New Delhi, Mar 4, 2025: PVR NEST, the CSR trust PVR INOX Limited, and VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology service specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, recently celebrated the progress and success of women from grassroots communities as they concluded the Power of One program.
PVR NEST has established specially-designed learning and growth spaces for women in at-risk urban slum communities. Known as Garima Grih and Pink Centers, PVR NEST runs 11 such safe centers in 35 urban slum settlements in the city. These centers offer opportunities to first-generation earners to become financially independent. Located at some of the most vulnerable city slum settlements around areas such as Kirti Nagar, R K Puram, and Vikaspuri, these centers have emerged as high-impact rehabilitative spaces where thousands of women have received skill-based training and become economically independent.
During the journey, 11 community cohort leaders became the force of the program, who were groomed as changemakers. They underwent rigorous training programs to develop leadership capabilities and influence 5,000 more community women through behavioural change programs. As many as 500 women were empowered through this program while many hundreds launched their home businesses.
Mitali Namchoom, IAS, Director, Department of Women and Child, was present along with the program partners and community members at Garima Grih. It was inspiring to see women in the community share their stories of change.
These women, including single mothers and those who could not pursue education, and others who struggled with abject poverty and strict gender roles, shared how they are now more empowered and respected members of their families and have successfully broken the intergenerational cycles of poverty.
The impact presentation, ‘Power of One Journey Film’ was also premiered on the day.
Speaking on the occasion, Namchoom said, “The empowerment of women is at the heart of our nation's progress. Initiatives like these play a pivotal role in breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for women across all communities. It is heartening to see so many women rise above challenges, lead with confidence, and contribute to the transformation of their communities, and I greatly appreciate the efforts of PVR NEST and VFS Global.”
“We at VFS Global, remain committed to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aligned with SDG-5, we continue to empower women via skill training, education and entrepreneurship. This programme in partnership with PVR NEST and Municipal Corporation of Delhi is aligned to our vision and commitment to supporting the Government of India's Naari Shakti initiatives and creating tangible local impact,” said Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer - South Asia, VFS Global.
“At PVR NEST, we are committed to creating safe spaces for women, where they can access essential services and build the foundation for their growth and empowerment. Through initiatives like our Pink Centers and Garima Grih, we have been able to address critical issues such as breastfeeding, menstrual health management, and safe sanitation while aligning with the sustainable development goals. The economic empowerment of women, particularly those in migrant urban slum communities, is a cause that is deeply personal to us. We are thrilled to partner with VFS Global to elevate this program under the ‘Power of One’ banner, as we strive to equip women with the skills, leadership, and opportunities needed to transform their lives and uplift generations to come,” said Deepa Menon, Founder- PVR NEST and Sr Vice President- Corporate Communications, PVR INOX Limited.
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