Vedanta Empowers 6 Lakh Rural Women, Catalyses Rs 26 Cr In Community-led Growth
The company marks the International Day of Rural Women with impact across 6,000 SHGs, driving livelihoods and enterprise development through financial inclusion and skill-building initiatives
Vedanta (VEDL) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to women’s empowerment in rural India, reporting that six lakh women have transitioned into micro-entrepreneurship, generating a cumulative economic impact of Rs 26 crore. The milestone coincides with the International Day of Rural Women, underscoring the company’s decade-long focus on inclusive and sustainable development.
The initiative rests on an integrated approach combining access to capital, capacity development, and market linkages. Nearly Rs 3 crore in microfinance loans have been extended through more than 6,000 self-help groups (SHGs) and 10 federations across states including Rajasthan, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with a 95 per cent repayment rate. Skill training is delivered through partnerships with institutions such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra and other international organisations.
Through the Nand Ghar programme, Vedanta engages 2.5 lakh women in early childhood education, healthcare, nutrition, and skills, aiming to strengthen both livelihoods and family well-being. The company also supports social awareness through initiatives such as Bharosa and Uthori folk theatre, which address gender-based issues including domestic violence, child marriage, and women’s legal rights.
At the core of this effort is Hindustan Zinc’s Sakhi Project, which has mobilised more than Rs 150 crore in credit and savings. Women under the initiative have launched local brands such as Daichi (edibles) and Upaya (textiles) and now operate Bharat Petroleum’s first women-run petrol pump in Udaipur.
Across other business units, Vedanta Cairn Oil and Gas supports projects such as Maru Udaan and Unnati in Rajasthan and Assam, while Vedanta Aluminium’s Subhalaxmi Udyogini and Adikala projects in Odisha promote rural enterprise through ventures in honey production, terracotta crafts, and traditional lacquerware.
