Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards fostering economic empowerment among rural women, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has extended crucial support to self-help groups (SHGs) in Gunpur village, located in the tribal-dominated Kalahandi district of Odisha.
The company’s initiative involves the provision of essential machinery for the establishment of micro-enterprises focused on chappal (slipper) making, paper plate production, and rice milling. This strategic intervention aims to stimulate income generation, promote the growth of small businesses, and ultimately facilitate long-term financial independence for women in the region.
Further bolstering this support, Vedanta Aluminium organized a comprehensive workshop on financial independence for 45 women representing three SHG groups. The workshop curriculum focused on vital aspects of entrepreneurship, including identifying and implementing income-generating activities, and developing effective marketing and sales skills. Expert-led sessions equipped the participants with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to manage their ventures efficiently and confidently pursue financial autonomy.
Expressing her gratitude, Maa Lankeswari SHG Secretary Kalendiri Dhangada Majhi stated, “We are deeply grateful for Vedanta’s commitment to economically empowering women SHGs and helping us secure our livelihoods. The support has not only provided us with essential equipment but has also armed us with the necessary skills to build sustainable businesses.”
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vedanta Aluminium, underscored the company’s dedication, saying, “We are steadfast in our commitment to empowering women to realize their full potential. Our initiatives in Kalahandi and across Odisha reflect our dedication to fostering gender inclusivity and nurturing women entrepreneurs.”
Highlighting the transformative impact of such initiatives, Mr. Gupta added, “In regions where women were once forced into heartbreaking choices, like selling their children for survival, they are now stepping into roles as confident and financially independent change-makers, transforming not just their own lives but also their entire communities.”
Kalahandi today stands as a region with a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ecosystem. Through impactful programs like ‘Project Panchhi’ and ‘Project Shree Shakti’, Vedanta Aluminium continues its efforts to empower women from rural and marginalized communities by providing access to education, employment opportunities, and flexible workplace policies. This latest initiative in Gunpur village further solidifies the company’s commitment to driving positive social and economic change at the grassroots level.