Education for the Girl Child | Rajkumar Bidawatka

In the famous words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It makes or breaks civilizations, helps societies evolve with modern values and promotes inclusivity. The International Day of Education, observed annually on January 24th, is a day to celebrate and promote the importance of education for all. This year the theme for International Day of Education 2023 is "Invest in people, prioritize education". It highlights the need for countries and organizations to invest in education for everyone to promote sustainable development, social and economic growth, and the empowerment of individuals and communities.

India Inc, the private sector in India, has been aligning its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to this theme, by investing in education and skill development initiatives. Many companies in India have recognized the importance of education and the role it plays in creating a more equitable and sustainable society. As a result, they have been investing in programs that promote education and skill development, particularly for the underserved and marginalized communities.

Education is the cornerstone of every civilisation, however, more so when it concerns the girl child. Even today, in many developing countries, girls and women take a backseat when it comes to education. It is, thus, important for businesses to concentrate on programs that educate the girl child as part of their CSR plan. Not only will this restore balance, but also open a whole new talent pool for the nation and the world to bank on.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has been extensively working with organisations in the field of education to empower communities across India. We have partnered with READ India to provide training programs in vocational skills, as well as introduce efforts to educate and economically empower over 1700 underprivileged women across Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Haryana and Maharashtra. To support and propel the growth of digital India, we have contributed over 1000 computers to 129 Akal Academies being run under the aegis of The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib. This was in addition to 500 computers offered in FY 21-22 across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana & Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, we have worked with HOPE Foundation, to empower young women to educate and provide them training in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through our partnership with Swades Foundation, we have helped empower and provide scholarships to over 600 underprivileged students to pursue higher education in the Palghar and Nashik districts of Maharashtra. We have also helped and provided quality health care & education in Mumbai to over 300 young girls from marginalized communities.

Several other companies have been collaborating with various organizations and NGOs to promote education for girls and children from marginalized communities. This includes funding education programs and providing scholarships for girls to attend school. These efforts help to ensure that all children, regardless of their gender and economic background, have access to education.

Government-run schools are attended by millions of girls each year. However, only a tiny portion of them succeed in finishing their schooling. The cause? Majority of these young girls are required to help with household chores is one of the main reasons of their dropping out of school. Because they are more productive at home, their families do not let them stay in school. Poverty, unemployment, and discrimination based on caste, gender, race, and other societal obstacles are other contributing causes.

Companies that take the lead in social innovation can significantly benefit society. While some businesses opt to make financial contributions, others decide to play a more active part in philanthropy by making product and service donations, offering their time, and more. This provides businesses with a rare chance to interact with educational institutions and people who gain from high-quality goods and services and the knowledge that firms have gathered through time. So, India Inc has been aligning its CSR efforts with the theme of International Day of Education 2023, by investing in people and prioritizing literacy. At SPNI, our aim is to build a future-ready workforce for the nation. As a society, by investing in the education of our younger generations, we can promote sustainable development, social and economic growth, and the empowerment of individuals, communities and ultimately our country.

Authored by Rajkumar Bidawatka, Head CSR