A one-day national seminar, "Women and Youth Empowerment in Rural India," was organized by the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and ChakBal Group. The event discussed the challenges faced by women and youth in rural India, emphasizing the need for education, employment opportunities, gender equality, healthcare access, and social empowerment to foster sustainable rural development.
Rashmi Sinha, Co-founder of VillageNama, mentioned "Rural women face distinct challenges compared to their urban counterparts, and we must address these differences through targeted interventions and supportive policies." She emphasized the significance of technology in addressing unemployment and promoting social inclusion for rural women through schemes like Namo Drone Didi. Sanjeeb Kumar Behera, AARDO's PPP & IEC Division Head, highlighted systemic barriers hindering rural women's progress, emphasizing the need for increased social, political, and financial influence.
Drone Didi Shabina Kahtoon and Sheela Yadav discussed their experiences with drone technology for agricultural transformation and financial independence. Shabina became a role model, while Sheela achieved financial independence through skill development and SHGs. The seminar discussed strategies to empower rural women and youth through education, technology, and policy interventions.
The seminar discussed challenges faced by rural women emphasizing literacy and promoting economic participation. It additionally highlighted initiatives like 'Namo Drone Didi' and 'Solar Mama', and stories of women achieving financial independence.
