SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 15: Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) celebrated the International Day of Rural Women at the Sijua Community Centre by organizing a series of programs aimed at recognizing the vital role of rural women in agricultural and rural development.
The event, attended by around 200 rural women from six community centres, was inaugurated by Shweta Mishra, Head of Administration for the Jharia Division, Tata Steel.
Tributes and highlights of the event
During the event, participants and officials acknowledged the contributions of rural women to both community and national progress. Rich tributes were also paid to Padma Vibhushan Ratan N Tata in honour of his vision and commitment to rural development.
In her speech, Shweta Mishra emphasized the significant role rural women play in driving community growth and development.
The event included an awareness session on breast cancer and discussions on crucial topics such as nutrition, health, and hygiene. A quiz contest was also organized, engaging participants in an interactive way to spread knowledge on these issues.
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Commitment to empowerment and sustainable livelihoods
Tata Steel Foundation has continuously worked towards empowering rural women through leadership training and dialogue. One of the most notable initiatives has been the promotion of alternative livelihood options to enhance household income.
Recently, an all-women Self-Help Group (SHG) launched a sanitary napkin production unit in Sijua, improving access to affordable menstrual hygiene products in the region.
These programs, combined with leadership training, have enabled women to create additional SHGs, boosting household incomes and fostering entrepreneurship within their communities.
Key figures and guests in attendance
Several notable figures attended the event, including Piyush Kumar, Senior Area Manager of Sijua Group; Rajesh Kumar from Tata Steel Foundation; Dr. Ankit Prakash, Senior Registrar at Bhelatand Feeder Hospital; Bipin Choudhary, Manager of Community Development, TSF; Abhishek Kumar, Block Officer for Nutrition at TSF; and Yashoda Devi, Mukhiya of Kanchanpur Panchayat. These officials reiterated the importance of empowering rural women and promoting sustainable livelihoods.