PUTTING THE “HER” IN HERCULES

An inspiring encomium to the benign ‘she’ros of Ashray

Srushti Sonawane –

Empowering women is empowering a home, a lifestyle, a nation, a notion. Since time unknown, women have not only stood true to their potential, but have also raised the bar to the ingenious. They have scaled the Alps, plummeted into the trenches of the Pacific and propelled to the moon and back. From tendering a humble abode to running the world, they have indubitably shifted the gears of the old ball and chain leaving a new footprint in every sphere of life.

On the occasion of this International Women’s Day, we take this opportunity to shed light on the contours of womanhood at Ashray. Keeping healthcare, skill development and environment at a point of congruence, Ashray has always vowed to get the wheels of upliftment rolling on our journey towards empowerment.

With the little nudge ministered by us, women in Patan, Tapi, and Mandi are now forging the path of independency through their exceptional skillsets, along with their cognizance about healthcare and contributions in restoring the environmental imbalance. A thematic view on the healthcare and hygiene facilities have addressed various health issues including menstrual hygiene, post-natal medical care, sanitation, awareness and sensitization towards HIV amongst female sex workers, paving the path of individuality for women under the canopy basic health and sanitation. Several beneficiaries are now conversant with the solutions to their medical issues, releasing the shackles of conservative approaches, busting myths about menstruation, HIV and other concerns.

Amongst many other successful projects at Ashray, Project Cheer Urja has been addressing environmental concerns primarily focusing on forest fires and their ramifications on the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan region, specifically in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Little did we know, an environmental concern would expedite a rather ingenious by-product for the women of Mandi. On the front of skill development, along with rescuing the forest ecosystem, Cheer Urja has also been a competent fit for the women in Mandi to go beyond their framed responsibilities and venture into various activities like collection of pine needles and processing them into estimable artefacts, collection of grapes and walnuts through workshops conducted for pine briquetting and formation of self-help groups (SHGs) to provide livelihood avenues and security for women and girls.

Women in Gujrat have come forward to grasp yet another remarkable skill in the domain of beauty and wellness, acquiring a nascent pitch of opportunities, for one and for their fellow womankind. Making the most of their talents, these women have set base in the field of arts and crafts, enhancing their participation in skill development training programs, specifically targeting Traditional Hand Embroidery and Jute Stitching Operations.

At a cohesive attempt at safeguarding water conservation, high-end cultivation and food security goals, Project Jalashay was also one such venture which vicariously promoted training sessions in developing products such as hand-made soaps, candles & aromatic soy wax bars. Young women in Jammu are insistent on educating themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment in the fields of Assistant Fashion Designer and Front Office Associate.

Womanhood, as a colossal experience in itself is the essence of attaining a goal in tandem. At Ashray, we diligently strive to string along every milestone of every such monumental event. Bridging the gap between the estranged social bandwidths, our sincere attempt is to bolster women in every branch of livelihood in the face of adversities. In compliance with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, we are keen on promoting inclusivity of women at par, in the best of their abilities. Quoting the legendary Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are exception”, we certainly emphasize on the woman rule and women being the rule. Investing in the potential of these women is most certainly accelerating the growth we see today and in the coming times.

With the optimistic wave of feminism, it is apparent that the season of becoming has officially arrived. We have always vowed to get the wheels of upliftment rolling on our journey towards empowerment especially adhering to the female demographic and their well-being. Needless to say, our female beneficiaries have been relentlessly showcasing their inner talents, generating their very own remunerations which, a few years ago would have simply dissolved as a pipe dream in sandstorm of conformity. The seeds sown by our philanthropists are now reaping their fruits and our women are the manifestations of the same. Every time a woman moves past her the menial lifestyle she’s confined to and takes her virtuous place in this world, we are reminded of our humble purpose. The upliftment of the last woman on the ladder has and will always be our raison d’etre. May it be through their heightened sense of medical awareness or the impeccable crafts-womanship, we are merely a compass to their ship.

Ashray Foundation is the quiver of every woman’s dream waiting to hit the bull’s eye. A promise of acta non verba. A dream bigger than all of us. To all such wonder women all we would like to say is “Veni, Vidi, Vici, Woman!”