas that STL is exploring?
Beyond our business, we give a lot of weightage to engaging with the communities we serve. Our key focus areas are Women Empowerment (through our Jeewan Jyoti Empowerment Institute), Environment (through our water and afforestation efforts), Hybrid Healthcare Program (focusing on hybrid health programs), and Education.
For instance, our Hybrid Healthcare Program utilizes technology to improve access to quality healthcare services for rural and marginalized communities. Through teleconsultations, testing, medication, and referrals, we are bridging the healthcare gap and positively impacting over 1.5 million individuals. This program has treated 290,000 pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and older people, contributing to their well-being. We actively participate in sustainable water programs and afforestation initiatives. Through collaborations with the government and community involvement, we have made significant contributions, such as replenishing 1.4 million m3 of water in eight villages and raising well water levels by 40-50 feet.
By addressing these crucial areas, we strive to positively impact women's development and well-being and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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