Break the bias with Akshaya Patra this Women's Day

International Women's Day is celebrated globally on 8th March every year.

The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also raising awareness about the challenges that they still face in achieving gender equality.

The day follows a different theme every year. In 2023, the day asks all of us to visualise and work towards a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination with the theme #EmbraceEquity and #DigitALL (innovation and technology for gender equality).

In India, the day holds special significance as the country has been grappling with gender-based violence and discrimination for a long time. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with support from the Indian Government have been working tirelessly to address these issues and ensure the welfare of women in the country.

They are advocating for women's rights and empowering them through various programmes and initiatives. They are working on a range of issues, including gender-based violence, economic empowerment, education, health and political participation, and digital empowerment among others. One of their primary goals is to create a safe and inclusive society that recognises and respects women's rights.

Here are a few key areas that NGOs and the Indian Government are focusing on to ensure better lives and opportunities for women in India today.
• Violence
• Economic empowerment
• Education and health
• Political participation

Violence
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, crimes against women have been increasing in recent years. NGOs and Governments have been instrumental in creating awareness about gender-based violence and providing support to survivors. They run helplines, crisis centres and shelters for women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or trafficking. They also work with the police and other authorities to ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice.

Economic empowerment
Women in India face several obstacles in accessing education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. NGOs and Governments work towards providing skill-building programmes, microfinance and access to markets to enable women to become financially independent. They also work towards eliminating gender bias in the workplace and creating a conducive environment for women to thrive.

Education and health
Today, NGOs have also started initiatives to help implement Government programmes that provide access to education for girls and women, especially in rural areas. They also conduct awareness campaigns on reproductive and maternal health. By empowering women with knowledge and resources, they can take control of their health and make informed decisions about their bodies.

Political participation
A collaborative effort from NGOs and the Government is increasing women's representation in decision-making processes in India. They are working towards creating a level playing field for women to participate in political processes. They are running campaigns that encourage women to contest elections, provide training on political leadership and advocate for policies that promote women's political participation.

Akshaya Patra’s role in women’s welfare

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO that has been working towards eradicating classroom hunger in India since 2000. The organisation provides nutritious meals to school-going children to ensure that they stay healthy, attend school regularly and receive a quality education. However, its work goes beyond feeding children. The organisation is also committed to the welfare of women and has initiated several programmes to empower them in the areas of:
• Economic empowerment
• Education and health

One of the ways Akshaya Patra works for the welfare of women is by employing them in their kitchens. The organisation operates several centralised and decentralised kitchens across India that prepare meals for over 2 million children every day. These kitchens provide employment opportunities to women, especially those from underprivileged communities. The women who work in these kitchens receive training in cooking, hygiene, and safety, which improves their skills and employability. This not only helps in ensuring the quality of food but also provides a livelihood to women, which empowers them and their families.

In addition to employment opportunities, Akshaya Patra has also initiated programmes to improve the health and nutrition of women. It works in tandem with the Government to provide nutritious meals to pregnant and lactating women in several locations across India. The programme is designed to improve the health of women and their newborns, as malnutrition is a pressing issue among women and children in the country. By providing these meals, Akshaya Patra contributes to elevating women's health and well-being.

Akshaya Patra also nourishes homeless mothers who have separated from their families due to unfortunate circumstances. These mothers live in ashrams which provide them with basic necessities and opportunities to learn and grow. Akshaya Patra serves them meals twice a day in these ashrams.

Akshaya Patra recognises that education is also essential for women's empowerment. Thus, it has initiated scholarship programmes that support the education of millions of girls in the country. These scholarships cover the cost of education, including tuition fees, books and uniforms. Through these initiatives, the NGO ensures that girls can pursue their dreams. Akshaya Patra also runs a digital education programme in partnership with an ed-tech company for Government and Government-aided school children that empowers boys and girls from low-income families with a world of knowledge at their fingertips.

Strengthen India’s foundation with your contribution, this Women’s Day
and claim 80G deductions on your donations.

International Women's Day is an important occasion to celebrate the achievements of women and recognise the work that NGOs do to empower them. Akshaya Patra's work, backed by various Governments and donors across the world, is a testament to the fact that non-profits can play a significant role in building a gender-equal society by providing opportunities and resources to women. As we move forward, it is essential to continue working towards creating a society where women can live without fear of discrimination, violence or bias.

Now you can also help further these initiatives and provide employment opportunities, nutritious meals and scholarships to women by contributing online to Akshaya Patra’s various initiatives for them with a few clicks.

When you contribute to Akshaya Patra, you also become eligible to gain tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act as the Foundation is registered under Section 12A of the Act.

All online donations over ₹500 to Akshaya Patra are eligible for a 50% tax deduction and donors will receive a tax exemption donation certificate as proof to claim 80G deductions

So, donate online today and support a better world for women this International Women’s Day!
#EmbraceEquity