Bhubaneswar, Oct 7: In the remote district of Kalahandi in Odisha, a silent transformation is underway. Vedanta Aluminium’s flagship initiative, Project Sakhi, is rewriting the narrative for thousands of women who once stood on the margins of economic opportunity. Since its inception in 2015, the programme has empowered over 4,600 women, turning them into entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers.

From Poverty to Prosperity

At the heart of Project Sakhi lies a powerful idea: equip women with the tools to earn independently and lead confidently. Through 444 self-help groups (SHGs), women have mobilised over Rs5 crore in financial support, launching over 1,300 grassroots ventures. These range from mushroom farming and goat-rearing to grocery shops and printing services. Last year alone, Rs3.84 crore was accessed from banks and financial institutions, benefiting more than 1,000 women.

Leadership at the Grassroots

Beyond income generation, Project Sakhi fosters leadership and community influence. In Balabhadrapur village, the Maa Shivani SHG exemplifies this spirit. After receiving poultry training, the group established a unit that earned Rs1.27 lakh in revenue. These women, once excluded from decision-making, are now respected breadwinners and role models.

Building Safety Nets for Sustainable Growth

Project Sakhi also integrates social protection. Over 3,000 women have been connected to government schemes like life insurance, child savings plans, and labour welfare registrations. This dual focus on financial independence and social security ensures long-term resilience.

As India celebrates its festive season, the women of Kalahandi celebrate a deeper victory — the triumph of opportunity over constraint, and of self-reliance over dependence.