EMPOWERED WOMEN, STRONGER NATION
WHY WOMEN EMPOWEREMENT?
In recent years, gender equality has become a vital pillar for national well-being and overall development. It plays a key role not just in social progress but also in driving economic resilience. The empowerment of women and the pursuit of equal rights are central to the United Nations Development Programme’s Sustainable Development Goals. Women empowerment emphasizes fair access to education, employment, decision-making, and resources, enabling women to shape their own futures with autonomy and confidence.
When women are empowered, they emerge as strong contributors to economic productivity, social change, and sustainable development. Empowered women participate actively in leadership roles, education, public health, and governance. Their involvement ensures more diverse perspectives, more inclusive decisions, and equitable growth for all. By recognizing their talents and supporting their independence, we move closer to a balanced society.
In essence, empowering women is not just a matter of justice—it is a foundational step toward building a more just, inclusive, and prosperous world.
WHAT WE DO?
THE FOUNDATION’s flagship women empowerment initiative, Swabhiman, launched in 2005, is dedicated to uplifting marginalized and socially excluded women across underserved communities. The programme takes a comprehensive and grassroots-based approach, with a strong emphasis on improving nutrition, enhancing access to healthcare, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Through innovative community-led strategies, Swabhiman equips women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to actively advocate for their health and well-being. The programme empowers them to challenge social barriers, access essential services, and become catalysts for change within their families and neighborhoods. By fostering self-reliance and building financial independence, Swabhiman enables women to take control of their lives and make informed decisions.
What sets Swabhiman apart is its inclusive model that recognizes the importance of involving all members of society. It actively engages men and boys as allies in the journey towards women’s empowerment, working to reshape mindsets and promote gender equality at every level. By doing so, THE FOUNDATION envisions a more just and equitable society, where every woman—regardless of her background—has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and transform her community.
OUR INTERVENTIONS
The RISE AND GROWTH Foundation: Fueling Women's Empowerment from the Ground Up
Women’s empowerment isn’t just a slogan at the RISE AND GROWTH Foundation; it’s the bedrock of our existence, the fire in our mission, and the tangible change we witness in communities every single day. We didn’t emerge from a corporate boardroom with a detached mandate. Our story is rooted in witnessing the stark gap between potential and opportunity for countless women worldwide.
Our Genesis: Seeing the Need, Igniting the Spark
RISE AND GROWTH wasn’t conceived in abstract theory. It began years ago when our founder, deeply impacted by working alongside resilient women entrepreneurs in underserved communities, saw a recurring pattern. Brilliant ideas were stifled. Economic potential was locked away. Voices demanding change were systematically ignored. These women possessed the drive and ingenuity but lacked the essential tools: capital, skills, networks, and a platform. The vision was clear: create an organization that didn’t just talk about empowerment but actively built the pathways to achieve it. Thus, RISE AND GROWTH was born – a commitment to dismantling barriers and nurturing self-sufficiency.
Our Core: Building Sustainable Power, Not Dependency
We reject the notion of handouts. Our approach is about equipping, enabling, and amplifying. We focus on creating sustainable ecosystems where women can thrive independently:
Economic Engine Room: This is our cornerstone. We provide tailored microloans and seed funding, but crucially, we pair it with intensive business development training. Women learn financial literacy, marketing, digital skills, and sustainable practices. We’ve seen street vendors in Ahmedabad transform into suppliers for local stores, and artisans in rural Uganda access global markets through e-commerce platforms we helped establish. It’s not just income; it’s economic agency.
Knowledge as Liberation: Education is power. We run literacy programs, vocational skills training (from tech to sustainable agriculture), and leadership workshops. We support girls staying in school and women accessing higher education or retraining. Our community learning centres are buzzing hubs where confidence is built alongside practical skills.
Amplifying Voices, Driving Change: Empowerment means having a seat at the table. We facilitate women’s collectives and advocacy groups, providing training on rights awareness, legal literacy, and civic engagement. We support women running for local office, challenging discriminatory norms, and becoming powerful advocates for health, education, and safety in their villages and towns. We lobby alongside them for policy changes that dismantle systemic barriers.
Holistic Well-being: True empowerment requires safety and health. We integrate access to healthcare information, reproductive health services, and psychosocial support into our programs. We partner with local organisations to combat gender-based violence, providing safe spaces and legal aid. A woman who is healthy and safe is unstoppable.
Tangible Change, Ripple Effects
The proof is in the lived experiences:
Over 20,000 microloans disbursed in the last five years, with a repayment rate exceeding 95% – a testament to women’s dedication and business acumen.
10,000+ women trained annually in diverse skills, from digital literacy to advanced agricultural techniques.
Hundreds of women-led collectives formed, becoming powerful forces for local economic development and social change.
Measurable increases in school enrollment for girls in our program areas and greater participation of women in community decision-making bodies.
But the most profound impact is often intangible: the newfound confidence in a woman’s eyes, the respect she commands within her family, the inspiration she provides to her daughters and neighbours. When one woman rises, she lifts her entire community. This is the multiplier effect RISE AND GROWTH fuels.
The Road Ahead: Deepening Roots, Expanding Reach
Our journey is far from over. Challenges like deep-seated cultural norms, unequal access to resources, and the widening digital divide persist. At RISE AND GROWTH, we’re constantly learning and adapting. We’re investing more in digital inclusion programs, strengthening our mental health support networks, and forging deeper partnerships with local governments and like-minded organisations to scale our impact.
Why RISE AND GROWTH?
Because we believe women aren’t beneficiaries; they are the architects of a better future. We don’t impose solutions; we listen, collaborate, and provide the tools. Our foundation isn’t built on abstract ideals, but on the hard work, resilience, and transformative power of the women we serve. Their rise is our mission. Their growth is our measure of success. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them, building a world where every woman has the power to shape her own destiny and contribute fully to the prosperity of all. That’s the real foundation of RISE AND GROWTH.
IMPACT 2023-24
600+
Women uplifted by the Swabhiman initiative
1000+
Awareness raised among women on maternal and child health
1500+
Women reached
2+
Micro-business initiatives led by women
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our foundation, launched in 2024, is a newly established organization committed to contributing positively to society. We operate in collaboration with well-established and actively working foundations across the country. Our primary role involves raising funds and identifying meaningful projects and work opportunities, which we then channel to these partner organizations.
Currently, our foundation is registered online and does not operate through any offline branches. However, as we grow and expand our reach, we aim to establish physical offices in the future to better serve our mission.
In our short journey so far, we have successfully raised and distributed funds through 3 to 4 campaigns in support of trusted organizations. To further strengthen our initiatives, we are now offering internship opportunities. These internships are designed to bring skilled individuals on board, allowing them to contribute to our efforts while gaining valuable knowledge and experience.
Through our ongoing projects, campaigns, and partnerships, we aspire to build a stronger and better nation. Our commitment to this vision remains firm, and we look forward to making a lasting impact in the years to come.