This Intervention is pivoted around skill enhancement, livelihood generation, financial literacy, zero tolerance for gender-based violence, learning self-defence skills and creating awareness about women’s and girls’ rights and their social entitlements.
Kotri Village, Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan: ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step’ – is not merely a quote by Lao Tzu, it’s a leap of faith that the girls and women of Kotri Village in Jaisalmer District of Rajasthan have made. It’s a resolve that all of them have taken to work towards leading a life that is valued, a life that they can cherish.
Today marks a big day in their lives as ‘Unnati Ki Shakti’ (translating to the power of Progress in English), the much awaited CSR Intervention by Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited in collaboration with ARCH Development Foundation has been formally inaugurated.
All the 386 women of Kotri Village along with the 60 adolescent girls are beneficiaries of Unnati Ki Shakti which eventually aims to attain an egalitarian status for them. This Intervention is pivoted around skill enhancement, livelihood generation, financial literacy, zero tolerance for gender-based violence, learning self-defence skills and creating awareness about women’s and girls’ rights and their social entitlements.
Although the Intervention was officially launched today in the presence of Senior District Administration Functionaries, ARCH Foundation had started working with the Girls and Women of Kotri almost two months ago.
Representing Additional Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Jaisalmer, Shri. Data Ram (RAS) at the Inaugural Event, Shri. Hastimal Rathor, Tehsildar of Fatehgarh said, “It is endearing to see Corporates assuming their responsibility towards the betterment of the communities where they operate. The intervention will bring about a meaningful difference in the lives of the women and girls of Kotri Village. The society can progress only when the women and girls become an equal partner in change. I wish all the women and girls of Kotri the very best and call upon Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited and ARCH Development Foundation to steer the village to the pinnacle of women empowerment. I extend full cooperation for this worthy cause.”
Distinguished Guest, Ms. Anjana Meghwal, Former Zila Pramukh of Jaisalmer and current Member of Rajasthan State Commission for Women – a firebrand leader upholding the rights of women and girls enthused the audience by saying, “Our sisters deserve the best! They have immense inherent power which perhaps they do not acknowledge. I strongly feel that the first and foremost task is to introduce them to their own self. Empowerment cannot be triggered without awakening. We are here to awaken our sisters. I am available 24 X 7 for the cause.”
Addressing the august gathering at the inauguration event in Kotri Village, Mr. Ashok Goyal, Deputy Director, Women Development Department Jaisalmer District as the Guest of Honour said, “I am glad that the village has embarked on a journey of transformation with the Girls and Women holding the rein of change. The inauguration during Navratras when we invoke Goddess Durga – the incarnation of Power or Shakti makes this event all the more contextual and timely. I am sure these women and girls will lead by example in the months that follow and shall also inspire others from the adjoining villages to realise the infinite potential they behold.”
Speaking at the inaugural Ms. Sonkee Shah, CEO, ARCH Development Foundation said, “During the Pilot Phase of this Intervention, 3 Self Help Groups will be formed in Kotri Village covering around 40 women demonstrating increased understanding about banking procedures, group functioning for savings and credit activities and associated record keeping. 75 Adolescent Girls and Women will be sensitized about their rights, financial literacy and social welfare entitlements. 30 women will be trained for Rakhi making for augmenting household income by working from home in their spare time without having to make any financial investment. Access to market for their products will also be ensured by us. 30 women and girls will be trained for self-defence skills that will positively impact their confidence level and personality. ARCH Development Foundation looks forward to a long lasting relation with Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited upholding the rights of women and girls.”
Puneet Katyal, Chief Executive Officer, Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited in an official statement said, “Women of Rajasthan are revered world over for their innate strength, valour and warrior-ship. In our endeavour to take People and Planet together, I am elated by the fact that our CSR Intervention, Unnati Ki Shakti has been pragmatically designed to stoke the power and determination of women and girls of Kotri Village in Jaisalmer District of Rajasthan. All of us are geared up to catalyse positive social change and transformation in this rural community. Our clients have Renewable Energy Projects in this region. With a robust social development intervention now underway we will be able to steer real sustainable change which is the need of the hour.”
Tags: Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited, CSR, Corporate Social Responsibility, Women Empowerment, Livelihood, Education, Child Rights, Women Power, Climate Change Mitigation, Carbon Credits, Carbon Neutral, Environment, People, Planet, Earth, ARCH Development Foundation