PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 11: A total of 545 women took part in the 8th convocation ceremony of Disha – a programme on women leadership under the aegis of Tata Steel Foundation, at the Tata Auditorium (XLRI campus) today.
Disha aims at achieving equality in society by empowering women and working to uplift marginalized communities. Till date more than 7000 women have been enrolled, of which 5342 Women have graduated from Disha training across Jharkhand and Odisha.
Empowering Women for an Equitable Society
The theme for the convocation was ‘Enlightened Equitable Society”. It highlighted the role of rural women in creating an enlightened and equitable society and how Disha leadership training programs for women were instrumental in fostering an equitable society.
By providing skills in communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking, Disha has been enabling women to assume leadership roles for the betterment of their community.
It has been contributing to breaking gender barriers, promoting diversity, and creating a more inclusive society where women can actively participate and influence positive change in their community and society at large.
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Leadership Training and Community Development
Present on the occasion was Sourav Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Steel Foundation, Smita Verma, Lead, Gender and Community Enterprise, Shuvra R, Lead Communications, among others.
Sourav Roy addressed the gathering saying, “I am happy to note that women from grassroots Jharkhand and Odisha are making individual choices to train under the leadership programme of Disha, and making giant strides in creating a difference in their societies today. Disha is beyond the equations of economic decision-making. It is about realizing one’s potential within the current societal trends and adding value to others’ lives.”
Launched in FY22, this initiative aspires to transform six thousand women to changemakers in respective ecosystems over the course of the next five years through comprehensive social, political, and digital empowerment.
Strategic Investment in Women’s Leadership
Backed by Tata Steel Foundation, the programme strategically invests in enhancing the leadership skills of these women, instilling a deep sense of confidence and encouraging their active participation in social institutions.
By nurturing role models within their communities, the program seeks to pave the way for women to assume strategic positions in society and decision-making bodies, championing human rights, gender equality, and developmental issues.
The journey towards empowerment for these women encompasses a series of six task-based trainings each year. These trainings encompass vital aspects such as leadership and conflict resolution for a peaceful environment, gender mainstreaming and empowerment to foster inclusivity and sensitivity and formal literacy training to address issues like violence, rights, and entitlements.
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Comprehensive Approach to Empowerment
Equipping women with efficient communication skills and digital literacy enables better networking and advocacy, further strengthening their voices and impact.
Additionally, social and economic security is prioritized through training on village development plans and PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions), ensuring a comprehensive approach to empowerment.
