Manjari Corner

Under the Entrepreneurship Development Program, a total of 75 entrepreneurs participated in the 2 batches of 3 day EDP training at Jhajjar location. Women from our Uthori Jagriti Kala Manch delivered a powerful nukkad natak on women empowerment at Shilpgram and the Fatehsagar Flower Show attended by over one lakh visitors. Our all-girls Manjari Football Club's debuted at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Football League against boys' teams. Kumari Aarti, Goalkeeper, awarded with "Player of the Match" on Day 1 and Kumari Damini named "Player of the Match" on Day 2. A two-day training program was organised at Dariba location focusing on capacity building, teamwork and field skills for the group sakhis. Financial literacy training was conducted in Bhaldia, which included money management, savings, investment strategies, and maintaining income-expenditure balance. Information was also provided about Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

When I met myself

The title “STRONG STRONGER STRONGEST” represents a transition in the life of a rural woman that is straddled with hardship. Strong represents a person who shows courage in adversity. When a person develops an attitude to face hardships in life the stronger version manifests until they ultimately become the strongest versions of themselves.

Meena is one such young woman. This 19 year old is a resident of Bheel Basti village of Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. She is one of the 7 siblings, 5 of whom are married. Her father is a daily wage labourer and her mother is suffering from cancer. Owing to financial constraints, Meena couldn’t continue her education after clearing her 10^th standard exams.

Thanks to Manjari Foundation, Meena got a ‘second chance’, and she seized the opportunity immediately. Through the Second Chance Education Program supported by Pradan and UN Women, Meena attended a series of meetings and counselling sessions, and subsequently enrolled in NIOS (open university) for Class 12^th examinations in December 2019.

Meena’s life has been far from easy, yet her positive attitude helps her face challenges head on and get stronger. “My hardships have made me stronger,” says Meena, who hopes to complete her education and work towards becoming the strongest version of herself.