Introduction In Village Bongda, Panchayat Turundu, Block Kamdara, District Gumla, Jharkhand, lives Lilo Devi (50 years old), whose transformation from a small-scale farmer with limited resources to a successful livestock rearer and lac cultivator showcases the power of knowledge, persistence, and timely support. Early Life and Challenges Due to financial constraints, Lilo Devi never attended school and was married at the age of 18–19 in 1990. With her husband (educated up to grade 7) workin...| Udyogini
A Cycle of Convenience In the vast farmlands of Sonkatch Block in Madhya Pradesh, the end of each wheat harvest has traditionally been marked by a troubling ritual. Farmers, aiming to prepare their fields for the next crop cycle quickly, routinely burn the leftover wheat stubble, a practice widely known as Parali. For generations, this method was seen as the fastest and most affordable way to clear the fields. The fires swept across the land, clearing residue in hours, but the consequences, t...| Udyogini
In the quiet tribal village of Babliya in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla district, Roopkali Didi’s life once revolved around daily wage labor and uncertainty. With no formal education, inconsistent income, and limited exposure beyond her village, her days were defined by hard work and few choices. But that changed when entrepreneurship entered her life. The Weight of Everyday Survival Like many women in rural India, Roopkali carried the double burden of poverty and responsibility. Dependent on s...| Udyogini
Nutrition Garden: Cultivating Health and Empowerment The Nutrition Garden initiative is a powerful step toward ensuring Didis have access to fresh, chemical-free food while gaining self-sufficiency in nutrition. By growing their own vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants, women can take charge of their health and well- being. Addressing Nutritional Gaps with Homegrown Solutions Many rural families struggle with a lack of nutrient-rich food, leading to health issues like anemia and malnutrit...| Udyogini
From Challenges to Change: Pooja Bai’s Digital Literacy Triumph In today’s rapidly evolving world, digitalization lies at the core of every aspect of life. Any domain that fails to embrace the digital revolution risks becoming obsolete. However, amidst this transformative wave, it is crucial to address the issue of the gender digital divide. According to recent data from the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023, only 33% of women in India use mobile internet, compared to 67% of men. This di...| Udyogini
Rural communities across India face challenges that hinder their progress and growth—lack of water, insufficient resources, and limited access to modern tools. Yet, stories like Anita Devi’s showcase how collective action and sustainable practices can overcome these barriers. Anita, a resident of Chhapara village, is a shining example of how women-led community initiatives, such as Water User Groups (WUGs), can transform lives, boost incomes, and inspire lasting change. Common Problems, C...| Udyogini
In the verdant landscapes of Jharkhand, a quiet revolution has been taking place. This revolution isn’t about technology or politics; it’s about a natural resin known as lac, and how communities have harnessed it to create livelihoods, drive economic growth, and foster empowerment. The journey of lac, from its humble beginnings in cultivation to its transformation into valuable products, is a story of innovation, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of rural entrepreneurs. In the heart o...| Udyogini
In the picturesque yet challenging landscape of Mohla-Manpur Ambagarh Chowki, Chhattisgarh, a compelling tale of transformation is unfolding, revealing how the power of community support and microfinance can turn adversity into opportunity. This is the story of Kishori Tirky, a 32-year-old woman whose entrepreneurial journey highlights the profound impact of collective efforts on rural entrepreneurship. Kishori’s life before her entrepreneurial venture was marked by financial hardship. With...| Udyogini
Today, the spotlight on women’s skill development has intensified, and rightfully so. We find ourselves in a global movement striving for gender equality, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5. This goal focuses on empowering women and girls, recognizing their critical role in shaping our world. Yet, while empowering women and their skill development has become increasingly familiar, it is vital to grasp the profound impact it can have on society. Beyond the fundament...| Udyogini
Learn how to overcome sociocultural barriers in society today! Check out our blog to understand how these barriers are created and how you can overcome them.| Udyogini
Of the 7 entrepreneurs in India, only 1 is woman* *Sixth Economic Census 48015 Women Entrepreneurs 27,704 Youth in Skilling 224,369 Lives Touched 50% Annual Income Udyogini’s Impact What We Do Value Chain Interventions Working on 22 products in 5 states, end to end value chain development leads to 50% income increase . Udyogini’s village level retail and aggregation centers (VLRACS) and business services providers ( BDSPs ) are the key innovations since 2002 . Read More Livelihood Develop...| Udyogini
Who We Are Udyogini is a registered non-profit organization working for women’s economic empowerment (WEE) in India. Who we are – we are all about Women Empowerment. We work with most vulnerable, marginalized women to empower them economically. We listen to their needs and strengthen local resources and ecology for creating sustainable livelihoods. We provide cutting edge solutions – skill based jobs, market based livelihoods and local enterprises suitable to women’s contexts, aspirat...| Udyogini