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CSR

CSR Partnerships with NGOs Are Driving Social Change in India

Best CSR partnerships in India

India stands at a transformative juncture where social responsibility, awareness, and inclusivity are increasingly central to national progress. In this shift, CSR partnerships with NGOs in India are becoming essential drivers of sustainable social development. These collaborations help underserved communities access resources, skills, and awareness to not just adapt to change—but lead it.

Why NGOs are Key Partners for CSR in India

Non-governmental organisations have evolved from traditional welfare service providers into change agents. They address systemic challenges like poverty, gender inequality, education gaps, healthcare inaccessibility, and environmental degradation. Their grassroots presence and cultural understanding make them ideal partners for businesses aiming to contribute meaningfully to social welfare.

When corporates partner with NGOs, they combine financial strength with local knowledge. This synergy enables strategic interventions that are scalable, community-driven, and impactful. The result: deeper engagement and measurable social outcomes.

From Charity to Long-Term Impact

CSR in India has moved beyond one-time donations and philanthropy. Today, businesses increasingly implement strategic CSR initiatives that align with their values and long-term societal goals. These include projects in education, public health, sustainable livelihoods, and climate action.

NGOs provide the expertise to customise programmes based on the real needs of communities, while businesses contribute capital, infrastructure, and reach. Together, they address current challenges and build resilient systems for future generations.

Joint Action for Sustainable Development

The combination of CSR initiatives and NGO partnerships creates a robust framework for sustainable development. NGOs offer ground-level experience, and corporations bring the resources needed to expand these solutions. This dual approach strengthens the effectiveness of CSR strategies, ensuring continuity, adaptability, and greater impact.

The collaboration also contributes to India’s progress toward global benchmarks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enabling inclusive growth for all.

Lifecycle Approach: Long-Term Community Upliftment

Projects that integrate a lifecycle perspective—like the Smile Foundation’s Lifecycle Approach—ensure that interventions are interconnected and holistic. They don’t treat issues like healthcare, education, or livelihood in isolation. Instead, they provide consistent support at every life stage.

This model fosters self-reliance within communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and building long-term resilience. It’s a strategy that corporates and NGOs can adopt to design comprehensive, long-lasting change.

Strategic Benefits for Businesses

CSR partnerships with NGOs don’t just benefit communities—they also deliver business value. Companies gain access to specialised networks, community insights, and tested models that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their CSR programmes.

Moreover, transparency is becoming a priority. Organisations increasingly publish sustainability reports to track their impact, improve accountability, and build trust with consumers, investors, and stakeholders. NGO collaboration adds credibility and measurable value to these reports.

Strengthening Community Connections

When CSR is implemented with purpose and precision, it strengthens the relationship between companies and the communities they aim to serve. Long-term engagement boosts goodwill, brand loyalty, and employee morale—all while creating meaningful social outcomes.

Collaborate with Purpose

CSR-NGO collaborations are no longer optional—they are essential. For over two decades, initiatives like those supported by the Smile Foundation have proven how well-structured partnerships between companies and grassroots organisations can bring about transformative change.

With over 400 corporate collaborations, Smile Foundation continues to support programmes across education, health, livelihood, and empowerment. For businesses seeking to create sustained social value, strategic partnerships with trusted NGOs offer a clear path forward.

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Education Smile

More Women Join STEM Courses, Few Make it to the Top

ten STEM Inventions
How Is India Keeping Its Education System Relevant?

India has the highest number of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates in the world. According to Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India has set a world record with 40% enrolment of women in STEM fields, The Hindu reported in March 2024. 

However, even though graduation rates are higher among women than men, women are less likely to undertake studies in STEM fields, particularly engineering, information and communication technology (ICT) and physics, says a 2020 report by the World Bank on global trends in the participation of women and girls in STEM.

Women in STEM fields publish less and are likely to be underpaid. Women comprised 29.2% of the STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated in the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), even though women made up 49.3% or almost half of the total employment across non-STEM occupations.

What are the Challenges Faced by Women in STEM?/ Why is there a Gender Gap in STEM?

The underrepresentation and challenges faced by women in science and STEM fields can be attributed to a number of social, and cultural factors.

Gender bias: Traditional gender roles in India often prioritize women’s familial responsibilities. Women are usually the ones who take care of children and are caregivers. That’s why many women face pressure from family and society to prioritise the family over academic or professional careers. Many drop out or are unable to climb the career ladder due to this. 

Less encouragement: From a very young age, especially in some communities, girls don’t receive the same encouragement to pursue careers in science as boys. They are discouraged from taking up or excelling in “male-dominated” subjects such as mathematics or engineering. According to UNESCO’s ‘Changing the Equation: Changing STEM futures for Women’, Policy Brief for the G20 Women’s Empowerment Working Group, in eight out of 10 countries, more boys aspire to jobs using maths.

“When I was doing my BSc (Physics) at a college in Kolkata in 1999, there were 47 boys and only seven girls in my class,” says Haimanti Paul, who is researching non-conventional energy sources. “Even when I became a teacher later, I realised that girls are more scared of studying physics when compared to boys. And this is probably because they have been told as children that they are not good enough to study tough subjects like physics.”

Barriers in educational institutions: The gender bias faced from peers, teachers, and even their own families can undermine the confidence of female students and limit their performance. In some cases, the educational infrastructure such as lack of sanitary facilities, or safety issues discourage women’s full participation in STEM, especially in rural or underdeveloped areas.

Social and familial expectations: Many women may struggle to strike a balance between their career ambitions and societal expectations of caregiving roles. “If you spend many years studying, then parents are worried that their daughters won’t get married on time,” says Himanti, who is now based in Bengaluru. “And after marriage, in-laws pressurise them to have children, and then they have to take care of their children, which means taking a break from or spending lesser hours at work.”

Somdatta Karak, a science communicator with CCMB (Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology), who works to make science accessible to all, agrees. “When parents approach me, they ask how settled the job would be if their children continue in science. Unfortunately, it is not a “settled” job. You may land a job with a research institution in the city or with a university in smaller places,” she says.

Discrimination at the workplace: Women in STEM careers often face biases in hiring, promotions, and pay. There are fewer women in leadership positions in science and technology, so younger women do not have the same opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. Scientific careers often require you to put in long hours in labs or in fieldwork, which can be discouraged by families who are not supportive, leading to higher attrition rates for women in STEM fields.

“It takes years of studies to be trained as an academic; it’s a slow process. In most workplaces, it is difficult to be hired for positions where you are an independent group leader if you are above 35,” says Karak. “Then you will be on probation for the first five years. Women in that age group are often juggling careers with household chores and babies so it’s tougher for them to make their way to the top.”

The leadership in most workplaces are male dominated. “And the few women who do reach those top leadership positions, the achievers who have also got the support of their families, often don’t relate to the common issues faced by women,” says Karak.

Fewer female faculty and role models: In 2019, the number of women faculty in STEM in India was about 14%. A recent study by Shruti Muralidhar and Vaishnavi Ananthanarayanan (2023) across 100 Indian universities found that only 16.6% of the overall STEM faculty were women.

“Though there are plenty of women taking up science as a career, people do not see enough role models of women scientists,” says Karak.

Need to Close the Gender Gap

Diversity, equity and inclusion provide a wide range of benefits to the workforce and the country and STEM is no different. Such benefits include the greater innovation of diverse teams and the creation of an adequate STEM workforce with resulting economic potential, among others, says UNESCO’s ‘Changing the Equation: Changing STEM futures for Women’.

However, according to the same report, women hold 22% of STEM jobs in G20 countries. Women and girls in STEM fields also face other disparities. Just take a look at these statistics: Only one in three researchers is a woman. Less than 25% of inventors listed in international patents are women. Women in STEM occupations earn just 85% of men’s pay. But it is important to bridge this gender gap. When the huge potential that women in STEM can offer remains untapped, scientific advancement and innovation is also affected. A more inclusive, diverse and strong scientific ecosystem can be created only by empowering women and promoting gender equality.

What’s Being Done?

Several government initiatives have been launched to help bridge the gender gap. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing a dedicated scheme, ‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)’ to enhance the participation of women in the field of Science and Technology (S&T)with the aim of achieving gender parity. The WISE-KIRAN Scheme is a holistic approach to address various challenges faced by women in their scientific journey through different kinds of programmes – the WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF) programme to provide women the opportunity to continue research after Ph D in Basic and Applied Sciences through independent project grants; the Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations (WIDUSHI) programme to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary areas of science and technology; the WISE-SCOPE programme to encourage women scientists and technologists to address societal challenges through science and technology interventions, etc.

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India also launched a scheme, SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research.  It aims to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research funding in various science and technology programmes in Indian academic institutions and research and development (R&D) laboratories.

NGOs Work to Rectify the Situation

Several NGOs have also been working in the field to encourage girls in urban and rural areas to opt for science and STEM careers. With the significance of STEM, activity based and technology driven learning increasing by the day, Smile Foundation’s creative and innovative learning programmes have been introduced in collaboration with like-minded corporate, educational institutions and NGO partners. Building scientific temperament in students by introducing them to think critically, solve problems through inquiry and logic, ideate creatively and continue this process of learning for a lifetime are critical skills for the youth and workforce of tomorrow. We also believe in creating an exciting and fun learning environment as it contributes towards a positive and energetic interaction that in turn enables children to understand easily and retain the concepts well. As part of the initiative, STEM labs have been established at 12 locations, including DIY activity kits for activity-based learning and STEM DIY kits.

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Smile Insights

Understanding the Journey of Mental Health in India post Covid-19

Understanding the Journey of Mental Health in India post Covid-19
Understanding the Journey of Mental Health in India post Covid-19

There was a time when people with mental health issues like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were taken to exorcists. For they were believed to be haunted by evil spirits. Until recently, it had been extremely difficult for the majority of the Indian population to understand that a human brain structure can malfunction. But the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reversed global development by a few decades, has attempted to help people in understanding the importance of mental health. To an extent, according to experts, it has even succeeded. Before we go on to discuss the journey of mental health post-pandemic in the country, let’s understand what mental health is and its importance.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is all about how people feel, think and behave. The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” It is determined by a complex yet significant interplay of individual, social and structural stresses and vulnerabilities.

Mental health conditions are a broad range of disorders that affect the mood, thinking and behaviour of a person. It includes mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and other mental states that are significantly associated with significant distress, functional impairment or self-harming risks.

Though many conceive it as a form of disorder, it is more than that. According to experts, it exists on a complex continuum. It is experienced differently by each person. Each will have a varying degree of difficulties and distress. Its impact on each person will have different social and clinical outcomes. People with mental health issues often experience lower levels of mental well-being. 

Terming it as a basic human right, WHO says it supports individuals’ abilities to build relationships, make the right decisions and shape the world. It is also vital for the development of individuals, societies and countries at large. Some of the common mental health conditions are schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorder, eating disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Why is Mental Health Important?

Mental health is crucial for the overall well-being of a person. For it has a serious impact on the emotional, social and psychological well-being of a person and influences how one feels, thinks, acts and interacts with others in their daily lives. A person with good mental health will be able to face challenges with resilience, make positive and right decisions, forge meaningful and strong relationships, manage stress effectively and contribute significantly to the well-being of others. It in turn holds a key to fostering a healthier society since it lays the foundation for collective well-being.

Also, mental health is closely associated with the physical health of individuals. People with poor mental health can contribute to or exacerbate physical health problems. For instance, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can affect heart health and the immune system and increase the chance of chronic diseases. These conditions will often interfere with the sleep patterns of a person and lead to sleep deprivation.

Treating mental health conditions and ensuring a positive condition is vital for the overall well-being of individuals. For it plays a crucial role in stabilizing emotions, thoughts and constructive behaviours. It in turn can contribute effectively to increasing productivity, improving relationships and enhancing self-image. Maintaining mental health can improve mood, reduce anxiety, think clearly and create an enhanced sense of inner peace.

Journey of Mental Health in India

Mental health conditions in India have been grim for a long time. It has always been stigmatised and overlooked. The stigma surrounding mental health was deeply entrenched in society. This in turn prevented people from seeking professional help and made them struggle silently. The struggles are mainly because of the social, cultural and systematic barriers. It is often perceived as a taboo subject. 

Mental health conditions have always been seen through the lens of superstition in India. People saw it as weakness or an evil omen. There were times when people with mental health conditions were taken to exorcists rather than a doctor. Because it was often associated with possession by evil spirits or punishments for wrongdoings in the past. People often feared being labeled as unstable would lead to discrimination and isolation. This in turn prevented me from seeking professional help. As a result, they struggled in private.

Inadequate mental health literacy and lack of awareness were also the major reasons for the grim situation. People did not recognise common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression required professional intervention. Also, lack of mental health education and open conversations left many individuals without the tools to identify and address mental health challenges, both for themselves and others.

According to a survey conducted in 2017, one in seven Indian citizens was suffering from one of the mental disorders. The proportion of mental disorders to the total disease burden in the country was estimated to have doubled from 1990 to 2017. India accounted for 26.6% of the global suicide deaths in 2016.

But the COVID-19 pandemic has become a game changer for many, especially those with mental health conditions. It is true that the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown to control the infection have severed the health condition for many. But it also opened the gates to increase awareness about the importance of mental health. People had started talking about the conditions without much hesitation. The open talk and awareness had encouraged many to come forward to seek professional help.

In addition to the increased awareness, both the state and union governments, along with development organisations and hospitals, had set up tele-counselling centres across the country to assist people with mental health conditions. The pandemic has also helped the healthcare system to adapt quickly to the digital transformations. Since it was not possible to give in-person consultations due to lockdown and social distancing norms, telemedicine became a critical tool for mental health treatment. As a result, many therapists and psychiatrists began offering online consultations. Also, the popularity of online mental health applications offering multiple counseling services, teaching mindfulness exercises and providing emotional support resources has multiplied.

The research conducted in 2023 has revealed that over 82% of youngsters believe their parents would extend their support if they needed professional help to deal with mental health conditions. This shows the increased awareness among the people.

The journey of mental health in India after the COVID-19 pandemic has been awakening. While the pandemic highlighted the critical need for mental health care and increased dialogue, challenges remain in terms of accessibility, stigma and service availability. The path forward lies in continued policy support, expanding mental health infrastructure, integrating mental health into the broader healthcare system, and further reducing stigma to make mental health care more inclusive and effective for all citizens.

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CSR Education Girl Child Health Livelihood Partnerships

Driving Gender Equality through CSR in India

CSR in India empowering women
CSR in India empowering women

The word “Equality” is derived from the Latin word “Aequus,” meaning fair and just. In today’s world, equal rights and treatment are recognised as fundamental rights, protected by law and embedded in social consciousness. However, when we delve deeper, it becomes clear that true equality remains elusive for many. In India, despite outward appearances, inequality still exists, especially for low-income families.

To ensure that equality becomes a lived reality for all, we must implement transformative measures. Since the advent of CSR in India, gender equality initiatives have gained vital support, helping many from disadvantaged communities break free from societal limitations and move toward empowerment.

CSR in India- Bridging Gaps

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a pivotal institution globally, acting as a bridge between those who have access to a dignified life and those who do not. In India, CSR is governed by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, Schedule VII, and the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. These frameworks outline eligibility, implementation and reporting requirements for CSR activities. India’s detailed CSR mechanism has positioned the country as a global leader, setting benchmarks in sustainability and working expeditiously on stakeholder activism for national development.

Women CSR Initiatives in India

The primary goal of Women CSR in India has always been clear: to address social challenges that impede national progress and create support mechanisms that promote equality, inclusivity and sustainability. Several noteworthy CSR initiatives in India, such as Project Nanhi Kali by Mahindra Group, Nand Ghar by the Anil Agarwal Foundation and Mansi by Tata Steel Foundation, have been instrumental in promoting gender equality, educational access and social empowerment for girls of families who are at the bottom of the economic progress pyramid.

Beyond Philanthropy with Smile

CSR represents a dynamic force that lives and breathes within our society. CSR initiatives aim to create a shared value ecosystem, empowering every individual to contribute to national progress, ensuring that no community is left behind. Collective growth, central to national development, relies on equal opportunities for all. 

Smile Foundation’s initiatives in education, health, livelihood and women’s empowerment have been designed with equality at their core, ensuring that each community experiences simultaneous progress.

Each year, Smile Foundation impacts over 1.5 million children and families across 2,000 villages in 25 states through carefully tailored programmes that promote gender equality alongside education, healthcare and livelihood support. Our initiatives focus on empowering both women and men, ensuring equal opportunities for all, especially in underserved communities where such opportunities are often scarce.

Education For All
Through our flagship programme, Mission Education, aligned with the National Education Policy, we prioritise access to quality education for all children, regardless of gender. By focusing on foundational language skills, numeracy (FLN) and STEAM subjects, we help children — particularly girls — build the skills needed for a successful future. This initiative aims to break barriers limiting access of girls to education, empowering them with the tools that enable them to continue their education beyond school classrooms.

Equal Access to Healthcare
Smile On Wheels (SOWs), our mobile healthcare units, go beyond basic medical care, ensuring that essential health services reach both women and men in remote areas. By offering outpatient care, diagnostic tests and free medications, we address gender disparities in healthcare access, particularly for women, who often face greater challenges in obtaining care. Our Swabhiman programme, which focuses on women’s health, tackles critical issues such as maternal, menstrual and neonatal care, raising awareness about these crucial health needs. By promoting hygiene practices and health management, Swabhiman empowers women to take control of their health, ultimately improving their quality of life and enabling them to contribute more actively to their communities.

Equal Economic Empowerment
To address gender inequality in the workforce, Smile Foundation’s vocational training programmes, such as STeP and Swabhiman, specifically focus on empowering women and youth through skills development. These programmes enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship, ensuring that young girls and women, especially from vulnerable communities, gain economic independence. 

Smile, Women CSR in India & Gender Equality

At Smile Foundation, gender equality is woven into the fabric of our initiatives, ensuring that every programme — whether it’s in education, healthcare or livelihoods — contributes to closing the gender gap. Our efforts are about providing resources and also creating a fair, inclusive ecosystem where both women and men are given the tools they need to thrive equally.

While we have made meaningful progress, we recognise there is still much work to be done in empowering both young boys and girls with a strong foundation rooted in equality. Our goal is to nurture a generation where gender equality is deeply embedded in the collective consciousness of India.

For years, our corporate partners have been instrumental in driving this mission, especially in empowering socio-economically disadvantaged women. Through our collaboration, we have worked to provide women with access to education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities, helping them achieve parity with their male counterparts. Equally crucial, we have focused on sensitising male communities to recognise the central role of women in society, encouraging a shared understanding that empowering women ultimately strengthens the entire community.

With a shared commitment to advancing the goals set forth by our government for a stronger nation, we believe that Corporate-NGO initiatives act as a powerful force for real change in society. If your CSR partnerships are focused on promoting gender equality and fostering a more inclusive society, we invite you to join us on this impactful journey.

Let’s do some meaningful, impactful for building a future where we get closer to the nation’s dream of more resources for all.

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Smile Education Insights

Have the Crimes against Children Increased in India?

Have the Crimes against Children Increased in India?
Have the Crimes against Children Increased in India?

India is home to over 400 million children making it a country with one of the largest populations of children. Its children are its future and one of the primary responsibilities of every state government of this country lies in providing these children with a safe environment to grow in — to protect them from any kind of harm, exploitative situations and abuse while upholding their rights. 

However, it is not uncommon to encounter children being the victims of crime almost every other second.

Between 2014 and 2022, crimes against children in India rose by more than 80%, according to data from the NCRB’s CII reports. The increased rate has been reported from 25 states out of 29 while the incidents were not limited to urban areas. An RTI response published by popular media reveals an alarming rise in crimes against children in recent years, with the rate doubling post-COVID-19 pandemic. According to the information obtained in response to the application, between April 2019 and June 2024 1,10,194 child abuse complaints were received by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)  with the most number from Madhya Pradesh, then Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh respectively.

What are the Most Common Types of Crimes against Children?

Child Trafficking
Child trafficking in India remains a critical issue, with children often trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and begging. Owing to different socio-economic conditions including poverty, poor economic background, social vulnerabilities and financial desperation of families, children are often subjected to child trafficking and thereby coerced into child labor and sexual exploitation. Vulnerable families are targeted by trafficking networks, who entice them with promises of better futures for their kids. These youngsters experience severe maltreatment after being trafficked, making it difficult for them to leave their situation. Trafficking victims may have lifelong psychological trauma that affects their social and emotional growth.

Child Labour
Child labour continues to plague India, being one of the biggest crimes against children, with many kids being compelled to work in dangerous conditions. These adolescent workers frequently endure long workdays, physical mistreatment and exposure to dangerous drugs. These children lack access to their fundamental rights like healthcare, education and the chance to enjoy childhood! Children who labour illegally are less likely to acquire an education, which limits their chances in the future. This contributes to the continuing cycle of poverty.


Sexual Abuse of Children

Child sexual abuse is an insidious crime that inflicts long-lasting emotional and psychological damage on its victims. Despite the prevalence of laws like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the prevelance of sexual abuse is alarmingly high.

The trafficked children are misused for various purposes, as devadasis in temples, for commercial sexual exploitation, sex tourism, child pornography and so on, as part of an organised crime. Data suggests that a sizable portion of Indian children frequently experience sexual abuse at the hands of a someone they know and trust. This follows a culture of silence, out of the stigma associated with sexual abuse, which keeps many victims from coming forward. 

Cyberbullying of Children
With a steady advancement of technology, newer kinds of violence against children have emerged, with cyberbullying becoming a growing online crime. Online abuse, threats and humiliation are making children victims of cyber crime, which can negatively affect their self-esteem and mental health. Bullies are frequently emboldened by the anonymity of the internet, which makes it difficult for victims to get assistance. Children who experience cyberbullying may experience anxiety, sadness and even suicidal thoughts, underscoring the critical need for awareness-raising and preventative initiatives.

Child Begging
Organised child trafficking networks and begging rings often push vulnerable children into begging on the streets. These crimes are carried out under the supervision of adults, who rely on child begging as their primary source of income, and it also opens the door for more kidnappings and abductions of children, which forces them into the so-called beggarly business. Children’s rights are violated by child begging, which also puts them in risk and puts them through maltreatment. Numerous of these kids experience malnourishment, maltreatment and limited access to essential medical care. In furtherance, children are regularly inflicted with wounds, injuries and even maimed so that they become more pitiable and therefore draw more alms from a sympathetic passerby on the streets.


Child Marriage
Child marriage is nevertheless rampant across India, despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) following a variety of socio-ecological variables, such as regressive societal norms and structural inequality. Child marriages are closely associated with poverty and are likely to add into the existing vulnerabilities faced by girls. Young girls, who are married off underage, are socially isolated and cut off from their friends, family and other networks of support – and are likely to be subjected to sexual assaults. They could be more vulnerable to having fewer options for access to quality healthcare, healthy physical and emotional state of mind and education.

How do these Crimes impact Children?

The trauma from abusive behaviour has a life-long impact on a child’s growth and development process. For victims of violence, there are long-term negative health, social and economic repercussions, such as– mental and physical health issues, increased risky behaviours, exposure to additional violence, physical injury-related disability, decreased health-related quality of life, lower educational attainment and lower levels of adult economic well-being.

Through its many initiatives, Smile Foundation is committed to tackling issues that plague the children of India and crimes that disproportionately affect girls– to secure a more just future for the youth. By helping girls have access to quality healthcare, education and life skills, Smile’s ‘She Can Fly’ initiative helps fight discrimination and exploitation. Through these interventions, we address critical social issues like child labour, human trafficking and early marriage by creating a safe environment for children to flourish.

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Smile Education

How do Workshops help Students and Working People Alike?

How do Workshops help Students and Working People Alike?
How do Workshops help Students and Working People Alike?

Every other day, workshops focusing on numerous topics have been organised across the country. The number of workshops organised in the country has been considerably increasing in recent times. People, irrespective of their ages and gender, have been enrolling in a large number to gain value and become valuable. What does even a workshop mean and why is it gaining so much importance in recent times? How does it even benefit students, working professionals and every other individual? 

What does a Workshop mean?

Though there are numerous meanings for a workshop, the word in its educational context refers to a type of programme that is designed for a group of people. The content of the programme is designed in such a way that it is not just practical but also very particular to the needs and interests of the group. The programme does not limit itself to its educational contents but also strives towards enabling cooperation and mutual support among its participants.

In general, a series of tailor-made intensive and interactive activities are conducted during workshops. The duration of the programmes depends upon their content and audience.

Of all the means, workshop teaching is considered to be one of the toughest. But at the same time, it has also become essential to make it participant-driven. The orientation of the workshop, its objectives and its positioning play a vital role in distinguishing different types of workshops. Some of the commonly known workshops are as discussed below.

  1. Open workshop: This type of training programme is available to a wide audience without any restrictions. They are typically advertised to the public and it allows anyone and almost everyone to sign up for the event. If it has any seat limitations, then admission is based on a first-come, first-served basis. They are usually designed to be more inclusive, welcoming people with varying levels of experience or interest in the subject matter.
  2. Invitational workshop: Unlike open workshops, this type of workshop invites a set of participants to attend. The invitation is usually based on their expertise, experience or involvement in a particular field. Invitational workshops are more selective and the organisers will invite a targeted group of individuals who can contribute valuable insights or skills to the workshop’s goals.

How do Workshops help both Students and Working People?

Workshops are found to be benefiting both students and working professionals in numerous ways. For they provide opportunities for learning, skill development and personal growth. Some of the benefits of attending workshops are listed below.

  1. Networking opportunities: Workshops bring students together with peers, instructors and industry professionals. This networking in turn can help students create valuable connections, thereby learning different career paths and gaining insight into the job market. Networking in workshops can also lead to internship or mentorship opportunities. For professionals, workshops can turn into an excellent platform to connect with colleagues, industry peers or potential business partners. Networking in workshops can lead to new collaborations, mentorships, job opportunities or insights into industry trends and best practices.
  2. Hands-on learning: Workshops often bestow students with numerous opportunities. One among them is engaging students in real-world problem-solving, group activities and simulations. This hands-on experience deepens understanding and provides a more dynamic way of learning. This in turn will make it easier for students to apply knowledge to practical situations like internships or job interviews. In the case of working people, workshops help them to acquire new skills in a safe and structured environment before applying them in the workplace.
  3. Confidence building: In general, students feel anxious while speaking publicly or during academic challenges. Workshops that are focused on communication, leadership, or self-esteem can help students build confidence. This in turn will enable them to express their ideas more effectively, present better in front of audiences, and engage more actively in academic settings. In the case of working professionals, workshops help them to face challenges related to leadership, presentation or negotiation.

Types of Workshops that help both Students and Professionals

In this section, let’s discuss the common types of workshops that benefit both students and working professionals.

  1. Skill development workshops: These kinds of workshops bestow participants with an opportunity to learn new skills and hone their existing ones. Skill development workshops are perfect for those who want to enhance their overall personal and professional growth. While these workshops help students get exposed to practical skills that are rarely taught in traditional academic setups, it also provides an opportunity for working professionals to stay updated with the latest industry trends. These workshops come in handy for those who hope to dive deeper into specific areas of their job or field. This in turn makes them more valuable contributors to their organisations.
  2. Creativity and innovation workshops: These workshops are highly recommended by experts for both students and working professionals. For it helps them to develop vital skills that are required to enhance their problem-solving abilities, adaptability and overall performance. Through these workshops, both students and working people gain an enhanced ability to tackle problems creatively and innovatively, applying innovative solutions to challenges. The workshops will help them to improve their ability to adapt to change, stay flexible in the face of uncertainty and come up with innovative solutions when faced with challenges. Participants will gain confidence in their creative abilities. It in turn will help them take calculated risks and come up with innovative ideas without any fear of failure.
  3. Personal development and well-being workshops: These workshops have become vital for both students and working professionals in recent times. Thanks to the fast-paced and stressful environment. These workshops provide valuable tools and insights both to maintain and improve their emotional, mental and physical health. This in turn becomes helpful in fostering personal growth. While the skills learned through such workshops help students balance their academic responsibilities and personal lives, they also help working people identify their stress-triggering points, develop coping mechanisms and improve their ability to manage and thrive in high-pressure situations. Improving emotional regulations by managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance will lead to improved well-being and performance.
  4. Public speaking and presentation skills workshops: These kinds of workshops will help the attendants in achieving effective communication skills. With strong communication skills, they will be able to engage audiences and convey their ideas with utter confidence. While these workshops help students build confidence by providing strategies for managing nerves, such as preparation techniques, breathing exercises and positive self-talk, they also help professionals by providing tools to control nervousness, refine delivery techniques and engage audiences. By attending these kinds of workshops, both students and professionals gain greater confidence in their speaking abilities, which enhances their self-esteem and helps them communicate more effectively.
  5. Soft skills workshop: These workshops provide vital interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that are required for both students and working professionals to survive and thrive in this competitive world. It helps the attendees to develop their ability to communicate more clearly and effectively in academic and professional settings; to collaborate, manage group dynamics and work toward common goals; to learn to resolve conflicts constructively; to learn better time management and organisational skills; to develop stronger emotional intelligence; and to gain leadership skills that help them take initiative, motivate others and succeed in team settings.

Workshops have been offering both students and working people numerous tools that are required to improve their personal and professional growth, hone their skills and succeed in their academic or career pursuits. They offer umpteen opportunities to learn and network. This in turn has been benefiting them in the long run.

Categories
Smile CSR

Companies Focus on Social Profit for People and the Planet

Companies Focus on Social Profit for People and the Planet
Companies Focus on Social Profit for People and the Planet

Whenever Chennai floods, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels and Resorts, is out in the field with his staff, helping out the needy and distributing food and relief material. And, even when the sun’s shining and all’s well, Cotah and his team work to ensure that the company provides employment to the less privileged, that their buildings are green and pet-friendly and to nurture women leaders.

“Once you have achieved your financial goals or profit, the next step is social profit wherein you focus on creating long-lasting social impact and focus on the well-being of the community and planet,” says Cotah. “We are part of the entire ecosystem, and unless everything works in sync, the company will not profit. This includes all other aspects of society – people, environment, working with local communities and artisans. The entire staff also needs to be sensitised and engaged in it.”

What is Social Profit?

Usually, when you hear the word ‘profit’, we think about money. That’s because most investments, jobs etc. are about creating or preserving financial profit.

The term ‘social profit’ was coined by David Grant in his book, The Social Profit Handbook: The Essential Guide to Setting Goals, Assessing Outcomes, and Achieving Success for Mission-Driven Organizations. It offers “those who lead, govern, and support mission-driven organisations and businesses new ways to assess their impact in order to improve future work rather than merely judge past performance”.  

According to Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business’ website, social profit orientation is an “organisation-wide perspective whereby entities embrace in their core mission the creation of sustainable, positive social and/or environmental impacts on individuals, communities and society at large”.

Such organisations invest knowledge, infrastructure, labour, reputation, money and time with the explicit goal of enhancing the common good, especially improving the well-being of people and safeguarding the health of the planet.

Social profit is a conscious, organisational effort to address systemic social or environmental challenges and is different from corporate social responsibility activities.

Social profit is more about keeping societal good at the core of the organisation’s mission, while CSR is a strategy employed by businesses to align with ethical and social values, benefiting both society and the company.

“Most organisations that make money earmark 2% for CSR. But social profit is different, it is not a chequebook charity. Instead, such companies make it part of their mission, invest in it and their own employees are a part of it,” says communications and DEI consultant Chandrashekar Duraiswamy, adding that it has other feel-good benefits for the employees as well. “Apart from the benefit to the society and company, the employees also feel that they are part of a venture that contributes to larger social good.”

Cotah says that GRT hotels have an environment, social and governance policy that fuels their social profit approach. “GRT hotels have become sustainable, 100% plastic-free and pet-friendly. “By 2026, 25% of our workforce, including leadership positions, should be women,” he says.

How does Social Profit benefit Companies?

Having a social profit orientation can benefit companies in various ways — it leads to tangible advantages for businesses in terms of brand reputation, employee satisfaction, customer loyalty and financial performance.

It builds a positive image of the brand as companies that prioritise social profit are seen as ethical and responsible by consumers, investors and the public. This leads to increased trust and credibility and sets the organisation apart from other competitors. Customers also feel more connected to the brand on an emotional level, which fosters loyalty.

It helps with employee attraction, engagement and retention as more people are looking to work with companies whose values align with their own. According to an article in Management-Issues.com, a recent study among 100 leading businesses in India found that social mission trumped shareholder value for every executive surveyed.

That’s why companies are adopting a social profit approach that resonates with employees. “We work with the local community, so they also benefit and feel connected. For instance, in Tirunelveli and Madurai, housewives who are single mothers come to our hotels and make a few dishes at the buffet. The guests feel they are getting something authentic from the region, the single mothers are able to earn and we also benefit,” says Cotah, adding that employee sensitisation and engagement is vital to these initiatives that are at the core of the company’s mission to work for the larger good of society.

Going the Non-profit Way

Nonprofits and social profit are closely linked as there is a shared mission of creating positive social change. NGOs are usually established with the goal of addressing specific societal issues such as poverty, inequality, education, health, environmental conservation or human rights. They also often measure their success based on the positive change they create. For example, an NGO focused on education might measure success in terms of the number of students educated or improved literacy rates, which directly correlates to social profit.

NGOs focus on improving people’s lives and the well-being of the planet, and social profit is their primary aim. For instance, Doctors Without Borders provide medical care in underserved areas, improving public health and well-being. Greenpeace works to preserve natural resources and combat climate change, benefiting the environment and planet.

The mission of Smile Foundation is to work as a catalyst in bringing sustainable change in the lives of underprivileged children, youth and women, with a life-cycle approach of development. It also works to enable civil society across the world to engage proactively in the change process through the philosophy of civic driven change. And also adopt the highest standards of governance to emerge as a leading knowledge and technology driven, innovative and scalable international development organisation.

Smile Foundation has also evolved a working model Social Venture Philanthropy (SVP), which is based on the successful business model of ‘venture capital’. SVP, the application of a hitherto successful business concept to the social and development sector, is a concept which pertains to linking social investment strategies to charitable giving with a clear focus on achieving scalability and sustainability, creating a culture of leadership and excellence and inculcating a deep sense of accountability amongst the nonprofits. 

Categories
Smile CSR Education Health Livelihood Partnerships

Bridging Gaps with Lifecycle Approach

The Importance of Gender Budgeting Initiatives
The Importance of Gender Budgeting Initiatives

S&P Global Ratings’ report, released in October of this year, stated that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. While the report acknowledges the challenges posed by India’s growing population, it also highlights that India and other emerging markets are expected to contribute approximately 65 per cent of global economic growth by 2035. This statistic is crucial because, while the country is poised for tremendous growth, it also underscores the importance of addressing internal challenges that could impede progress if addressed.

As India advances in the 21st century, several critical issues have emerged as urgent priorities—education, healthcare, skill development, and gender equality. Tackling these challenges is essential for ensuring the nation’s continued growth, inclusivity, and global competitiveness. While India’s economic progress is promising, it must address these pressing domestic concerns to maintain its competitive edge on the world stage. In this context, adopting a Lifecycle approach is crucial, as it offers a comprehensive framework for addressing these issues in a sustainable and integrated manner, fostering long-term development and resilience.

Lifecycle Approach- How & Why?

Ensuring Access to Equality Education

Consider this: 50 per cent of India’s children lack access to quality education beyond primary school. Between 2014 and 2018, the cost of primary education rose by 30.7 per cent while 39 per cent of students aged 20-24 dropped out of college to support their families. These figures highlight a significant issue: while enrollment and literacy rates have improved, access to quality education remains a persistent challenge. It is crucial to expand access to affordable, quality education at all levels to harness India’s demographic dividend: its large, youthful population. Without addressing these gaps, India risks limiting the potential of its future workforce, holding back both individual opportunities and national growth.

Making Universal Healthcare Coverage Accessible 

Healthcare is India’s next big priority. The country’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges, with a heavy reliance on private players and public health expenditure remaining low—at just 1.35 per cent of GDP. Furthermore, COVID-19 exposed many of these weaknesses in the healthcare system, underscoring the need for investment in public health infrastructure and better preparedness for health crises. For a nation aspiring to be a global power, the healthcare infrastructure must align with the standards of developed economies. Improving public health spending, expanding access to quality care, and addressing disparities in healthcare delivery are crucial steps toward building a robust and equitable healthcare system. Universal health coverage, such as the government’s Ayushman Bharat initiative, is a step in the right direction. Still, but it needs to be fully implemented and expanded to ensure that everyone can access quality healthcare regardless of their socio-economic status. We also need an increased focus on improving mental health services, which remain woefully inadequate currency across the country.

Upskill and Empower 

Adapting to new industries, technologies, and job markets is essential in a rapidly evolving global economy. While India has a large, youthful population, a significant portion of this demographic remains unemployed or underemployed, often due to a mismatch between the skills learned in the education system and the skills required in the labour market. This highlights the urgent need for upskilling, placing it in a position of prime importance. The social landscape suggests that India will have the largest workforce globally by 2027, but if skill-building does not catch up with the rate of technological progress, then it may cause economic losses. We must take significant steps to address this, including expanding vocational education, reforming formal education, offering apprenticeship programs, and providing inclusive upskilling workshops.

Additionally, digital literacy programs must be prioritised to equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern job market. Take, for instance, India’s impressive achievement of having the second-highest number of women graduates in STEM fields globally. Despite this, a stark and inexplicable gap exists between their education and workforce participation. While many women excel academically in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, they often face significant barriers when entering and advancing professionally. This highlights the need to bridge relevant gaps. 

Building Gender Equality as the Last Leap 

While women make up nearly half of India’s population, achieving gender equality remains one of the most urgent issues that requires attention. In the Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022, India ranks 108th out of 193 countries, highlighting the deep-rooted challenges of gender-based discrimination and violence that persist across the country. Women continue to face barriers in areas such as employment, political participation, access to property, etc. The gender pay gap also remains significant in many sectors.

A particularly concerning trend is the concentration of women in the informal sector. According to a 2018 International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, approximately 82 per cent of working women in India are employed in the informal sector, often lacking job security, benefits, and legal protections. At the same time, violence against women, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and human trafficking, remains a pervasive issue. Even though laws have been enacted, the implementation is often weak, which causes victims to face societal stigma or insufficient support.

In line with this, another critical issue in India is the rights of queer people. Though LGBTQ+ rights have historically been marginalised, attitudes towards same-sex marriage have begun to shift. A 2023 Pew Research Center poll revealed that 53 per cent of Indians now support the legalisation of same-sex marriage, a significant increase in tolerance toward LGBTQ+ rights. This shift suggests a growing recognition of the need for equal rights and social acceptance for queer individuals, marking an important step toward greater inclusivity. However, despite these shifts in public opinion, there is still much work to be done to ensure that queer people have the legal protections, social acceptance, and opportunities for dignity and equality in all aspects of life.

Concurrent and Integrated Development with Smile

Through our “Lifecycle Approach”, Smile Foundation has empowered underserved children and their families across India since 2005. Every year, more than 1.5 million individuals in 2000 villages across 25 states benefit from our initiatives in education, health, women’s empowerment and community support. Our commitment is to deliver quality education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities to those in need, irrespective of distance or geography. 

Flagship programs like Mission Education align with the National Education Policy, focusing on foundational skills in languages, numeracy and STEAM subjects. In health, Smile On Wheel- mobile healthcare units are providing quality and preventive healthcare to remote communities. 

The Swabhiman programme promotes maternal, menstrual and neonatal health, enhancing awareness of critical hygiene practices. 

Our vocational training initiatives such as STeP and Swabhiman, aim to empower youth and women, fostering economic empowerment and resilience. Through these efforts, we nurture a cycle of holistic support, addressing Education, Health, Skilling, Gender Equality to uplift vulnerable communities. 

Driven by a simple purpose—to create lasting change—if you share this belief, Partner with Smile Foundation and support Lifecycle approach to empower disadvantaged communities with the skills and knowledge they need to take the first step towards a better, stable life.

Categories
Education

Nurturing Climate-Conscious Adults through Education

visual impacts of climate change

In times marked by rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the visible impacts of climate change, the urgent need to raise environmentally conscious individuals has never been more critical. From the melting polar ice caps to devastating wildfires and erratic weather patterns, the effects of climate change are palpable across the globe.

As we witness these tangible consequences of climate change, the importance of quality education becomes evident in shaping informed, compassionate, and proactive individuals who are equipped to address the challenges posed by a rapidly changing environment.

The frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts in India are on the rise, leading to severe consequences for agriculture, water resources, and vulnerable populations. Through quality education, students can explore the scientific principles behind these phenomena, fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness between human activities and climate patterns.

Importance of Education in creating Climate-conscious adults

Quality education, starting from the early years, lays the foundation for a child’s understanding of the world around them. By integrating environmental education into the curriculum, young learners can develop a profound appreciation for nature and comprehend the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. Early exposure to concepts of sustainability, conservation, and climate science can foster a lifelong commitment to environmental responsibility.

Here are some of the important ways in which quality education positively influences children, fostering their development into climate-conscious adults.

  1. Hands-On Experiences and Practical Learning: Quality education involves hands-on experiences that allow children to actively engage with environmental issues. Schools can create eco-friendly initiatives such as tree-planting drives, waste reduction programmes, and nature excursions. These experiences deepen the connection children feel with nature and empower them to become advocates for sustainable practices.
  2. Fostering Critical Thinking Skills: Education goes beyond rote learning- it involves fostering critical thinking. Quality education prompts students to analyse the root causes of environmental issues, understand the impact of human actions, and explore innovative solutions. Critical thinking skills enable children to challenge unsustainable practices and contribute to the development of eco-friendly alternatives.
  3. Holistic Understanding of Environmental Interconnectedness: Quality education nurtures a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between human activities and the environment. Children should be encouraged to explore real-world environmental issues, fostering a sense of responsibility for the impact of human actions on the planet.
  4. Cultivating a Lifelong Commitment to Sustainability: By integrating sustainability concepts into the curriculum, quality education cultivates a lifelong commitment to environmental responsibility. Early exposure to the principles of conservation, resource management, and climate science instills a sense of duty toward protecting the planet.
  5. Empowering Individuals to Drive Change: The impact of quality education extends well into the future as informed and empowered individuals are more likely to make sustainable choices in their personal and professional lives. This empowerment contributes to broader societal and policy changes, creating a ripple effect that significantly influences global efforts in combating climate change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the transformative power of quality education in nurturing climate-conscious adults cannot be overstated. Early exposure, hands-on experiences, critical thinking, and a focus on long-term positive effects are integral components of an educational framework that empowers children to become responsible stewards of the environment. As we strive to build a sustainable future, investing in the education of our children emerges as a cornerstone for fostering a collective commitment to preserving the planet for generations to come.

Categories
Livelihood Girl Child Women Empowerment

Brilliance Should Not Be Gender-biased

Brilliance Should Not Be Gender-biased
Young girls getting their training at a STeP centre of Smile Foundation

What is Brilliance Bias?

Historically, men with the advantage of being in the unfretted public view, have had access to experimentation. Thus they have their names embedded in many inventions, discoveries and leadership roles. That’s why, regardless of years of efforts to address gender inequality, men’s associations with the quality of brilliance are commonplace. Brilliance bias needs thoughtful conversations.

It is a problem that not only undermines women’s achievements but also limits society’s overall potential. Brilliance, the idea of exceptionalism in one or more areas benefiting humankind, is not a trait confined to a particular gender. Yet, a pervasive societal bias associates intelligence and brilliance with men. 

Studies have been conducted according to which at least 70% of participants observed a certain connection between men and brilliance. While we consider bias as an adult phenomenon, our ideas of who is most brilliant form early on in development.

Why is Brilliance Gender Based?

The concept of brilliance has been associated with men for a long time as we are influenced by cognitive bias. Cognitive bias is our personal perception that we rely on when processing information. They are based on impulses or redundant ways of thinking. They hinder our capacity to view a person or situation logically.

Bias is embedded in the language we use. For example, words like “genius” and “prodigy” are often used to describe men, while words like “considerate” and “hardworking” are used to describe women. This is a subtle way of suggesting that men are naturally more brilliant and intelligent than women. For many years, the images we were exposed to as children of scientists, physicists, engineers or software developers were mostly of men.

Bias is evident in the education system as well. Studies have shown that teachers often give more opportunities to display their intelligence in the classroom. They may overlook girls for certain school activities or advanced courses that would help them succeed in those fields. 

Girls may internalise this messaging, diminishing their own abilities and perceiving themselves as less competent. This can have a long-term impact on their confidence and self-esteem, which can affect their performance in school and beyond.

Confirmation Bias in Hiring and at the Workplace

Bias impacts an employer’s ability to hire or promote talented women. Confirmation bias steps in here, and is one factor that can strengthen stereotypes and impede decision-making. Confirmation bias can result in unfairness during the hiring process due to presumptions. For instance, presumptions about various communities and their abilities can disqualify the best candidate in favour of one who proves to be less desirable in the long term. 

Women are less likely to be hired or promoted into senior positions, even if they have the same qualifications as men. This has a real impact on the careers of women. Not only are job descriptions and hiring decisions gender biased, but rather studies also reveal that even “recommendations” from employees were gender biased.

Moreover, this bias also affects the treatment of women in the workplace. Women who display confidence and assertiveness are tagged “bossy” or “difficult”, while men who display the same traits are”confident” and “assertive”. This makes it difficult for girls/women to be heard and respected in the workplace, which can limit their opportunities for success. 

Addressing the Brilliance Bias

To address this bias, we must first acknowledge its existence. We must be conscious of the language we use and the way we treat women at home, in the classroom, in the workplace, and in the larger community. 

Five ways we can address the brilliance bias: 

  1. Parents, teachers, and the media must work much harder to eliminate gender stereotypes. Exercise caution when speaking about men and women in front of children of all ages.
  1. Teachers must be aware of any bias and work to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to demonstrate their intelligence. This includes encouraging girls to participate in all kinds of class discussions and activities. Recognise their accomplishments, and offer them the same resources and support as boys.
  1. Female students, today, are outperforming male peers in terms of academic achievement and attendance at university. Give young girls and women more opportunities at schools and colleges to participate in advanced courses, and at work to take up high-level positions. 
  1. Recognise gender biases in your hiring process; for example, use gender-neutral job descriptions and avoid the words “brilliance” and “intelligence”. Review policy on discrimination on a regular basis. 
  1. Conduct training in schools, colleges, and even workplaces to change the mindset that men are more brilliant than women and emphasise that this stereotype has no influence on decisions about employment.

Despite numerous studies, there is no concrete evidence that brilliance is the magical ingredient for excelling in those fields. 

Women make up half of the population, and their contributions to society are just as valuable as those of men. By limiting their opportunities, we are missing out on a vast pool of talent and ideas. Things that could help solve some of our world’s biggest challenges.

Smile Foundation and Breaking The Systems of Gender Bias

Smile Foundation is helping young girls fly high by getting a quality education, scholarships, personal hygiene awareness and much more. Come become a part of their journeys and plant petals in their paths to avoid the thorns that their lives have given them till now.

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