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Key Highlights
If you empower one woman, you have empowered a समुदाय / community.
empowHER India, built on 3 decades of grassroots-level intervention, believes
in empowering women, as a key to uplifting families, communities, and nations.
It was the year 1993 when empowHer India embarked on its journey to provide
women access to economic opportunities and social justice. We believe that
the synergy of tangible upliftment through infrastructure and intangible
support through knowledge and skills, helps women lead a life of dignity
and well-being.
empowHER provides for her because she is the catalyst of change.
Today, the result of our relentless
work speaks for itself.
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Programs
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Villages
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Toilets built
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Women, girls and individuals uplifted
We remain guided by
"If girls receive complete education and join the workforce, it could add $770 billion to India’s GDP by 2025."
– Mckinsey Global Institute (MGI)’s report from 2022.
Programs and Advocacy
SCHOOL WaSH
Sanitation for Government Schools
After building over 2500 individual household toilets, empowHER transitioned
to building toilets in government schools to ensure girls continue schooling,
especially during adolescence. Since 2021, we built 6 toilets that provided
sanitation access to 1100+ children. The goal of our School WaSH Program
is to ensure that girls stay in school by providing them with safe spaces
to relieve themselves with dignity while also promoting their health and
hygiene.
SETU
Adolescent Girl Program
After 30 years of grassroots-level initiatives, empowHER realized that
to make women reach their true potential, we must start young! So we built
a program that impacts and shapes mindsets in the adolescent phase. We
impart life skills like financial literacy, gender equality, safety, critical
healthcare, and more such intangible yet indispensable skills. SETU’s goal
is simple- to ensure that girls grow up to become strong, resilient adults
who have the confidence to negotiate for their own wellbeing.
EDUCATION
Rakesh Jain Madhyamik Vidyamandir
Millions of girls in India are deprived of education due to gender discrimination
and patriarchal mindsets. In the year 2000, RJMV was established in Shivkar
village, Panvel to address the growing need to educate the girl child.
With a holistic approach that includes arts, culture, vocational skills,
sports, and digital technology, the school has become a beacon of learning
for both boys and girls in the surrounding communities.
Impact of SETU
SETU today has a cohort of over 4000 girls who are confident in seeking safeguards against exploitation and violence. Notably, a significant paradigm shift has occurred, with most of these girls advocating for career choices devoid of gender bias. Previously, 80% lacked guidance on navigating adolescent changes—now, a mere 5% remain uninformed.
Impact of WaSH
The School WaSH program achieved a remarkable 100% elimination of open defecation by installing well-maintained toilets coupled with a hygiene regimen. Notably, parental engagement and ownership in school maintenance and hygiene practices have surged ever since we launched the program in 2021, fostering an enriched atmosphere of interaction and involvement within the school and community.
Impact of Rakesh Jain Madhyamik Vidyamandir
RJMV was established in Shivkar, Maharashtra, at a time when there were no educational opportunities for girls in the vicinity. Over time, student enrollment flourished and within a few years, every girl in the village found an educational haven within its walls. Today, RJMV remains a holistic hub of learning for both girls and boys, perpetuating change and societal progress.
Learn more about our programs
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You got the perfect score.What our stakeholders say
During my visit, teachers told me how students used to stay silent about menstruation and reproductive health. But now, they talk openly. I saw this change myself-8th and 9th-grade girls spoke to me without hesitation. It's amazing to see their confidence grow!
Punita Gurav,
DEO - RZP, Alibaug,
Stakeholder of SETU
Stakeholder of SETU
Before empowHER India's SETU sessions, I knew nothing about banking or financial literacy. Now, I've started saving and feel confident about building a financially independent future.
Mansi Bharat L,
SETU Beneficiary
These sessions have helped me and my daughter understand the importance of things like good touch and bad touch. It's not always easy to talk about, but I see how crucial it is for girls to know. SETU program has made a big difference, and as a mother, I feel more confident talking about it. Teaching girls these basics will help them stand strong in life.
Nita Patil,
Mother of an empowHERed Student
Before joining empowHER India's SETU sessions, I believed a girl's place was at home. Now, I know I can be anything. I can see my true potential
Manavi Tamboli,
SETU Beneficiary
Period blood is just blood-it's not dirty! Now that I know the truth, I'm making sure my younger sister and others don't get the wrong information.
Anushka Patil,
SETU Beneficiary
At first, I wondered why boys needed to learn about menstruation. I thought it was just for girls. But then madam explained that times have changed. With mobile phones and easy access to information, boys also need to understand. That’s why this topic was taught to everyone together. It made so much sense!
Meenakshi Pingale,
Teacher - RZP Mhadikwadi, Stakeholder of SETU
When I first heard about the program, was a little curious. But after my son participated, I could really see the difference-he's become mindful. It made me realize that life skills are just as important as academics. To other parents, my advice would be to attend a parent meeting and see for yourself how these sessions are making a real difference in your child's life.
Namrata Dayre,
Mother of an empowHERed Student
Our students learned the importance of cleanliness through fun activities like sorting waste and creating painting walls. They've adopted healthy habits like washing hands, keeping their surroundings clean, and maintaining toilet hygiene. Thanks to EmpowHER India, our school is becoming a healthier place, and we’re proud to be part of the change!
Jalandhar Devrao Wagh,
Head Master - RZP Mandawane,
Stakeholder of School WaSH
Stakeholder of School WaSH
I used to be late for school, but after learning about time management
in the life skills sessions, I made a timetable and started prioritizing.
I also managed to fit in a classical singing lesson, happy to have made
time for other things besides school.
Kamini Kantilal Rasal
13 YO. Karjat resident.
SETU Beneficiary.
SETU Beneficiary.
I put on 4 kgs after learning about a "well-balanced diet". I did not
like eating a lot of vegetables but after attending sessions on health,
I understood the importance of healthy eating habits and that has resulted
in me gaining some weight too.
Harshada Shantaram Gomare
14 YO. SETU Beneficiary.