WOMEN-EMPOWERMENT

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The situation of poor girls and women in rural areas of West Bengal and across India is marked by several socio-economic and gender-based challenges. Statistics indicate disparities in education, health, employment, and access to basic resources, which disproportionately affect girls and women in these regions. Below is an overview of the current situation based on various statistical data:



Educational Disparities:

Low Enrollment and High Dropout Rates: Rural girls, particularly from poor families, face challenges in accessing education. Societal norms, early marriage, and economic pressure to contribute to household chores or labor often lead to high dropout rates among girls. Statistics: According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022, 30% of rural girls between the ages of 15 and 18 are not enrolled in any educational institution. In West Bengal, the dropout rate among girls at the secondary level is 16.8%, compared to boys at 13.3%. Nationally, only 40% of rural girls complete their secondary education. Impact: Girls are often deprived of higher education opportunities, limiting their future economic prospects and reinforcing the cycle of poverty.


Child Marriage:

Prevalence of Early Marriage: Early marriage is a major issue in rural India, with girls often being married off before the legal age of 18. This practice leads to an early end to education and increased health risks due to early pregnancy.
Statistics: According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-2021), 23.3% of women aged 20-24 in India were married before the age of 18.
In West Bengal, 41.6% of women in the same age group were married before 18, the highest rate in the country.
Impact: Early marriage curtails educational and economic opportunities for girls, leading to increased dependency and poor health outcomes.

Health and Nutrition Challenges:

Malnutrition and Maternal Health: Rural women and girls face significant challenges related to malnutrition and maternal health due to limited access to healthcare and nutritious food.
Statistics: The NFHS-5 (2019-2021) reports that 22.9% of women in rural India are undernourished (BMI less than 18.5).
In West Bengal, 20.3% of women are undernourished, and 48% of women aged 15-49 are anemic.
The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in rural India remains high at 113 deaths per 100,000 live births (Sample Registration System, 2021).
Impact: Poor maternal and nutritional health outcomes reduce women’s productivity and ability to care for their families, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Economic Marginalization:

Limited Economic Opportunities: Women in rural areas have fewer opportunities for formal employment and are often engaged in unpaid or low-paid labor, primarily in agriculture and domestic work.
Statistics: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022, the female labor force participation rate in rural India is only 24.2%, compared to 42.6% for men.
In West Bengal, the rural female labor force participation is 23%, one of the lowest in India.
Impact: Women’s low participation in the labor market leads to economic dependence and limits their ability to invest in their families’ well-being and education.

Violence and Gender-Based Discrimination:


Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence: Women in rural areas are more vulnerable to gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking, with limited access to legal recourse and support systems.
Statistics: According to the NFHS-5 (2019-2021), 30% of rural women in India reported experiencing physical or sexual violence, with West Bengal reporting a similar rate of 29.1%.
Many cases go unreported due to social stigma and lack of access to legal support.
Impact: Gender-based violence severely impacts women’s physical and mental health, economic independence, and ability to participate in society.

Access to Sanitation and Hygiene:


Lack of Sanitary Facilities: Rural women and girls often lack access to basic sanitation facilities, which affects their health and school attendance. Poor menstrual hygiene management is a significant issue in rural areas.
Statistics: According to the NFHS-5, 70% of rural women in India use sanitary napkins or other menstrual hygiene products, but the remaining 30% lack access to proper hygiene products.
In West Bengal, around 25% of rural women do not have access to proper menstrual hygiene products.
The Swachh Bharat Mission has increased access to toilets, but many rural areas still lack functional sanitation infrastructure.
Impact: Poor access to sanitation leads to health risks, missed school days for girls during menstruation, and overall reduced participation in education and public life.

Low Access to Healthcare and Family Planning:

Limited Healthcare Access: Poor rural women often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services, including reproductive health services, leading to high fertility rates and poor maternal health outcomes.
Statistics: The NFHS-5 reports that only 67% of rural women receive at least four antenatal care visits during pregnancy, compared to 83% in urban areas.
In West Bengal, 64% of women have access to full antenatal care, indicating a significant gap in healthcare services.
Impact: Limited access to healthcare and family planning services contributes to high fertility rates, poor maternal health, and higher child mortality, further exacerbating poverty cycles.

Limited Digital Access and Literacy:

Digital Divide: Poor rural women and girls face significant barriers to accessing digital technology, including smartphones and the internet, which limits their access to information, education, and employment opportunities.
Statistics: According to ASER 2022, only 15% of rural women in India have access to the internet, compared to 30% of rural men.
In West Bengal, the digital gender divide is also prominent, with rural women having significantly less access to digital tools compared to their urban counterparts.
Impact: The digital divide limits women’s access to online learning, job opportunities, and health information, hindering their ability to improve their socio-economic status.

Cultural and Social Norms:


Patriarchal Norms and Discrimination: Rural areas in India are often deeply influenced by patriarchal social structures that limit women’s autonomy and decision-making power, leading to restrictions on their mobility, education, and employment.
Statistics: According to the NFHS-5, in rural India, only 45% of women have a say in household decisions regarding their health, major purchases, or visiting family.
In West Bengal, this figure stands at 46%, indicating a significant gap in women’s empowerment and decision-making.
Impact: Cultural norms restrict women’s rights and opportunities, making it difficult for them to pursue education, seek employment, or participate fully in society.

Access to Government Schemes and Programs:

Limited Awareness and Access: Many poor women in rural areas are unaware of or unable to access government schemes designed to support their education, health, and livelihoods. Bureaucratic challenges and lack of outreach further limit their participation in these programs.
Statistics: According to a NITI Aayog 2021 survey, awareness of government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is limited among rural women, with only 30% of eligible rural women accessing maternal benefits under these schemes.
Impact: Poor access to government support programs means that rural women and girls miss out on vital resources that could improve their education, health, and livelihoods.

The situation of poor girls and women in rural areas of West Bengal and across India is characterized by deep-rooted challenges such as gender inequality, poverty, lack of education, limited access to healthcare, and socio-cultural barriers. Despite various government initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of rural women, the gaps in education, economic opportunities, and access to healthcare persist. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes targeted policy interventions, increased access to education and health services, greater economic opportunities, and changing cultural norms to empower rural women and girls.



Why should we help empower poor girls and women in rural areas in various fields through our NGO?



Empowering poor girls and women in rural areas through your NGO, DEVIPEETH INDIA FOUNDATION, is crucial for multiple social, economic, and moral reasons. Addressing the disparities faced by rural women and girls can have transformative effects not only on their lives but also on their communities and society at large. Here are the key reasons why your NGO should focus on empowering them in various fields:

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty:
Economic Independence: Empowering girls and women through education, vocational training, and skill development enhances their chances of earning an income. When women contribute economically, they uplift entire families, break the cycle of poverty, and create long-term social mobility.
Statistics: According to the World Bank, every additional year of schooling for a girl increases her future earnings by 10-20%. Educated women reinvest 90% of their earnings back into their families, compared to 40% for men.
Improving Educational Outcomes:
Education for the Next Generation: Empowering women, especially mothers, directly impacts children’s education. Educated mothers are more likely to send their children to school and provide them with better healthcare and nutrition.
The United Nations reports that children of literate mothers are 50% more likely to survive past the age of five and are more likely to complete their education.
Impact: Empowering rural women through education helps create an educated and healthier future generation, reducing illiteracy and poverty in rural communities.
Reducing Gender-Based Violence:
Fostering Gender Equality: Empowering women to become financially independent and aware of their rights helps them challenge harmful gender norms and resist gender-based violence. Women who are economically empowered are better positioned to negotiate their safety and well-being.
Statistics: According to the NFHS-5, over 30% of women in rural India experience some form of physical or sexual violence. Empowering women reduces their vulnerability to violence by increasing their independence and social standing.
Impact: Empowering women to resist violence creates safer and more equitable communities where gender-based violence is less tolerated.
Boosting Economic Growth:
Economic Growth and Productivity: Empowering rural women through skill development and entrepreneurship helps boost the local economy. When women become active participants in the labor force, productivity increases, and the economy flourishes.
Statistics: According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, advancing gender equality in India could add $770 billion to the country’s GDP by 2025. Women’s participation in the workforce in India is only 20.3% (PLFS 2022), and tapping into this potential can accelerate economic growth.
Impact: By providing rural women with the necessary skills and opportunities, your NGO can play a critical role in driving local and national economic development.
Enhancing Health and Well-Being: Improved Health Outcomes: Empowered women are more likely to have access to healthcare and make informed decisions about their health and that of their families. This includes better maternal health, nutrition, and access to reproductive health services.
Statistics: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), empowering women can reduce maternal mortality and improve child health. Women who are empowered to make healthcare decisions are more likely to seek medical care during pregnancy and childbirth, reducing the risk of maternal and infant mortality.
Impact: Empowering rural women in health education and access to healthcare reduces mortality rates, improves nutrition, and promotes overall well-being for women and their families.
Reducing Child Marriage and Early Pregnancy:
Preventing Early Marriage: Empowered girls are less likely to be subjected to early marriage, as education and skill development increase their opportunities for independence. Early marriage often leads to early pregnancies, which are dangerous for young mothers and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
Statistics: In rural India, 23.3% of women are married before the legal age of 18, according to the NFHS-5. Empowering girls through education and economic opportunities can significantly reduce child marriage rates.
Impact: Empowering girls prevents early marriage, which leads to healthier, more educated women who are able to make informed decisions about their futures.
Nurturing Community Leaders and Role Models:
Inspiring Future Leaders: Empowering rural girls and women creates role models for younger generations. When girls see women in their communities succeeding in business, education, or leadership roles, they are more likely to aspire to similar goals.
Impact: Empowering women to become community leaders fosters a culture of inclusivity, promotes gender equality, and creates a positive ripple effect for future generations. Promoting Environmental Sustainability:
Sustainable Livelihoods: Empowering women, especially in rural agricultural communities, often involves teaching sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and eco-friendly entrepreneurship. Women are primary caregivers and responsible for collecting water and firewood, making them key stakeholders in environmental sustainability.
Statistics: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that if women in rural areas had the same access to resources as men, they could increase agricultural yields by 20-30%.
Impact: Empowering women with sustainable livelihood practices ensures better management of resources, environmental conservation, and food security for rural communities.
Improving Social Inclusion:
Building Social Cohesion: Empowering women leads to more inclusive communities where both genders are respected and valued. This promotes social cohesion and reduces social tensions related to gender discrimination.
Impact: By empowering girls and women in rural areas, DEVIPEETH INDIA FOUNDATION can help create a more harmonious, inclusive, and equitable society.
Realizing Human Rights:
Fundamental Human Rights: Every girl and woman deserves the right to education, health, and the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Empowering poor girls and women in rural areas aligns with global human rights principles and helps achieve the goals of gender equality and justice.
Impact: Empowerment initiatives contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), thereby advancing social justice.



Helping empower poor girls and women in rural areas through your NGO not only uplifts individuals but also transforms entire communities. By providing education, financial independence, health support, and leadership opportunities, DEVIPEETH INDIA FOUNDATION can break the cycle of poverty, reduce gender-based violence, and contribute to economic growth. Empowering women has a multiplier effect, benefiting their families, communities, and the nation as a whole. Empowering rural girls and women is not just a moral imperative—it is essential for sustainable development, gender equality, and social progress.



Which factors are hindering the ability and empowerment of poor girls and women in rural areas of West Bengal and all over India?



The ability and empowerment of poor girls and women in rural areas of West Bengal and across India are hindered by multiple socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors. These obstacles create deep-rooted inequalities and prevent them from accessing opportunities that could improve their education, health, livelihoods, and social status. Based on various statistics, here are the key factors hindering their empowerment:

Low Access to Education:
High Dropout Rates: Education is one of the most critical tools for empowerment, but many girls in rural areas are forced to drop out due to poverty, household responsibilities, early marriage, and lack of nearby schools.
Statistics: According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022, 30% of rural girls between the ages of 15-18 are not enrolled in any educational institution. In West Bengal, the dropout rate among girls at the secondary level is 16.8%, compared to boys at 13.3%. Impact: Lack of education limits girls’ future economic prospects and keeps them trapped in cycles of dependency and poverty.
Early Marriage and Child Marriage:
Prevalence of Child Marriage: Early marriage is a widespread issue in rural India, and girls are often married off before the legal age of 18, ending their education and opportunities for personal development.
Statistics: According to NFHS-5 (2019-2021), 23.3% of women aged 20-24 in India were married before the legal age of 18.
In West Bengal, 41.6% of women were married before 18, the highest rate of child marriage in the country.
Impact: Early marriage leads to early pregnancies, which pose serious health risks to young mothers and deprive them of opportunities for education and employment, perpetuating poverty and disempowerment.
Health and Nutritional Challenges:
Maternal Health and Malnutrition: Poor rural women and girls often lack access to healthcare, resulting in high rates of malnutrition, anemia, and inadequate maternal care, which affect their ability to lead healthy, productive lives.
Statistics: The NFHS-5 data shows that 22.9% of rural women in India are undernourished (BMI less than 18.5), and 57% of rural women suffer from anemia.
In West Bengal, 48% of women aged 15-49 are anemic, contributing to poor maternal and child health outcomes.
The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in rural India is 113 deaths per 100,000 live births, which remains high despite improvements.
Impact: Poor health diminishes women’s ability to work, care for their families, and participate in economic activities, reinforcing their dependence and vulnerability.
Limited Access to Economic Opportunities:
Low Female Workforce Participation: Women in rural areas face significant barriers to participating in the workforce due to lack of skills, social norms that confine them to household duties, and limited access to formal employment.
Statistics: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022 reported that the female labor force participation rate in rural India is just 24.2%, compared to 42.6% for men.
In West Bengal, rural female labor force participation is 23%, one of the lowest in India.
Impact: Limited economic participation keeps women dependent on male family members, reduces household income, and hinders women’s overall empowerment.
Lack of Access to Digital Tools and Information: Digital Divide: Poor rural women and girls face barriers in accessing digital technology, such as smartphones and the internet, which are increasingly essential for education, employment, and access to government schemes and healthcare information.
Statistics: According to ASER 2022, only 15% of rural women in India have access to the internet, compared to 30% of rural men.
In West Bengal, the digital divide is significant, with limited digital literacy and access to online learning or employment platforms for rural women.
Impact: The digital divide prevents rural women from accessing vital information, online learning opportunities, and remote work, limiting their ability to improve their socio-economic status.
Social and Cultural Barriers:
Patriarchal Norms and Gender Discrimination: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms in rural areas limit women’s autonomy, restrict their mobility, and reinforce traditional gender roles, making it difficult for them to pursue education, employment, or leadership roles.
Statistics: The NFHS-5 shows that in rural India, only 45% of women have a say in household decisions regarding their own health, major purchases, or visiting family.
In West Bengal, 46% of women are able to participate in household decision-making.
Impact: These cultural norms restrict women’s access to education and employment and limit their ability to make decisions about their own lives, reinforcing cycles of disempowerment.
Gender-Based Violence and Safety Concerns:
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Many rural women experience physical and sexual violence, with limited access to legal protection or support services. Fear of violence or harassment often prevents girls and women from attending school or participating in the workforce.
Statistics: According to NFHS-5, over 30% of rural women in India report experiencing some form of physical or sexual violence, and many cases go unreported due to fear of social stigma and retaliation.
In West Bengal, the figure stands at 29.1%.
Impact: Gender-based violence diminishes women’s physical and mental health, undermines their self-esteem, and limits their ability to participate fully in society.
Lack of Access to Sanitation and Menstrual Hygiene:
Inadequate Sanitary Facilities: Poor access to sanitation, especially for menstrual hygiene management, is a significant issue for girls in rural areas, leading to school absenteeism and health problems.
Statistics: The NFHS-5 found that 70% of rural women in India use sanitary napkins or other hygiene products, but the remaining 30% lack access to proper menstrual hygiene.
In West Bengal, around 25% of rural women do not have access to proper menstrual hygiene products, leading to missed school days or reduced productivity during menstruation.
Impact: Poor menstrual hygiene management leads to health complications, school absenteeism, and social stigma, which limit women’s educational and economic opportunities.
Inadequate Access to Government Schemes and Legal Rights:
Awareness and Accessibility: Many rural women are unaware of or unable to access government schemes designed to support their education, health, or livelihoods due to bureaucratic hurdles, lack of outreach, or social norms that prevent them from engaging with institutions.
Statistics: A NITI Aayog survey found that only 30% of rural women are aware of or accessing benefits from key government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) or Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).
Impact: Without access to these schemes, women miss out on crucial support for education, healthcare, and economic development, further deepening inequalities.
Environmental and Infrastructural Challenges:
Inadequate Infrastructure: Rural areas often lack the basic infrastructure, such as roads, schools, healthcare centers, and clean water, that women and girls need to thrive. Poor infrastructure particularly affects women, who are responsible for household tasks like collecting water and firewood.
Statistics: According to the Swachh Bharat Mission data, while there has been an increase in the construction of toilets, many rural areas still lack access to functional and safe sanitation facilities.
Impact: Inadequate infrastructure limits women’s access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities and reinforces their dependence on household labor.


The empowerment of poor girls and women in rural areas is hindered by a complex interplay of factors, including limited access to education, early marriage, poor health, lack of economic opportunities, social norms, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach, including improving education, providing healthcare access, increasing economic opportunities, challenging gender norms, and ensuring that rural women and girls have access to digital tools and government support programs. Only by tackling these obstacles can we create an environment where women and girls in rural areas can fully realize their potential and contribute to their communities and society.



DEVIPEETH INDIA FOUNDATION is addressing the obstacles faced by poor girls and women in rural areas of West Bengal and across India through a holistic and multi-pronged approach aimed at empowering these communities. By targeting key barriers such as education, health, economic opportunities, and social awareness, the foundation is making meaningful progress in overcoming the challenges identified earlier. Here’s how our NGO is tackling these obstacles:

Promoting Education for Girls:
Intervention: DEVIPEETH INDIA FOUNDATION focuses on improving access to education for girls in rural areas by providing scholarships, educational materials, and organizing community-based awareness programs to stress the importance of girls’ education.
Actions Taken:
Scholarship Programs: Financial support is offered to girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to reduce dropout rates and help them continue their schooling.
Learning Centers: The NGO has established learning centers and mobile classrooms in remote areas where access to formal schools is limited.
Parental Awareness Programs: Conducting campaigns and workshops for parents to emphasize the long-term benefits of educating their daughters and to counter the tradition of early marriages.
Impact: Increased enrollment and retention of girls in schools, reduced dropout rates, and improved academic performance. Girls are more confident and empowered to pursue higher education and vocational training.
Fighting Early and Child Marriages:
Intervention: DEVIPEETH INDIA FOUNDATION actively campaigns against child marriage by raising awareness about its negative impacts on health, education, and future opportunities.
Actions Taken:
Legal Awareness: The NGO educates communities about the legal implications of child marriage and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, discouraging families from engaging in this harmful practice.
Counseling and Support: DEVIPEETH provides counseling services to families and girls at risk of early marriage, offering them alternatives such as vocational training or continued education.
Safe Spaces for Girls: Establishment of safe spaces where girls can gather, learn, and share experiences, ensuring they have a network of support.
Impact: Delayed marriages, higher retention of girls in schools, and increased community awareness about the risks of early marriage and the importance of education.
Enhancing Health and Nutritional Support:
Intervention: Addressing health issues such as malnutrition, anemia, and lack of access to maternal healthcare is a priority. DEVIPEETH India runs health awareness programs and collaborates with healthcare providers to offer medical services.
Actions Taken:
Health Camps and Screenings: Regular health camps are organized to provide free check-ups, screenings for anemia, malnutrition, and general healthcare services to women and girls in rural areas.
Nutrition Programs: The foundation works with local communities to provide nutrition education and supplements to malnourished girls and pregnant women.
Maternal and Child Health Programs: Special emphasis is placed on maternal health through safe delivery practices, prenatal care, and postnatal follow-up services, ensuring reduced maternal and infant mortality.
Impact: Improved health outcomes for girls and women, including reduced anemia rates, better maternal care, and increased awareness of the importance of nutrition and healthcare access.
Economic Opportunities for Women:
Intervention: Empowering women economically through skill development and entrepreneurship programs is a cornerstone of DEVIPEETH's work, enabling women to become financially independent and contribute to their families. Actions Taken: Vocational Training Programs: DEVIPEETH offers skill-building workshops in tailoring, handicrafts, agriculture, and digital literacy, allowing women to acquire marketable skills. Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs): The NGO facilitates the formation of women’s self-help groups that provide savings schemes, microloans, and collective business opportunities. Entrepreneurship Support: Providing resources and mentorship to women interested in starting small businesses, as well as linking them to markets for their products. Impact: More women are entering the workforce, starting businesses, and contributing to the local economy. These initiatives help reduce financial dependence on male family members and create new opportunities for economic empowerment. Bridging the Digital Divide:
Intervention: Recognizing the importance of digital literacy in today’s economy, DEVIPEETH is working to bridge the digital divide by providing training in basic computer skills and internet access for rural women and girls.
Actions Taken:
Digital Literacy Programs: Workshops are conducted to teach women and girls how to use computers, smartphones, and the internet, focusing on practical skills that can help in education and employment.
Access to Online Resources: DEVIPEETH has set up digital learning hubs where girls and women can access online educational materials, government schemes, and employment portals.
Remote Learning Programs: During COVID-19 and other disruptions, DEVIPEETH facilitated remote learning programs, ensuring continuity in education and vocational training.
Impact: Increased digital literacy among women and girls, enabling them to access online education, government schemes, and job opportunities, improving their socio-economic prospects.
Challenging Social Norms and Gender Discrimination:
Intervention: DEVIPEETH works to change deep-seated cultural attitudes that limit women’s opportunities by promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and social inclusion through community engagement and awareness programs.
Actions Taken:
Gender Equality Campaigns: The NGO conducts workshops, street plays, and community discussions aimed at challenging harmful gender norms, promoting equal rights for women, and highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment.
Leadership Programs for Girls: Leadership development programs for young girls encourage them to take on leadership roles in their communities, becoming role models for others. C
ommunity Dialogues: Engaging with men and boys to promote gender equality and challenge patriarchal norms that confine women to traditional roles.
Impact: Gradual shifts in societal attitudes towards gender roles, with increased acceptance of women’s participation in education, the workforce, and community decision-making processes.

Combating Gender-Based Violence:
Intervention: DEVIPEETH India works to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV) by raising awareness, providing legal support, and offering safe spaces and counseling services for women and girls.
Actions Taken:
Awareness Programs: Conducting community-level campaigns to raise awareness about gender-based violence, women’s legal rights, and the importance of reporting abuse.
Legal Aid and Counseling: Providing free legal aid and psychological counseling to survivors of domestic violence and abuse, helping them navigate the legal system and access protection.
Safe Shelters: Establishing safe shelters and support networks for women facing violence, offering them refuge and long-term rehabilitation.
Impact: Increased reporting of GBV cases, greater awareness of women’s rights, and provision of necessary support to victims of violence, contributing to safer communities for women and girls.
Improving Sanitation and Menstrual Hygiene:
Intervention: DEVIPEETH is working to improve sanitation facilities and raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among rural girls and women.
Actions Taken:
Menstrual Hygiene Education: Workshops and awareness campaigns are conducted to educate girls and women about menstrual hygiene, dispelling taboos and promoting the use of sanitary products.
Sanitation Infrastructure: Collaborating with local authorities to improve sanitation infrastructure, including the construction of toilets in schools and public areas.
Distribution of Hygiene Kits: Distribution of free or subsidized sanitary napkins and hygiene kits to ensure that girls do not miss school due to menstruation.
Impact: Improved menstrual hygiene practices, reduced school absenteeism, and better health outcomes for girls and women in rural areas.
Expanding Access to Government Schemes
Intervention: Many rural women are unaware of or unable to access government schemes designed to support them. DEVIPEETH helps bridge this gap by raising awareness and providing assistance in accessing these programs.
Actions Taken:
Awareness Campaigns: Conducting information sessions and community workshops to inform women about government schemes related to healthcare, education, and financial support.
Application Assistance: Helping women complete the paperwork and navigate bureaucratic processes to access benefits such as scholarships, maternity benefits, and loans for small businesses.
Linking Women to Resources: Facilitating connections between women and government agencies, ensuring they receive entitlements like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
Impact: Increased uptake of government schemes, leading to better healthcare, financial security, and educational opportunities for women and girls in rural areas.
Improving Infrastructure and Community Services:
Intervention: DEVIPEETH advocates for and collaborates with local governments to improve rural infrastructure such as schools, healthcare centers, and roads, which are vital for empowering women and girls.
Actions Taken:
Infrastructure Development: Partnering with government bodies to improve infrastructure that directly benefits rural women, such as building better roads for easier school access and ensuring healthcare centers are fully equipped.
Water and Sanitation Projects: Implementing community-based projects to improve access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, which reduce the burden on women and girls.
Impact: Enhanced infrastructure improves women’s access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, contributing to their overall empowerment.

DEVIPEETH INDIA FOUNDATION is taking significant steps to overcome the obstacles hindering the empowerment of poor girls and women in rural areas. By addressing barriers related to education, health, economic independence, gender norms, and safety, the foundation is paving the way for a more equitable and empowered future for women and girls. Through sustained efforts, DEVIPEETH is creating an environment where rural women and girls can access opportunities, realize their potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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