Women Who Lead

🌱 What Happened

In the rural town of Jharkhand, India, Lalita Devi, a local woman, led a revolution to improve sanitation. A decade ago, she observed the lack of toilets in her village, leading to health issues and lack of dignity. Determined to bring a change, she joined the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or Clean India Mission, in 2014.

💡 Impact

Over the past seven years, Lalita has been instrumental in the construction of over 7000 toilets in her district. Her efforts have drastically improved the sanitation and overall health conditions of her community. In recognition of her work, the Government of India awarded her the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2019.

📍 The Bigger Picture

Not only did Lalita bring about a hygiene revolution, but she also empowered numerous women by involving them in the construction work. This initiative has not only improved health conditions but also fostered self-reliance among women in the community.

Some key points about Lalita’s journey:

• Lalita led a sanitation revolution by joining the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014.
• She has facilitated the construction of over 7000 toilets in her district.
• Lalita received the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2019 for her commendable work.
• Her initiative has fostered self-reliance among women in the community.

Stories like Lalita’s serve as a powerful reminder that each one of us has the capacity to effect meaningful changes in our communities, regardless of our backgrounds. Let’s take inspiration from Lalita and strive to make our surroundings a better place. For more information about Lalita’s journey, visit this link.

🌱 What Happened

Living in the remote village of Dharnai in Bihar, India, a woman named Sneha Kumari stumbled upon the transformative power of solar energy. In 2014, Sneha, along with the help of Greenpeace India and CEED, spearheaded a project that turned Dharnai into a fully solar-powered village.

💡 Impact

The project equipped the village with a solar-powered micro-grid that generates 100 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power the village’s 450 homes, 50 businesses, two schools, a training center and a healthcare facility. This initiative not only brought light to Dharnai but also increased productivity, improved living standards, and reduced harmful carbon emissions.

Key highlights include:

• 24/7 electricity access for Dharnai’s residents
• Improvement in education and healthcare facilities
• Boost in local businesses

📍 The Bigger Picture

This success story of Dharnai is a shining example of how renewable energy can transform rural communities. It serves as a model for other villages in India and around the world. Sneha’s leadership not only improved the quality of life in her own village, but her story continues to inspire many others to explore sustainable solutions for their communities.

For more information, check out the full story of Dharnai.

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the power of one woman’s vision and determination. Indeed, change can start with one person, and together, we can light up the world.

🌱 What Happened

In the heart of rural India, in a small village in Rajasthan, a woman named Meera Devi took the lead to bring about a change. In 2015, she spearheaded an initiative to combat water scarcity, a prevalent issue in her village. She mobilized her fellow villagers to construct a rainwater harvesting system.

💡 Impact

The initiative was a success. The village, once plagued by water scarcity, now boasts a robust rainwater harvesting system. The villagers no longer need to traverse long distances to fetch water. The fields are greener, the crops healthier. Meera’s initiative has transformed the lives of the villagers, ushering in prosperity and ease.

• Water scarcity significantly reduced.
• Improved agricultural yield.
• Upliftment of the village’s socio-economic condition.

📍 The Bigger Picture

The story of Meera Devi is a testament to the power of community mobilization and the influence of women’s leadership. Her initiative not only solved the water crisis in her village but also inspired neighboring villages to follow suit.

This story is a glowing symbol of the potential that resides in rural India, waiting to be unlocked by spirited individuals like Meera Devi. It encourages us all to take action in our own communities, however small, to usher in progressive change. For more about Meera’s story, visit here.

🌱 What Happened

In the heart of Rajasthan, India, a woman named Popatrao Baguji Pawar has been leading a silent revolution. She has been instrumental in transforming her village, Hiware Bazar, from a drought-prone village to a green and prosperous model village. The transformation started back in 1989 when she took charge as the village head.

💡 Impact

Under her leadership, the villagers were encouraged to build contour trenches, percolation tanks, and check dams for rainwater conservation. By 1995, there was a significant increase in the water level, boosting the agricultural output. The village has also witnessed a drop in migration, alcoholism, and has become open defecation-free.

• Almost 52 check dams were built in 5 years.
• More than 90% of the families are now engaged in farming.
• Hiware Bazar has become one of the richest villages in India.

📍 The Bigger Picture

Popatrao’s story is a shining example of how one person’s determination can bring about lasting change. Her story has inspired other villages in India to adopt similar practices. A journey that started in a small corner of Rajasthan is now creating ripples across the nation.

You can read more about her inspiring story here.

Inspired by this story, let’s remind ourselves that we too can make a difference in our communities. Every little step counts towards creating a better future for us and generations to come.

🌱 Who is Poonam Bir Kasturi?

Poonam Bir Kasturi is the founder of Daily Dump, a company based in Bengaluru, India. A product designer by profession, Poonam is a true environmental innovator. In 2006, she started her journey to revolutionize waste management with a simple yet impactful idea: home composting.

💡 Impact

Daily Dump designs composting solutions for homes and communities, turning kitchen waste into valuable compost. It has already helped over 20,000 households in India to manage their waste sustainably. The company also conducts workshops and handles an informative website to educate the public about waste management.

📍 The Bigger Picture

Through the work of Poonam Bir Kasturi and Daily Dump, thousands of kilograms of waste have been prevented from entering the landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to soil fertility. This initiative shows how small changes in our daily lives have the potential to create significant environmental improvements.

• Name: Poonam Bir Kasturi
• Company: Daily Dump
• Impact: Over 20,000 households
• Location: Bengaluru, India

Learn more about Daily Dump

Takeaway: Every great journey begins with a single step. Let’s be inspired by Poonam’s story and take our first step towards a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste in our homes.

🌱 What Happened

In the rural villages of Tilonia, Rajasthan, a group of women, often referred to as the ‘Barefoot College Women’ have been leading a revolution of sustainable development and women empowerment. The group started their journey in 1972, under the mentorship of Sanjit ‘Bunker’ Roy.

💡 Impact

These women, despite being illiterate or semi-literate, have been trained to become solar engineers, artisans, dentists, and doctors in their own villages. The initiative has directly impacted over 15,000 women and countless families across India. As a result of their efforts, over 500,000 people have gained access to solar power.

📍 The Bigger Picture

The Barefoot College Women have shown the world that learning has no age and limitations. They have broken stereotypes, inspired numerous communities, and have shown that women, too, can take on unconventional roles, and lead their communities towards a sustainable future.

• Established in 1972 by Sanjit ‘Bunker’ Roy
• Trained 15,000+ women in various professions
• Brought solar power to over 500,000 people

Their powerful story is a testimony to the spirit of resilience and the power of community-based, sustainable development. To read in detail about their journey, check out this link.

Let’s all take a moment to celebrate these unsung heroes who have been changing the world, one village at a time. Through their hard work and dedication, these women show us that each one of us has the potential to make a difference.

🌱 What Happened

A group of women, led by 42-year-old Sunita Kashyap, have successfully brought about a significant change in their hometown, Haryana, India. Known as the ‘Wonder Women of Haryana’, these individuals seemingly transformed their community by improving the local infrastructure, education, and sanitation.

💡 Impact

Despite facing numerous financial and societal obstacles, the team managed to construct a school, set up clean drinking water facilities, and implement proper sanitation systems in their village. They also started a self-help group which has now grown to include over 2000 women, empowering them to start their own small businesses.

• School dropout rates have drastically decreased, with over 90% of children now attending school regularly.
• Water-borne diseases have become a thing of the past with the introduction of clean drinking water facilities.
• The sanitation systems have led to a healthier and cleaner environment for the villagers.

📍 The Bigger Picture

The persistent efforts of these strong women have not only uplifted their local community but also inspired countless others across the country. Their story is a shining testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and leadership.

Visit this link to learn more about the ‘Wonder Women of Haryana’ and their commendable work.

Let their example motivate all of us to take steps, big or small, towards improving our own communities and inspiring those around us to do the same.

🌱 What Happened

In Bundelkhand, one of the poorest regions in India, a group of courageous women, known as ‘Solar Sakhis’ are making a substantial difference in their communities. Solar Sakhis, or ‘Solar Friends’, are women who have been trained to use, maintain, and promote solar energy equipment in their villages.

💡 Impact

These women aren’t just bringing light to their homes; they’re illuminating their entire community. Over 600 households now use solar energy thanks to the Solar Sakhis. They have also demonstrated the advantages of solar energy, dispelling myths and garnering community support.

📍 The Bigger Picture

• The Solar Sakhis are not only promoting clean energy but also empowering women in their communities.
• They are setting an example for future generations, proving that women can be leaders and change-makers.

☀️ The Takeaway

The story of Solar Sakhis is a testament to the determination of women to lead and catalyze change. It’s a reminder that every small step towards change can have a ripple effect, positively impacting whole communities. You can read more about their incredible journey here.

🌱 What Happened

In the small village of Baliganapalli, Tamil Nadu, an innovative school called Shanti Bhavan emerged. Founded by Dr. Abraham George, an Indian-American businessman, in 1997, Shanti Bhavan aims to break the cycle of poverty through education. The unique aspect of Shanti Bhavan is that it doesn’t just provide education but a comprehensive 17-year program from pre-school till college.

💡 Impact

Over the years, Shanti Bhavan has transformed the lives of hundreds of children, especially girls. One notable example is Preetha, who was born and raised in a slum but is now a successful computer scientist in a multinational corporation. Such successful transitions are commonplace at Shanti Bhavan.

📍 The Bigger Picture

1. Empowering Women

Schools like Shanti Bhavan help in empowering girls by giving them access to quality education, thereby enabling them to build a better future for themselves and their families.

2. Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

By providing comprehensive educational support, Shanti Bhavan is helping break the generational cycle of poverty, one child at a time.

🎈Takeaway

Shanti Bhavan’s model of comprehensive education serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right resources and opportunities, anyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams. More such initiatives can drastically transform the educational landscape of India. For more information about Shanti Bhavan, click here.

🌱 The Change Makers

Meet the women of India who are making incredible strides in civic development and community betterment. One such woman is Shaila Brijnath, a civil engineer who has transformed the village of Nandgaon in Maharashtra by initiating a waste management project. Since its establishment in 2018, the village has seen a remarkable decrease in pollution levels.

💡 The Impact

Shaila’s initiative has not only improved environmental conditions but also created job opportunities for the villagers, who are actively involved in the waste management process. Even more inspiring, she encouraged young women to participate, thereby promoting gender equality within the community.

📍 The Bigger Picture

Shaila’s story is just one example of the remarkable change that women are initiating in India. Here are a few other noteworthy examples:

• In Chennai, Archana Sinha initiated a rainwater harvesting project that has mitigated the city’s water crisis.
• In Kolkata, Shreya Gupta led a project to green the urban spaces, improving air quality and creating natural havens within the bustling city.
• In rural Rajasthan, a group of women launched an organic farming cooperative, promoting sustainable farming practices and improving local economies.

These women are not just transforming landscapes; they’re transforming lives, inspiring others to take action, and proving that the power to create change lies within each of us. Next time you see a problem in your community, remember these women and ask yourself: What can I do to make a difference?