Chennai, Dec 11, 2024: Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the social impact arm of Omega Healthcare, in partnership with Katradi, an initiative of Wind Dancers Trust (India) has hosted ‘She Matters’ — a leadership camp at DakshinaChitra. The three-day event held recently brought together 30 women leaders from marginalized backgrounds to foster leadership development, resilience, and community empowerment.
The camp utilized traditional arts and creative expression as powerful tools for self-discovery and collective empowerment. Through immersive activities such as storytelling, theater, and traditional dance, women engaged in confronting and dismantling deeply ingrained societal barriers tied to caste, patriarchy, and class. Additionally, the camp served as a foundation for Lorry Lolakku, a mobile theater production co-created by participants and professional artists. This impactful performance, addressing critical social issues identified by the women, is set to travel back to their communities, fostering meaningful dialogue and driving transformative change.
The event highlighted OFSI’s mission to empower women and grassroots communities. Sunanda Rangarajan, CEO of OFSI, emphasized the organization’s dedication to integrated interventions in healthcare, education, and economic development. She said, “At OFSI, we believe that true empowerment begins when women are given the opportunity to rediscover their strength and lead with purpose. Through initiatives like ‘She Matters’, we aim to provide marginalized women with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to step into leadership roles and inspire those around them. This camp is a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of grassroots efforts in driving sustainable socio-economic impact."
Sangeeta Isvaran, Founding Trustee of Katradi, spoke on the transformative power of the arts. She said, “Katradi believes in the power of the arts to ask difficult questions in order to help us grow and come out of generational injustice. The fractured world we live in today needs more empathy, more love to dissolve differences and understand the 'other'. This flame of understanding fuels every aspect of my work with people to trigger transformation."
Highlighting the camp's focus on leadership and transformation, Dr Uma Maheshwari, CEO of TN-RISE Women Startup Council (Tamil Nadu Rural Incubator & Startup Enabler), delivered the keynote address: Pathbreaking Women - What Do They Need?
With a strong focus on nurturing a culture of knowledge and skill, Dr Maheshwari emphasised the role of values in making ideas work and building sustainable communities. Her insights and vision inspired participants to challenge societal norms and rise as leaders within their communities.
DakshinaChitra, with its immersive cultural setting, provided an inspiring backdrop for participants to connect with South India’s heritage and reimagine their futures. The Director of Culture, Anitha Pottamkulam spoke about their initiatives and said, "We have defined our museum as a cultural citizenship project. Much like citizenship it involves both rights and responsibilities. We seek to create cultural citizenship through fabulously designed programs like 'She Matters' that deliver cultural literacy in addition to so much more.”
The program culminated in the creation of actionable leadership plans, empowering the women to return to their communities as advocates of transformation and hope.
Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI) is dedicated to empowering grassroots communities, with a focus on women and girls as catalysts for socio-economic development. OFSI’s work spans various sectors, including healthcare, livelihood generation, and skill development, particularly in underserved communities across South India.
Katradi, an initiative of Wind Dancers Trust (India), is dedicated to creating social change through the arts by fostering empathy, creativity, and collaboration. With a presence in over 35 countries, Katradi uses diverse artistic mediums such as dance, theatre, and visual arts to address critical issues including mental wellness, gender-based violence, reproductive health, and gender equality. Through their programmes, Katradi helps individuals and communities unlock their potential, challenge biases, and cultivate sustainable transformation.
A celebrated heritage museum in Tamil Nadu, DakshinaChitra is a vibrant cultural hub that showcases South India’s rich traditions, arts, and crafts. By providing a space that honors the region's heritage, DakshinaChitra offers participants a deeply immersive environment where they can connect with their roots, explore their identities, and build new futures through creative expression.
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