As the spirit of International Women’s Day lingers on, the Adani Foundation proudly recognizes and honours the evolving roles that women play in driving transformation at the grassroots. Through #HamareBadalteKirdaar, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and leadership skills of women who have not just empowered themselves but also become a source of inspiration and hope to other women in their community. We are privileged to play our role in enabling women to realize their true potential and achieve self-reliance. By providing them with necessary resources and opportunities, the Foundation is proud to empower women to rise, shine, achieve, and prosper.

Here are their stories, in their own words.

‘Want women to stand on their own feet’ - Kumari, Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

My name is Kumari, and I live in Ram Nagar hamlet of Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. I had always dreamt of becoming financially independent, but this had always seemed like a far-fetched dream to me.

When I was diagnosed with a liver condition a couple of years ago, it drained my family's finances. Once I started recovering, I knew it was time to work towards my goal.

It was then that I came in contact with the Adani Foundation and joined a self-help group being run in the region. Little did I know that my association with the Foundation would change the course of my destiny and make my once-distant dream come true.

Today, I run my own venture of spice grinding and oil extraction and stand tall as a self-made woman. Besides me, two women from my community are part of my venture, and all of us have overcome personal struggles to become empowered. I believe women can achieve anything if given the right guidance and opportunities to prosper. I wish to see more women standing on their own feet and break stereotypes wherever they go.

Watch Kumari’s journey of leadership here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHavPRjWlH0

‘Women are true agents of change at grassroots’ - Shehnaaz Bano, Kawai (Rajasthan)

I live in Kherli Gaddiyan village of Kawai (Rajasthan) with my husband, in-laws and daughter, aged 1.5 years. My husband owns three acres of land, and farming is our main livelihood. I have studied till class 12 and had always wanted to be self-reliant, but I didn’t know where and how to begin.

That changed in March 2022 when I connected with the Adani Foundation and became a part of the dairy development program in the area. My association with the Foundation kickstarted my journey towards self-reliance.

Like me, most of the women in our region are cattle farmers. Becoming associated with the Foundation’s dairy development program opened doors of financial security for us. As part of a farmers’ producer organization (being facilitated by the Foundation), we are collectively getting empowered by collecting over 8,000 litres of milk per day, storing it hygienically, and later supplying it to big cooperatives, including Amul. I have been given the responsibility of managing and running the centre, which gives me a deep sense of satisfaction.

Today, I proudly contribute in running my household along with my husband. Additionally, with the money I have saved, I helped my husband to buy his dream tractor, which has greatly improved our farm’s productivity.

The dairy development program has proved to be a game-changer not just for me but for multiple women in my community. It has enhanced our socio-economic well-being, made us financially secure and helped us in creating an identity for ourselves.

Watch how Shehnaaz redefined empowerment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAZIj5fTUTs

‘Women capable of beating all odds’ - Jyoti, Mandvi (Gujarat)

My name is Jyoti, and I live with my elderly parents and two sisters in Mandvi in Kutch district of Gujarat. My father's income was barely enough to make ends meet. I had always aspired to become a nurse and was pursuing a course to create a brighter future for myself and my family. However, after the untimely death of my younger brother, the responsibility of supporting my family fell solely on me, and I decided to quit my studies and find a job.

During the lowest phase of my life, the Adani Foundation stood by me as a guiding light and a ray of hope. They encouraged me and empowered me to stand on my own feet. With the guidance of the Foundation, I joined Adani Solar to support my family. It was only after joining the organization that I became aware of my capabilities. My job not only helped me create an identity for myself but also made my parents feel proud of me. Seeing them smiling was beyond satisfying and rewarding for me!

I have resumed my studies, and I am working hard to fulfil my dreams. I feel women can beat all odds in life and achieve all that they dream.

Watch Jyoti’s journey of self-reliance here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPvLoDfb1p0

For over 28 years, the Adani Foundation has been at the forefront of empowering women through its dedicated interventions as part of its ‘Butterfly Effect’ framework. This unique approach is specifically designed to address the evolving needs of women at every stage of their lives towards enhancing their overall well-being. Till now, the Foundation has positively touched the lives of over two million women across India. We reiterate our commitment to empower more women from underserved communities.