Ek Naam #IWD2022 : Part 2

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 Sherly. It’s my identity…This is my story!

Sherly Eldho from Airapuram, often found herself helpless, unable to provide support for her family. In 2019, she joined the Apollo Tyres Foundation organic farming project, which soon helped turn her life around. The training and mentoring advice motivated Sherly to take up food crop cultivation, helping increase her income so that she was able to provide food and education to her children. Now, Sherly has extended her support by helping women become financially independent and transforming their role of homemaker to breadwinners for their families.?

“If you have a dream, make it a goal.”?

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

Mangli Bai from Amarpura, Udaipur is a strong believer that education is vital in ending the cycle of poverty. Driven by this thought, she joined #UnnatiSansthan, dedicating her time towards the local children of her community, ensuring that they receive the formal education they deserve. Her commitment meant that student admission rose from 60 to 450, helping the village panchayat to get the accreditation for schools to operate till 12th standard, instead of 8th standard. Changemaker and leader, Mangli has helped change the lives of many in her community where she now shares her wisdom and passion as a guest speaker at schools and community events. This incredible woman is also actively involved in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan where she has been able to create toilet facilities for over 400 households, benefitting 1600 people.

“I believe that small consistent efforts can bring massive changes.”

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

Determined to contribute to her family's income, Valsala Nair from Kottayam, Kerala joined the Self Help Group (SHG)? run by the Apollo Tyres Foundation. After livelihood and entrepreneurial management training, Valsala set up the 'Nivedhyam Mushroom Unit' with 10 women from the community. With hard work and dedication, not only did she increase her monthly income, but she received fund support to help grow her business further. Inspired and driven, Valsala helped motivate and train 55 women, with three SHGs comprising 60 beneficiaries who started mushroom cultivation units, generating a monthly income of INR 10,000 and empowering other women to create their own identity.??

“Being financially independent gives you more courage and power to make your own choices and to create a Change.”

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

In 2015, Champaben Ganeshbhai Vankar from Vadodara, Gujarat had the opportunity to join the Apollo Tyres Foundation Self Help Group. With ATF's support, Champaben's hard work and dedication meant that with her business mind and livestock management, she was able to provide financial support to her family and make her children's dream of education a reality. Champaben was instrumental in linking 29 women from the community with various government welfare schemes whilst inspiring parents to enrol their children in schools, meaning 15 children received formal education. In recognition of her work, in April 2021, Champaben was elected as the President of Waghodiya Taluka Panchayat.?

“With hard work, perseverance and self-belief, there is no limit to what you can achieve”.

Every day, in every corner of the world, women and girls are fighting for their equal rights by challenging gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias. Today, tomorrow and every day that follows, we must celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and #BreakTheBias once and for all.

#BreakTheBias #IWD2022#Equality #GenderEquality #GoTheDistance