Empowerment is the Key
Empowerment is the key to enabling women to realize their full potential and identity across all spheres of life. It is about granting them the freedom of choice and action in social, educational, economic, political, and psychological domains. Despite progress in various areas, the status of women in our country remains challenging, often marked by oppression and discrimination. At Myna Seva Charitable Foundation, we are committed to supporting women in every possible way to help them overcome these barriers and thrive.
Social Empowerment
We believe in creating a society where women are safe, respected, and empowered. Our initiatives include:
- Awareness Sessions: As part of the Sanghamitra training program by Rachakonda Security Council (RKSC), we conducted awareness sessions on gender-based violence and child sexual abuse for 120 women volunteers from Bhongir, Ibrahimpatnam, and Choutuppal.
- Support for Domestic Violence Survivors: Our founder, Kaumudi Nagaraju, a Margadarshak, and SAS program director Nalini Goteti, a Sanghamitra, both trained by the Society for Cyberabad Security Council, provide guidance and support to women facing domestic violence.
- Mentorship: Our founder is also a mentor in the GirlzFTW global community, which empowers girls and women to challenge and dismantle harmful cultural norms through mentorship.
Economic Empowerment
Financial independence is crucial for women to sustain and grow in their lives. Our efforts in this area include:
- Skill Development Programs: In collaboration with the Society for Rural Development (SRD) Rainbow Home in Chudi Bazar, Hyderabad, we supported a skill development program in 2018. While SRD provided computer skills training to 15 young women, our trainers conducted sessions on goal setting, communication, interview skills, and teamwork to help them excel in their careers.
- Livelihood Support: We provided a sewing machine to a single mother from a marginalized community who lost her husband in an accident, enabling her to support her family.
- Career Restart Support: Our founder mentored women through Prayaana’s Comeback2Career program, designed to help women re-enter the workforce after a break.
Educational Empowerment
Education is a powerful tool for empowerment. Our initiatives include:
- Scholarships and Supplies: We have supported the education of 11 girls by paying their school and college fees and providing basic necessities like notebooks.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we sponsored mobile phones for two Adivasi girls in Kerala, ensuring they could continue their education online. These girls, from Thottekkadu Mattoor (Ernakulam) and Kokkallur (Calicut), received critical support through our partnership with RIGHTS, a Kerala-based NGO.
Psychological Empowerment
Mental and emotional well-being is essential for women to lead fulfilling lives. Our initiatives include:
- Her Safe Space: A compassionate, women-only platform for genuine connection and non-judgmental dialogue. Held every Saturday, this space allows women to express themselves freely without the constraints of patriarchal norms.
- We Hear You!: An Instagram Live series focusing on issues faced by teenagers. Each session is driven by teenagers, providing a judgment-free space for sharing and discussion. We have successfully conducted 8 sessions on various topics.
- Awareness Sessions: We have organized 6 sessions on topics such as emotional self-care, menstrual health, and maternal mental health to promote psychological well-being among women.
Conclusion
At Myna Seva Charitable Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering women across social, economic, educational, and psychological domains. Through our initiatives, we aim to create a more equitable and supportive environment where women can thrive and realize their full potential.
