Empowerment

The inhumane and degrading profession of “manual scavenging” is still a reality for many Indians. India Fellow Aishwarya talks about how one such manual scavenger decided to quit the profession for a better life, and inspire others in the process.

Access to water and other facilities continues to be a problem for many parts of rural India. Recognising the need for a solution, three girls got together to help bring water access to their village through the construction of a borewell.

Employing and empowering the women from Mumbai's Mankhurd, Chindi makes home decor products and accessories using waste fabric from design houses and sewing units.

Why buy handmade? What difference will it make? Who will it impact? These are just some of the questions that need answering when one discusses hand-crafted goods. There are plenty of reasons to support the handmade movement, and many initiatives, taken by both government and non-governmental institutions, to help the same bloom.

Quitting a well-paying job to help others without substantial rewards is a difficult choice for anyone. However, these women from Bangalore have taken this big step voluntarily, and now help improve lives of those in need in counselling and guidance.

Single working women are often seen as outcasts in Indian society, with everybody questioning them and their abilities. However, this woman refused to let herself be brought down by her experiences, using them to fuel her growth and become an inspiring figure for others.

For many women living in urban slums, self-sustainability and independence from family and societal pressures is a mere pipe dream. However, these three women from South Delhi’s slums are challenging these pre-defined gender roles and making their mark boldly.

India has a long and unique history of art, with several indigenous crafts and practices passed down across generations of artisan communities. It is time modern industry helped these artisans claim their rightful share of the global market.

When a college principal in Mumbai said dressing like a man reduced a woman's desire to have children, Indian women on social media were quick to shut her down.

Plagued by drought, regressive social customs, and lack of access to facilities, the situation is especially dire for the women and children of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, one woman, and her organisation, are tipping the scales in favour of these people and giving them hope for their future.