Latest news with #Sakhi
The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Special cell to be set up to support women victims domestic violence
A special cell will be set up to provide further support to girls and women who come forward with complaints of domestic violence, Minister for Women and Child Development Veena George has said. She was speaking after inaugurating a Sakhi one-stop centre at the Women and Child Development complex, Poojappura, in the State capital on Monday. The Minister said the women should be provided with support that would help them regain their confidence. Livelihood should be also be ensured for those in need at the cell. The Minister said that one-stop centres had benefited more than 22,000 women and children. However, it was important that continuity in interventions be maintained. She also spoke of the 181 helpline for women in distress. The one-stop centre building was constructed at a cost of ₹60 lakh. At present, such centres function in all 14 districts. Steps were on to set up additional one-stop centres in Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts, the Minister said.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wagle Ki Duniya: Sakhi gets entangled in a hit-and-run case
Drama and tension unfold in the upcoming episodes of Wagle Ki Duniya as the otherwise cheerful narrative takes a serious turn. Sakhi (played by Chinmayee Salvi) finds herself at the center of a distressing hit-and-run case that threatens to upend her world and that of her family. The plot thickens when a street child unexpectedly runs in front of her car, leading to an unfortunate accident. Though the boy is immediately rushed to the hospital, a video of the incident goes viral — turning public opinion and legal scrutiny sharply against Sakhi. The police allege that Sakhi jumped a signal, and soon after, they arrive to arrest her on hit-and-run charges. The Wagle family rallies around her, trying to make sense of the situation and deal with the emotional aftermath. Sakhi, overwhelmed with guilt and concern, offers to cover the child's medical expenses. But what happens next leaves everyone stunned. In a shocking twist, the injured child's parents make an outrageous demand — they ask Sakhi to become a surrogate mother for them, revealing their long-standing struggle to have another child. They even promise to withdraw the police complaint if she agrees, leaving the Wagles grappling with an ethical and emotional dilemma. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Readers says this maybe the best Cable TV Communications Search Now Undo Sumeet Raghvan , who essays the role of Rajesh Wagle , said, 'As a father, Rajesh is naturally very particular about his kids' safety, especially when it comes to things like driving. So when this accident happens, his first instinct is worry and disbelief. Somewhere deep down, he knows Sakhi isn't someone who would be careless like that, but when the police and the evidence suggest otherwise, it really shakes him. Both Rajesh and Vandana are devastated about the little boy getting hurt and they do everything they can to ensure he's taken care of in the hospital. But at the same time, they're trying to understand what really happened, and how to keep Sakhi from being pulled into such a serious allegation.' While the family reels from this unexpected turn, young Atharva ( Sheehan Kapahi ) takes matters into his own hands. Using his keen observational skills, he begins to reanalyze the viral video to uncover what really happened during the accident — hoping to find the truth that could clear his sister's name.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Changemakers who turned gamechangers: UP's SRLM trains women as local leaders to boost rural economy
LUCKNOW: It was a chilly Dec morning of 2021 when the cellphone of Priyanka Maurya, a local State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) functionary in Sultanpur, was a call from a state govt official who broke what was indeed a big news – Priyanka, a local banking correspondent Sakhi (BC-Sakhi), was adjudged the best performing worker in providing mobile banking services to the locals at the peak of the pandemic and was now scheduled to be felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.'It was the biggest day of my life. Everything changed since then,' recalls a beaming moves door to door to help people deposit and withdraw money from their bank accounts and subsequently submits all the records at the local Bank of Baroda branch, which acts as her individual turnover has often ranged around Rs 2 crore per month – fetching her a commission of around Rs 50,000 per month.'This is a sizable amount that helps me support my family and makes me feel proud,' said Priyanka, who also got felicitated by chief minister Yogi Adityanath in is not alone. UP has nearly 40,000 BC Sakhis who have carried out nearly 13.5 lakh bank transactions in the state. The transaction amount has been a whooping Rs 34,588 crore and the 'Sakhis' have earned a commission of nearly Rs 95 concept of 'Sakhi' that seeks to empower women has, in fact, many versions like Vidyut Sakhi, Samuh Sakhi, and Krishi Ajivika like BC Sakhis, Vidyut Sakhis are essentially entrusted to collect electricity bills, primarily in rural Shukla is one of them.A resident of Silauta village in Barabanki, Rajshree has been offering essential service to her community by collecting electricity bills by going door to door. In the financial year 2024-25, Rajshree collected around Rs 9 crore, which translated into a commission of over Rs 12 lakh Vidyut Sakhi initiative was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in May 2020. UP now has more than 30,000 identified Vidyut Sakhis. Over 13,900 of them have collected over Rs 1,870 crore in UP in the past four years, earning Rs 24.6 crore in commission, since the launch of the initiative.'The uniqueness of the Sakhi project is its structure. Besides being women oriented, the entire programme is internally well connected,' says Deepa Ranjan, Mission Director of the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM).The Sakhi initiative has also been tweaked to be rechristened as 'Didi'. For instance, Alpana Devi, a resident of Mandirar village in Bijnor, has been nicknamed 'Drone Didi' for her pioneering use of drone technology in rural applications, which has had a significant impact on her all started in 2023 when Alpana joined a local self-help group (SHG) and got an opportunity to get trained in flying used drones to increase worm productivity, monitor crop health, identify pest infestations, and assess water requirements. This technology enabled the precise application of pesticides and insecticides, reduced labour costs and environmental approach improved yields and brought about more sustainable varieties. She also applied drone technology for surveying and mapping. Creating detailed land maps helped resolve land problems and improved land management. Her work also included planning and monitoring rural infrastructure projects such as roads and irrigation systems, allowing better implementation and maintenance, according to an internal draft record of SRLM. UP SRLM cadre system identifies and trains local women to become community resource persons. These cadres mobilize rural women into SHGs, fostering collective action and financial discipline. The cadre system creates a robust network that enhances savings, access to credit, and income-generating activities, injecting vitality into the rural economyCadres provide hands-on training in skills like bookkeeping, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood practices (for example, farming, animal husbandry, or handicrafts). This empowers rural women to diversify their income sources beyond traditional agricultureCadres such as Bank Sakhis assist SHG members in opening bank accounts, securing loans and managing funds like the revolving fund and community investment fund provided under linking SHGs to formal banking systems and govt schemes, the cadre system ensures a steady flow of capital into rural households, encouraging investment in micro-enterprisesThe cadre system supports women in setting up micro-enterprises by helping them develop livelihood business plans and connecting them to markets, technology, and resourcesSRLM cadres work to integrate SHGs with schemes from ministries like agriculture, animal husbandry, and micro, small & medium enterprises. This convergence amplifies the economic impact by providing rural women with assets, subsidies, and technical support, fostering a multiplier effect on rural growthThe Lakhpati Didi Initiative aims to enable SHG members to earn a sustainable annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh, transforming them into 'Lakhpati Didis'. The UP SRLM cadre system is instrumental in achieving this goalThe cadre system's efforts have a cascading effect. Empowered women reinvest their earnings into education, healthcare, and household improvements, stimulating local demand and economic activity
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The ideal mentor
Recently, I was fortunate to be invited for an Odissi dance performance as part of the Odisha Day celebration. The dance was named Kalpa Rupa, an interplay between Sakhi and Radha based on Jayadeva's Gita Govindam. The master of ceremonies eloquently spoke about the relationship between Sakhi and Radha; how Sakhi guides Radha to her goal — the union with Krishna. She elaborated further on the direct and indirect contributions by Sakhi during the course of the journey to the goal and how dispassionately Sakhi withdraws from the scene once the goal is achieved. Thus, the lady set the context for the dance for the benefit of the audience. Guide, anchor This made me think if Sakhi was the original modern-day mentor. The concept of Sakhi in Gita Govindam and the role of a mentor share significant parallels. This is very evident in their functions as guides, facilitators, and emotional anchors. Here we try to explore some of the aspects for a clearer understanding. One of the main roles assigned to Sakhi is to serve as an intermediary between Radha and Krishna. She helps both of them to communicate emotions and resolve misunderstandings, and brings them together. Similarly, in modern management, a mentor plays almost the same role of an intermediary — helping to bridge the gap between her mentee's current challenges and the goal, offering guidance and strategic advice. Sakhi, in addition to being a bridge, deeply understands Radha's emotions, encourages her to decide or directs her to a course of action when she is uncertain. Most important, Sakhi offers comforting advice when she is distressed. A modern-day mentor is definitely expected to provide emotional intelligence, helping her mentees to sail through the workplace challenges, raise confidence, and manage stress. Growth push Sakhi helps Radha and Krishna evolve in their relationship to achieve the goal. She helps by ensuring that they overcome obstacles represented by their personal and spiritual growth. In a similar way, the mentor stimulates the professional and personal growth of those in her care. The mentor oversees the achievement of the goals by imparting skills, knowledge, and mindset. Sakhi works to see that Radha and Krishna unite in a way that aligns with the age-old ideals of devotion and love. She does not seek personal rewards for her contributions but derives joy from the achievement of the goal. The role of a mentor is no different. It is to ensure ethical practices and qualities that align with societal values. A true mentor also works selflessly, deriving meaning and fulfilment in the success of her wards. Though I was physically present in the auditorium, my mind was fast moving to establish the similarities between Sakhi and the mentor during each segment of the dance. Finally, I concluded that Sakhi is the ideal mentor. In essence both Sakhi and the mentor function as sattvic, selfless guides, shaping destinies of their wards. They never use force, but employ wisdom, empathy, and subtle influence.
Fast Company
06-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The global business case for investing in fem tech
Technology is rapidly improving health care, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment. But the benefits for girls and women, especially in lower- and middle-income countries, are far from equal. Less than 2% of funding for medical research is spent on pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health. Approximately 740 million women worldwide remain unbanked. And globally, 31% of women are not in education, training, or employment. Fem tech—technology-based solutions designed to address the health and wellness of girls and women—has emerged as an industry of change. Mostly women-led or women-founded (85% of fem tech startups), these solutions are closing gender gaps and driving economic growth. Investing in fem tech isn't an ideological imperative—when women and girls thrive, societies prosper. In emerging and developing economies, where access to quality health care, education and economic opportunities are uneven, fem tech presents a personalized alternative and complementary system to information and services. Take, for example, Cariya Wallet in Uganda, a digital finance platform leveraging diaspora remittances to help mothers cover financial commitments like school fees, using machine learning for credit scoring and blockchain for transparency. Or Sakhi in India, an AI-driven, WhatsApp-based solution to reduce maternal mortality by connecting mothers to healthcare workers, resources, and NGOs. Or Kasha, the pan-African digital platform that bridges last-mile access and choice to health products. Through a UNICEF-GITEX initiative, 11 female-led fem tech innovations from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East—including Cariya Wallet and Sakhi—were selected in 2024 to receive dedicated mentorship as part of the Gender-Responsive Innovation Challenge. The challenge was part of our market research to explore the breadth of fem tech solutions from and for emerging markets. The results? An overwhelming supply and demand. UNLOCKING FEMTECH'S UNTAPPED POTENTIAL Looking at funding flows, in 2023, women-only founded startups received a tiny fraction (2%) of U.S. venture capital funding. Under 2% of venture capital reached the African continent, despite it accounting for almost 19% of the global population. Market fragmentation and the perceived niche status of fem tech have made it harder for investors to recognize its potential, assess opportunities, and calculate returns. Changing this will require a shift in how and where to invest, as well as aligning with fellow social impact investors and activists in tackling major barriers like the suppression of femtech businesses in digital marketing on social media platforms. Good and profitable businesses should always be on trend. The global fem tech market is projected to reach at least $97 billion by 2030. The commitment to invest in fem tech solutions in emerging markets cannot be reduced to an ideological pursuit when it is set to offer tangible—and possibly staggering—returns for the global economy at large: driving results for people, businesses, and markets alike. Early investments prove it—like the development of a single-dose vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. This is a major breakthrough, as cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a leading cause of death for girls and women in low- and middle-income countries. Or consider biosensor diagnostics, which make early-detection screenings during pregnancy and childbirth more accessible at a fraction of the cost. For children and women, these are life-saving technological advances. The UNICEF Venture Fund's experience has demonstrated that investing in women-founded and women-led companies drives economic growth and delivers social impact. Further exploration will unlock the potential of untapped talent in emerging markets, where women are twice as likely to pursue entrepreneurship compared to more developed markets. There are good fem tech solutions in emerging markets, but there is a dirge of knowledge and lack of connection with investors. Business leaders should weigh the perceived risks against actual investment risks through market explorations and collaborations with local incubators. Research shows that women-founded companies generate a higher return on investment, calculated at 35% on average, alongside 12% higher revenues when venture-backed—and this holds true for our portfolio as well. By diversifying their pool of investors to include underrepresented voices, business leaders can gain insights aligned with global market opportunities. SCALING WHAT WORKS Bold investment in disruptive, early-stage, open-source solutions—particularly in underserved geographical markets—can deliver transformative results. Over the past decade, the Venture Fund has taken this approach by investing in cutting-edge technology with an emphasis on equity and diversity. By forming strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors, the fund is maximizing the potential of technology to improve the lives of children, young people, and their communities. Of course, early-stage investments are only the tip of the iceberg of what's required—they must be paired with complementary investments in tried and tested solutions catalytic enough to pull start-ups out of the 'valley of death.' We live in a time of economic volatility. Business leaders are making safe bets, and so are their consumers. It's at times like this that social impact solutions are most needed to provide the socio-economic safety nets businesses and communities need. To achieve this, multisectoral and cross-geographical market partnerships are crucial. Unusual coalitions between venture capital, philanthropic investors, governments, incubators, and international organizations can help identify and match the most promising innovations for funding and mentorship. There is a resource gap in the fem tech industry that presents a market opportunity for business leaders to invest capital, provide mentorship, and aid the market shaping and scaling of game-changing solutions. In our lifetime, we can witness the ripple effect of 4 billion women equipped with cutting-edge tech tools to meet their full socio-economic potential. It's a lofty but credible ambition.
