Ek Naam #IWD2022 : Part 1

In celebration of this year's International Women’s Day, we want to put a spotlight on the extraordinary women who have broken down barriers within our communities. Here are the remarkable stories of four inspiring women who #GoTheDistance to #BreakTheBias.

I am Lataben. It’s my identity…This is my story!

Lataben from Konjdi village, Gujarat lost her husband in 2014, since then, she has single-handedly raised her children. Working as a farm labourer, she struggled to provide enough income to support her family. In 2019, with the support of Utthan, a Gujarat-based NGO,? Lataben was able to claim her rightful share of land. With determination, Lataben went on to register with ATMA (Agriculture Technology Management Agency) where she was selected for her leadership qualities and improved farming practices which aided her to double her income in just one cropping season. To date, Lataben has inspired and trained 40 women farmers in her current position as an Intensive Master Trainer, helping them carve out their own destinies.?

“We should not get afraid by hardships and have confidence in our ability to do the best possible job”.

I am Krishnaveni. It’s my identity… This is my story!

For the last 5 years, K Krishnaveni, from Chennai, Tamil Nadu has been working closely with the Apollo Tyres Foundation (ATF) Clean My Village project after she saw how important it was to address the need for hygienic practices and waste management. Krishnaveni maintains 100% segregated waste collection in her village, her dedication and active engagement have helped create a positive perspective, showing over 22 women how income generation through waste management is possible. Now, she is the treasurer of Common Livelihood Group (CLG), Vallakottai. Yet her story doesn't end there, Krishnaveni created a kitchen garden that now generates a monthly income of INR 25,000, providing her family with regular income and food security.??

"The leap from what we do and what we are capable of doing is where change can be seen. The moment we invest our abilities towards bringing about a change, we are already halfway there."

I am Geeta. It’s my identity…This is my story!

Geeta from Faridabad, Haryana was inspired to change the mindset of those around her and encourage them to adopt safe sanitation practices. After joining the SM Sehgal Foundation, Geeta facilitated the construction of over 100 household toilets, benefiting over 400 people by conducting several awareness sessions to teach people the health hazards of defecating in the open. For the past 13 years, Geeta has supported her community by creating and reviving ponds, building over 100 soak pits for wastewater disposal. This superwoman helped train over 150 women on judicious water use and rainwater harvesting and 500 girls in life skills education.?

"Over the years, I have learned that “a little progress each day adds up to big results.”

I am Rupali. It’s my identity…This is my story!

Rupali Nilesh Bendre from Amble, Pune lives with her husband and son on their 3-acre farmland. With the help of Apollo Tyres Foundation (ATF) and BAIF’s technical support, Rupali undertook a livestock development programme that provided her with the confidence and yield she needed to grow her business. Now, generating an annual income of INR 150,000, Rupali, a well-respected businesswoman, inspired over 50 farmers to follow in her footsteps and start their farming ventures. Her kindness and ambition are appreciated by her whole community as she helped initiate the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' movement. Every year on Independence Day, as a token of appreciation, Rupali gives an INR 500 cash prize to the girls who have secured the first rank.?

“Success is inevitable if you continue to make a concerted effort to attain it.”?

As we continue on this journey of equality, we want to encourage and recognise the efforts of eight pioneer women, who are not only making a difference in their own families but also working as catalysts for change. I know I speak on behalf of all of us at Apollo Tyres when I say that we are ecstatic to bring you the fourth edition of Ek Naam, a campaign first initiated in 2019 that is a testimony to our commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods. #BreakTheBias #IWD2022#Equality #GenderEquality #GoTheDistance