ESAF was formed from a dream to build a just and equal society untouched by discrimination based on caste, gender or economic status. Gender disparity, therefore, is one of the many societal issues that ESAF has actively been tackling since our early days. Though we celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March, women's empowerment is not just a one-day event for ESAF; for us, every day is Women's Day! Empowering women is not just a drop in the bucket; it's a ripple that can transform communities.
Now let us reflect on why women's empowerment is so significant to us. For starters, women play a pivotal role in the development of our communities and economies. They can become powerful agents of change in their families and communities. ESAF has propelled innumerable women from humble beginnings to become resilient leaders.
We empower women by providing them with diverse skill training and leadership development programmes and by creating marketing avenues for their ventures. Our support does not just end with these; we also provide financial assistance in the form of Mahila Sree accounts, and loans and grants to help women entrepreneurs. This not only helps women start and expand their businesses but also creates job opportunities for others in their communities. By assisting thousands of women to shatter the glass ceiling and embark on their journey towards financial independence, ESAF is not only promoting gender equality but also contributing to economic growth and development. To take this mission forward, we have instituted the Sthree Ratna Award, honouring women trailblazers. I recollect with great satisfaction that in 2010, the Supreme Court referred to ESAF’s study on the ‘economic contribution of women through their unpaid work’ in the civil case of Agarwal vs National Insurance Company. Our study enabled the court to declare a verdict in favour of the victim. Yes, for us, women's empowerment is more than just a fleeting notion; it's a daily commitment.
The role of women in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework of ESAF is critical to our success as an organisation. Their perspectives and experiences are essential for shaping our business practices and social responsibility initiatives. By prioritising women's empowerment, we are positioning ourselves for long-term success.
World Water Day in March is a reminder of the urgent need to safeguard water resources for the future. The SDG 6 of the UN, ensuring clean water and sanitation, is interlinked with SDG 5, gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. The reason is that women from underprivileged segments are the worst affected by the lack of clean water and sanitation. We have been doing our bit through Nirmal and Jeevadhara loans to support families struggling without proper water and sanitation services.
As we move forward, our focus on women's empowerment will never get diluted and we will continue our efforts to build a world free from gender-based discrimination.
