Through CSR initiatives, companies can promote gender equality, uphold women's rights, and propel their social and economic progress, fostering a fairer, more inclusive society
In the realm of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in countries like India, there is a strong focus on community-based development, particularly empowering women. With women comprising 53 percent of the employable population in India, we stand at the threshold of women's empowerment, poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities for their advancement and societal progress.
Corporations, regardless of size, are launching programmes, forming partnerships, and implementing policies to uplift, educate, upskill, support, and enhance healthcare for women. These efforts not only demonstrate a commitment to gender equality but also contribute to socio-economic progress. At its core, CSR prioritises empowering women, nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit, enhancing healthcare, and facilitating upskilling—all essential for fostering inclusive and equitable societies.
The Indian economy could experience a substantial 60 percent growth by 2025, adding a significant US $2.9 trillion, provided women are fairly represented. The Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, has empowered over 35.56 lakh women through skill training, enhancing their livelihood prospects. It is crucial for companies to align with the government by prioritising up-skilling to empower women to rejoin the workforce and spur new economic sectors.
Empowering women is key to building thriving communities. Companies should prioritise women's empowerment in their CSR efforts by breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women to reach their full potential. This helps them break free from traditional roles, become self-reliant, and contribute to vibrant, sustainable communities.
Economic opportunities play a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development and fostering inclusive growth. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation report shows that women constitute just 13.76 percent of entrepreneurs in India, underscoring ample opportunities for their economic independence.
Consequently, the Government of India has substantially ramped up investment in skill development and employability training through its National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2015). This has led to the creation of additional opportunities for women and the integration of gender mainstreaming into the delivery of skill development programmes.
Health stands as a critical pillar of CSR, especially in the realm of women's wellbeing. Offering access to healthcare services, education on health issues, and facilitating preventive screenings empowers women to proactively manage a healthy lifespan and their overall wellbeing. Women who are empowered are more likely to see improvements in their own and their families' health.
The effectiveness of CSR relies on collaboration with local communities, NGOs, and stakeholders to address women's primary challenges. Through CSR initiatives, companies can promote gender equality, uphold women's rights, and propel their social and economic progress, fostering a fairer, more inclusive society.
(Simrat Bishnoi is Vice President of Social & CSR at Amway India.)