Stree Swabhiman Workshop to Promote Women’s Health in India
On the occasion of International Women’s Day Union Minister for Electronics & IT and Law Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Smriti Irani, Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Textiles inaugurated a workshop on “Stree Swabhiman – A CSC Initiative for Promoting Women’s Health and Hygiene”.
The workshop showcased the impact and progress made by the Women Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) in promoting women’s health and hygiene among the poor and marginalized communities in India, through the Common Services Centres (CSCs).
Mr. Prasad appreciated the efforts of women VLEs, who have set up sanitary napkin units under Stree Swabhiman project, in advancing women’s health and hygiene in rural areas, apart from enhancing women’s empowerment.
[ NITI Aayog Opens Nominations for Women Transforming India Awards ]
Recounting the strength of women VLEs in mobilizing citizens under Government campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Digi Dhan Abhiyan, the Minister said: “Today, we have 47,000 women VLEs across India. I want to see their numbers grow up to more than one lakh in our country.”
The Minister added, “Ensuring women’s presence at the forefront of “Digital India” would result in a new social order where women would play the role of “Change Agents” in building a society free of any discrimination. Digitally empowered women can bring a paradigm shift in encouraging and empowering rural communities.”
Ms Smriti Irani, Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Textiles, congratulated the women VLEs on the International Women’s Day, and said, “I believe every day is a woman’s day. Women empowerment, especially for those living in rural India, is an integral component of our Government. The government has framed the guidelines for menstrual hygiene in the country.”
On the occasion, a special publication highlighting initiatives undertaken by CSC Women VLEs in Stree Swabhimaan was also launched by Ravi Shankar Prasad. Ten Women VLEs were awarded by the Minister on the basis of their performance in the project.
Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau
