The empowerment of women is more than just an individual achievement; it’s the spark that ignites the transformation of entire communities. In India, where women have the potential to drive substantial economic growth, deep-rooted socio-economic barriers often hold them back. But in the remote Kalahandi district of Odisha, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is breaking these barriers through its flagship women empowerment initiative, Project Sakhi.
Since its launch in 2015, Project Sakhi has become a powerful force for change. To date, over 4,600 women have joined forces in 444 self-help groups (SHGs), collectively mobilising over INR 5 crore (USD 600,000) in financial resources. These funds have helped women transition from economic dependence to running their own businesses and leading their communities. What started as a support programme has blossomed into a grassroots movement, empowering women to take charge of their futures and become the CEOs of their own lives.
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Building livelihoods, shaping leaders
The core philosophy behind Project Sakhi is both simple and transformative: empower women with the skills, knowledge, and resources to earn on their own terms. The programme brings together financial literacy, credit access, vocational training, and leadership development, enabling women to thrive in both farm and non-farm income-generating activities. From mushroom cultivation and goat rearing to running grocery shops, food processing, and even printing services, the initiative nurtures entrepreneurship at every level. By combining skill-building with financial inclusion, Project Sakhi ensures that these businesses grow sustainably over time.
The impact has been impressive. In just the past year, SHGs in the region secured nearly INR 3.84 crore (USD 460,800) in funding from banks and financial institutions, directly benefiting over a thousand women. To date, more than 1,880 women have launched over 1,300 micro-enterprises, creating stable income streams and fuelling the local economy with new jobs, markets, and opportunities.
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A case in point: Balabhadrapur Village
In Balabhadrapur village, the women of Maa Shivani SHG are a shining example of the spirit of Project Sakhi. After receiving training in poultry management, the group established a poultry unit that has already generated over ₹1.27 lakh in revenue. This venture has not only improved household incomes but also elevated these women’s roles within their families and communities. Once excluded from decision-making, they are now recognised as key contributors and role models, inspiring others to follow their example.
Strengthening social security
Project Sakhi doesn’t just focus on economic empowerment; it also strengthens social protection. Over 3,000 women have been connected to vital government welfare schemes, including life and accident insurance, child savings plans, and labour welfare benefits. These safety nets are essential for ensuring that the progress women make is both resilient and enduring.
As India celebrates the festive season, a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, Project Sakhi quietly celebrates a different but equally profound victory: the triumph of opportunity over adversity, and independence over dependence. In Kalahandi, women who were once defined by their struggles are now celebrated for their resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership, rewriting the narrative of their communities, one success story at a time.
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