Over the past decade, gender equality has emerged as a critical factor not only for the health of nations but also for their social and economic advancement. Promoting gender equality and women empowerment is central to the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals. Women empowerment focuses on ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources for women, allowing them to make independent decisions and take charge of their own lives.
When women empowerment is prioritized, women significantly contribute to economic growth, social development, and a sustainable future. Empowered women take active roles in leadership, education, healthcare, and decision-making at various levels. Women empowerment helps create a more inclusive and balanced society where women’s voices are valued, their skills are recognized, and their potential is fully realized.
Ultimately, women empowerment is essential for building a fairer and more harmonious world for everyone.
Smile Foundation’s women empowerment programme Swabhiman, initiated in 2005, reaches out to marginalized and socially excluded women. It focuses on interventions in nutrition, healthcare, and livelihood.
The programme capacitates women through innovative community practices, empowering them to seek healthcare and bring sustainable changes in the community. It also supports them to become aware, skilled, and financially independent.
Swabhiman actively works to create a gender-equal society, engaging men and boys in the process of women empowerment.
women impacted through Swabhiman programme
women reached
women sensitised on reproductive and child health
women-led micro enterprises initiatives
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