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In the Pindwara village of Rajasthan, a grassroots-level initiative led by local women has transformed the community's approach to nutrition. The women, part of a self-help group, began cultivating kitchen gardens to ensure a steady supply of diverse and nutritious food for their families. These gardens now yield various fruits and vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet and reducing the community's dependence on market-bought, often less nutritious food items. This initiative has improved health and empower women by giving them control over their family's nutrition. Similarly, in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, a collective effort by local community leaders has revitalized traditional agricultural practices. The community has reintroduced indigenous crops like millets and pulses, which are more resilient to the changing climate and require fewer resources to cultivate. These crops are rich in essential nutrients and have historically been part of the local diet. The community's efforts have not only preserved these traditional foods but also improved the nutritional status of the population, particularly children and women. These <keyword id="22748061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="community-led" source="keywords">community-led</keyword> initiatives are part of a broader pattern observed in a recent study on <keyword id="22747862" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diet-diversity" source="keywords">diet diversity</keyword> in <keyword id="20109648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-India" source="keywords">rural India</keyword>. The qualitative study by NGO Vitamin Angels India and supported by UNICEF, conducted across several states, found that communities with strong local leadership and grassroots initiatives showed significant improvements in diet diversity and nutritional outcomes. According to government data, about 17% of children in the age group of 0-5 years are underweight, while 36% are stunted and 6% are wasted (too thin for their height, indicating acute malnutrition). Stunted, wasted, and underweight are key indicators of malnutrition in children aged 0-5 years. The research highlighted that while government programs and interventions are essential, the involvement and initiative of the community are critical to the success and sustainability of these efforts. One of the key findings of the study was that communities with active local participation in nutrition-related activities, such as kitchen gardening and the cultivation of traditional crops, had a higher intake of diverse and nutritious food. The research, which employed a mix of focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and home observations, reveals how collective and individual contexts -- ranging from socio-cultural norms to economic challenges -- influence dietary practices across different communities like the brick-kiln workers, fishers, and salt pan workers among others. This was particularly evident in regions where women played a central role in these initiatives. The study also noted that these communities were more resilient to food insecurity and were better able to cope with economic and environmental challenges. For example, the study looked into the lives of salt pan workers in Jodhpur who prioritize their children's nutrition despite financial hardships. They ensure that their children never go hungry, even if it means offering biscuits or bread-milk. It suggested that while government initiatives provide the necessary framework and resources, real change happens when communities take ownership of these programmes and adapt them to their local contexts. To enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for pregnant women and children under five, several key recommendations emerge from the study. First, there is a critical need to strengthen the role of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, who are often the primary source of health information in many communities. By providing these workers with advanced training that equips them to offer tailored advice based on the specific socio-cultural and economic contexts of the families they serve, the reach and impact of nutritional programs can be significantly increased. Subsidies for essential complementary foods are another vital measure to address the financial barriers that many families face. These subsidies would ensure that even in economically disadvantaged households, children receive the necessary nutrients during crucial developmental stages, the study recommended. Additionally, promoting a blend of legacy knowledge with modern nutritional insights can lead to more culturally acceptable and effective practices. Health education programs that respect and incorporate local beliefs while introducing scientifically backed practices are likely to be more successful in achieving sustainable behavioral change. Support for maternal health is also paramount. Implementing programs that provide additional food or rest for pregnant women, particularly during the last trimester, can have a positive impact on both maternal and child health outcomes. These programs should be designed with an understanding of local familial structures and dynamics, ensuring that they are accessible and acceptable within the community. Community-based nutritional programs should be developed to emphasize the importance of child nutrition and encourage collective action. Workshops and informational sessions led by trusted community members or healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and encouraging healthy practices. Finally, improving access to fresh and nutritious food, particularly in remote or economically disadvantaged areas, is essential. This could involve initiatives such as creating community gardens, improving market access, or providing transportation subsidies to reach markets with a wider variety of foods.

Community-led nutrition initiatives in rural India can boost diet diversity, empower women, says study

In her <keyword id="19906106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Interim-Budget" source="keywords">Interim Budget</keyword> speech in February 2024, <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> celebrated what she termed as the Modi government's landmark achievement: unleashing 'nari shakti' or women's power through various initiatives since 2014. Among these, the creation of one crore 'Lakhpati Didis' — women whose annual household income exceeds one lakh rupees — under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has garnered significant attention. <h2>The hype around it </h2>Imagine being a <keyword id="20416259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakhpati-Didi" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didi</keyword> — a rural woman whose annual household income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. These women are not just financial achievers; they are community leaders who inspire others through their entrepreneurial journeys. Their success stories highlight the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and collective action in rural India. Launched amid much fanfare on August 15, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme aims to empower women through diverse skill development programs, from producing LED bulbs to operating agricultural drones. Partnering with entities like Patanjali, Flipkart, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these products, ostensibly connecting women with credit lines and MUDRA loans for financial support. Almost an year on, the scheme is all set to get some well-deserved boost in the Budget 2024 to be presented on July 23. However, the time also apt to examine if it has actually contributed to <keyword id="20009191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment" source="keywords">women empowerment</keyword> in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111915324" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in Parliament today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>The reality check </h2>Critics argue that such schemes may inadvertently tether women's SHGs to corporate networks, potentially benefiting transnational agribusiness giants aligned with the government. Programs like 'Namo Drone Didi', allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Interim Budget, exemplify this trend by integrating women into digital agriculture, albeit under the influence of corporate agendas. Further, while the Interim Budget championed the narrative of women's economic prosperity, it failed to adequately address their basic needs. Despite claims of empowerment, essential schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Rural) and Har Ghar Jal have seen significant budgetary underspending, raising concerns about the government's commitment to women's welfare beyond mere rhetoric. For instance, the underutilisation of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the shrinking allocations for crucial subsidies like nutrition and education further highlight the disconnect between budgetary outlays and on-ground impact. This trend suggests a shift in responsibility towards state governments without commensurate support from the Union government, leaving vulnerable populations like widows and rural women at risk. Overall, the well-intentioned narrative around the scheme needs better translation and execution on ground to achieve desired outcomes. <h2>Looking ahead </h2>Until now, the budgetary allocation for women-centric programs have remained disproportionately low, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development having been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52% compared to the previous budget. This paltry investment underscores a broader pattern of neglecting systemic issues such as gender-based violence, social discrimination and pro-corporate stance. As Budget 2024 approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate policies that not only boost economic growth but also empower rural women as entrepreneurs and leaders. While Lakhpati Didi stands poised to empower rural women with opportunities and support, more steps are needed to make it more sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

Terming the state budget as "revolutionary," Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath <keyword id="20040955" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shinde" source="keywords">Shinde</keyword> said that this budget in a true sense empowers women, youth, and farmers through various schemes worth Rs 1 lakh crore. He said that this budget is revolutionary and would make the future of weaker sections, farmers, and youth bright. Stating that the budget was a resolve to give a new direction to Maharashtra, <keyword id="20062947" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CM-Shinde" source="keywords">CM Shinde</keyword> said that this budget has an "unending chant of the <keyword id="22227448" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="development-of-Maharashtra" source="keywords">development of Maharashtra</keyword>". Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister <keyword id="19941791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajit-Pawar" source="keywords">Ajit Pawar</keyword> on Saturday presented the additional budget for the year 2024-25 in the state assembly. The Finance Minister had presented the interim budget in February. Stating that the budget has important provisions to help women and unemployed youth to stand on their own feet, the Chief Minister said that "Chief Minister Majhi Laadki Baheen scheme, free vocational education to girl students, Chief Minister Annapoorna scheme which gives 3 cylinders per year to eligible families, project worth Rs 15 thousand crores for providing free electricity to farmers during day time, Chief Minister Baliraja electricity concession scheme which provides free power to farmers using agricultural pumps, training to 50 thousand youth every year to convey government schemes to masses and resolve to remove poverty of the weaker sections of the society have made this budget special." He said that provisions like free education to girl students for engineering, pharmacy, and medical education along with degree and diploma courses along with Rs. 1500 per month to every woman prove that the government has expressed its responsibility towards women of the state. Stating that the budget proves that it stands behind the farmers, Chief Minister Shinde said that the issue of food-grain storage would be resolved through schemes like Godown per village. He said that the lives of farmers would be transformed through various provisions in the budget which include financial assistance to cotton and soybean growers, special campaigns to complete irrigation projects, and solar pumps on demand. Pointing out that the decision to celebrate the coronation of <keyword id="19966480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chhatrapati-Shivaji-Maharaj" source="keywords">Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj</keyword> through a ceremony every year at Fort Raigad is important, the Chief Minister said that other decisions include recommending the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage for the UNESCO World Heritage along with the rock sculptures in Konkan, Dahi Handi celebration are efforts towards the preservation of history and culture of the state. He said that the budget provides Rs 20,000 to every Dindi (the troops participating in the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage) and it has made the announcement of making arrangements for medical treatment of pilgrims through the Chief minister's medical relief cell and provision for Nirmal Waari show commitment towards the annual pilgrim and Warkari sect. He said that a separate Warkari Mahamandal or separate Corporation for the annual pilgrims would be set up. Stating that massive investment would be made in priority sectors and the <keyword id="21313056" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-hydrogen-sector" source="keywords">green hydrogen sector</keyword>, he said that it would generate employment in a big way. He said that the chief minister's youth training scheme would impart training to ten lakh youngsters every year and a centre of excellence would be established in ITI's which would benefit the youngsters. Stating that the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar scheme and Shrawan Bal seva state pension scheme assistance would be raised are strong steps CM Shinde said that providing for housing of various sections of society, Anand Dighe housing scheme for differently abled amply proves that the state government is taking strong steps towards removing the poverty in the state. The chief minister said that Metro routes worth 449 Kms in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur along with 23 thousand kilometer road stretch works under Chief Minister Gram Sadak scheme, construction of buildings of village Panchayats under Balasaheb Thackeray memorial Matoshree Gram Panchayat scheme, PM e-bus scheme in municipal corporation areas and other infrastructure works would be undertaken in a big way which would result in speedy development of the state. The monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly began on Thursday (June 28) and will go on till July 12. This is the last legislative session before the state assembly polls, in the next four months.

Budget resolves to give new direction to Maharashtra: CM Shinde

<ul><li>Women entrepreneurs account for 20% of <keyword id="3082456" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indifi" source="Orion">Indifi</keyword>’s total loan disbursals. </li><li>Indifi said that it has disbursed 50,000 loans to over 30,000 micro <keyword id="44779" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smes" source="Orion">SMEs</keyword>. </li><li>Over 64% of the loans for small business owners is concentrated in east, northeast and south regions. </li></ul> Indifi Technologies, a Gurgaon-based online lending platform, said that it has disbursed 50,000 loans amounting ₹2,800 crores in the last six years. These loans were given to 30,000 micro SMEs. As per the <a href="https://msme.gov.in/sites/default/files/MSME_gazette_of_india.pdf">ministry definition</a>, a micro enterprise’s annual turnover must be below ₹5 crore and its investment in plant, machinery or equipment must not exceed ₹1 crore. “Micro entrepreneurs have historically struggled with access to timely capital but, with advancements in technology and data, the industry today is equipped with great tailwinds to change that,” Alok Mittal, co-founder and CEO said. A fifth of Indifi’s loan disbursals went to women entrepreneurs. Further within the women-led businesses, 25% of the loans were given to first time borrowers and 25% to businesses from tier 2, 3 and 4 cities. The loans that are being disbursed to micro enterprises have been going up. The Non Banking Finance Company-Micro Finance Institute’s (NBFC-MFI) portfolio increased by 36.6% in India from Q3 FY 19-20 to Q1 FY 22-23, according to a report by <keyword id="113684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microfinance" source="Orion">Microfinance</keyword> Institutes Network (MFIN). “During the first quarter, the sector was occupied with the implementation of new harmonized regulations of the RBI. Despite that the growth has been good and credit quality of post-Covid disbursements are at 95% plus. During the remaining period of FY 22-23, riding on robust branch expansion, pent up demand and conducive policy, the sector is poised for sustainable growth,” MFIN chairperson, Devesh Sachdev said. The report also said that over 64% of the loans for small business owners are concentrated in east and northeast and south regions. The microfinance network is made up of NBFC-MFIs, banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), <keyword id="6354598" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nbfcs" source="Orion">NBFCs</keyword> and others (including Non-profit MFIs). As on 30 June 2022, 3.5 crore clients have loan outstanding from BFC-MFIs, which is 13.8% higher than a year before, MFIN reports. In spite of the recent growth, the credit gap to the <keyword id="6393272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="msmes" source="Orion">MSMEs</keyword> is estimated at ₹40 lakh crore, owing to barriers of access, cost, and <a href="https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/funding-and-msmes-can-banks-fintech-together-address-the-credit-gap-for-small-businesses/articleshow/81087510.cms">underwriting</a>. In India, microfinancing institutions (MFIs) are present in 27 states and five union territories. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/reliance-is-reportedly-planning-to-launch-jiophone-5g-launch-in-india-at-a-very-affordable-price/articleshow/94483655.cms">Specifications of JioPhone 5G with Codename 'Ganga' leaked - check all details here</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazons-2022-hardware-event-heres-whats-new-on-kindle-echos-fire-tv-cube-and-halo-rise/articleshow/94532586.cms">Amazon’s 2022 Hardware Event — here’s what's new on Kindle, Echos, Fire TV Cube, and Halo Rise</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-of-t20-world-cup-with-back-stress-fracture-report/articleshow/94532793.cms">Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of T20 World Cup with back stress fracture: Report</a>

Gurgaon-based Indifi disbursed ₹2,800 crore worth of loans to small business owners

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Five <keyword id="11896033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wnba" source="Orion">WNBA</keyword> players were featured in <keyword id="12127526" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sports-illustrated" source="Orion">Sports Illustrated</keyword>'s iconic <keyword id="13878210" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="swimsuit-issue" source="Orion">Swimsuit Issue</keyword> this year.</li><li>Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Te'a Cooper, Nneka Ogwumike, and DiDi Richards posed in the US Virgin Islands.</li></ul>Five WNBA stars — Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Te'a Cooper, Nneka Ogwumike, and DiDi Richards — posed for photographer Laretta Houston in St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, as part of <keyword id="11893855" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports" source="Orion">Sports</keyword> Illustrated's 2022 Swimsuit Issue. For Bird, a 20-year veteran of the WNBA and a league legend, the players' involvement represents an opportunity to "showcase [the] evolution" of SI's Swimsuit Issue.<div type="image" title="WNBA players will be featured in this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue." height="3250" width="2167" msid="91452311" hostid="261"></div>"We represent a variety of things: of course women, women of color, members of the LGBTQIA2+ community and much more," Bird told <a href="https://swimsuit.si.com/swimnews/wnba-2022#gid=ci02a0b57cf00027e0&amp;pid=sue-bird">Sports Illustrated's Dorothy J. Gentry</a>. "The [Swimsuit] issue for so many years has been iconic and has represented a lot for women. Now you are seeing an evolution in what that can mean and what that can look like, and I think the WNBA players being a part of that is what makes it special."And according to MJ Day, the Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, the brand "couldn't be more thrilled to have such a badass group of women come together for this specific issue.""These players not only dominate on the court but are tirelessly leading the charge in speaking out on social justice issues — fighting for racial justice and equality and working together to create sustainable change," Day said in a statement. "Their participation in this year's issue couldn't come at a better time with the launch of Pay With Change and the work that we are doing to evolve and grow our brand."<div type="image" title="Sue Bird for Sports Illustrated's 2022 Swimsuit Issue." height="3750" width="2500" msid="91452313" hostid="261"></div>In January of this year, Sports Illustrated <a href="https://www.si.com/sports-illustrated/2022/01/20/si-swimsuit-announces-pay-with-change">announced its "Pay With Change"</a> gender equity advertising initiative surrounding its famed Swimsuit Issue. As part of the effort, Sports Illustrated will only allow brands with "demonstrated programs to advance gender equality" to advertise on the Swimsuit platform.Companies that fit the bill will create ads for the campaign that showcase their gender equity efforts. And Sports Illustrated has committed to contributing a percent of every advertising dollar to its Gender Equity Fund supporting nonprofits in the <keyword id="13878209" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="womens-empowerment" source="Orion">women's empowerment</keyword> space.The WNBA players — who have "always been at the forefront of social issues," Stewart told Gentry — perfectly embody the ideals of the new-look Swimsuit Issue.<div type="image" title="Nneka Ogwumike for Sports Illustrated's 2022 Swimsuit Issue." height="3750" width="2500" msid="91452315" hostid="261"></div>"It's all so amazing to see and understand we are living in history," Ogwumike, the Los Angeles Sparks superstar and WNBA Players Association president, added. "I love the differences we celebrate and moving them forward."The 2022 WNBA regular season tipped off Friday, and fans can watch Bird, Stewart, Ogwumike, and Richards play into August. Cooper, who previously Ogwumike's teammate on the Sparks, was waived by the team ahead of the regular season.

WNBA stars posed for Sports Illustrated's iconic Swimsuit Issue as the brand champions pay equity efforts

Delhi Chief Minister <keyword id="260213" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal" source="Orion">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword> on Monday promised to transfer ₹1,000 per month into the accounts of all women in Punjab, if <keyword id="6354944" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aam-Aadmi-Party" source="Orion">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) is voted to power in the 2022 Assembly polls. In addition, the elderly women will get a hike of ₹1,000 in the monthly old-age pension. Terming his Punjab counterpart <keyword id="3227386" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Charanjit-Channi" source="Orion">Charanjit Channi</keyword>, a "fake" Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister said this was the world's biggest <keyword id="1935408" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment-programme" source="Orion">women empowerment programme</keyword>. "All women above 18 would get this benefit, which would go a long way in the economic uplift of women in society," Kejriwal, who is on a two-day visit to the state, announced at a public meeting in Moga town. If a family has three female members, then each will get ₹1,000 every month, he stated. About generating resources for this poll promise, the AAP national convener said money is not an issue for any government. "The AAP government, if elected to power in Punjab, would manage funds by snubbing all mafias, he said. Punjab has a bright future, Kejriwal said, provided that the state government has good intentions and the right approach to development. This time the women will decide the course of the 2022 Assembly election in Punjab. Without naming Channi, who is trying to replicate the policies and programmes of AAP, he said, "Beware of a nakli' Kejriwal. Don't go by his words. I keep all my promises made to the people." In 2017, AAP emerged as the second-largest party winning 20 seats in 117-member Legislative Assembly. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/serum-institute-of-india-gets-nod-to-export-covid-19-vaccines-under-the-covax-programme-says-source/articleshow/87852389.cms">Serum Institute of India gets nod to export COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX programme, says source</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/latent-view-ipo-may-list-on-a-positive-note-despite-a-weak-market/articleshow/87850476.cms">Latent View IPO that got bigger traction than Paras Defence may list on a positive note despite a weak market</a>

Punjab Assembly polls: Arvind Kejriwal promises ₹1,000 per month for women if AAP wins the election

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A top <keyword id="21449" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Ivanka-Trump">Ivanka Trump</keyword> initiative was deeply flawed and mismanaged, according to a new independent report.</li><li>The rollout of programs funded through a 2018 <keyword id="400442" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="womens-empowerment">women's empowerment</keyword> bill failed at one agency.</li><li>Ivanka didn't directly oversee the program but did promote her role in expanding aid to female workers. </li></ul>A policy program championed by Ivanka Trump, and aimed at assisting female-led small businesses around the globe, suffered from such poor agency oversight that the Government Accountability Office was unable to conclude how successful the program was - or even if it had worked at all.In a <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-269.pdf">report released Thursday</a>, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office found that the rollout of the bipartisan <a href="https://www.usaid.gov/open/weee/fy2019">Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018</a> was deeply flawed.Former President Donald Trump's eldest daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump, helped promote the policy program and ushered the bill through Congress.The US Agency for International Development oversaw the implementation of the initiative and was mandated to spend at least $265 million per year on assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises under the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act. Half of the money was meant to go to women, while the other half was required to go to the poor, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/31/ivanka-trump-womens-initiative-gao-478710">according to Politico</a>. But Thursday's report found that the agency never clearly defined what makes a business owned and run by women. Nor could the agency conclude the amount of funding that actually reached women-owned enterprises or the very poor. Ivanka Trump was not responsible for directly overseeing the program, but she did help usher the legislation through Congress and in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFh9MOmB8UQ&amp;t=136s136s">2019 interview</a> vowed to "rigorously track the execution and efficacy of the money that we were spending," <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/01/us/ivanka-trump-gao-women.html">according to The New York Times.</a> Weeks after President Trump signed the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act into law, Ivanka Trump oversaw the launch of another reform initiative, the Women's <keyword id="23764" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="global">Global</keyword> Development and Prosperity Initiative, aimed at providing a "whole-of-government" approach to financially boost poor, female entrepreneurs around the world. According to Politico, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFh9MOmB8UQ&amp;t=136s136s">Ivanka Trump praised</a> the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative as "enabling us to rigorously track the execution and the efficacy of the money that we are spending." But the culmination of the Government Accountability Office's 14-month audit made clear the opposite was happening at the Agency for International Development - one of ten agencies involved in the legislation's implementation. The report was particularly critical of the way the agency disbursed half of the act's funding meant to target those in extreme poverty. Officials in Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe told investigators they "did not receive any guidance on how to define the very poor" or "guidance on any poverty measurement methods to assist them…" which hindered their ability to deliver aid.As such, the agency was unable to "document its compliance" with the requirement that 50% of government resources be targeted to the very poor. Rep. Louis Frankel of Florida, who co-sponsored the original legislation, told The Times a reporting requirement that she helped write into the law prompted the independent audit and was "essential in turning things around."It is important that Congress continue to monitor efforts to ensure that the agency continues to improve its programs and activities targeting women and the very poor," the Democrat said in a statement to the outlet. Thursday's report included six recommendations for the agency, including that the agency identify the total funding requirements under the law; establish a clear definition of an enterprise owned, managed, and controlled by women; and ensure the reliability of its obligations data, among others.According to the report, the Agency for International Development accepted all six recommendations.

Ivanka Trump's women's empowerment program slammed in government report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Debbie Wosskow OBE and Anna Jones founded <keyword id="624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Women">women</keyword>'s <keyword id="6378559" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="membership">membership</keyword> club AllBright in 2017.</li><li>It aims to help women develop their careers and provide <keyword id="6375238" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="networking">networking</keyword> and upskilling opportunities.</li><li>It now has an audience of around 400,000, and has raised $42 million in funding to date.</li></ul>At the start of the pandemic, women's careers and networking <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/london-private-members-clubs-ranked-by-price-2019-3">club</a> AllBright around 40,000 people in its community, which it defines as paying members, app users, newsletter subscribers, and social media followers. Members predominately connected with the company through its three club buildings - two in London and one in West Hollywood.A year on, its buildings have been closed for the best part of 12 months. But the business now has an audience of 400,000 thanks to a rapid pivot online - and it's expanding into new markets, too.Since its launch in 2017, it's raised $42 million in funding to date in three investment rounds led by private investment firm Cain International. It's launching operations in India, and already has a presence in the UK, US, and Australia. Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trinny-woodall-london-dtc-beauty-cosmetics-brand-skincare-2021-3">The CEO of Trinny London explains how she grew her DTC beauty brand to $58 million in annual revenues within 4 years</a>AllBright was cofounded in 2017 by Debbie Wosskow OBE and Anna Jones after a mutual friend introduced them at a party. Wosskow is a multi-exit entrepreneur in digital who founded <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/home-swap-and-live-in-a-castle-manor-house-church-2020-10">Love Home Swap</a>, which she <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lovehomeswap-acquired-by-wyndham-for-40-million-2017-8">sold to Wyndham Destination Networks for £40 million ($53 million) in 2017</a>, while Jones was formerly the CEO of <keyword id="151464" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Hearst">Hearst</keyword> UK.The pair found they had similar experiences of being women in business.Only 2% of capital goes to support a female founder, and this dropped to 1% during 2020, Wosskow said. Only 7% of investors are female, she added.And when Jones led Hearst, she was the only female CEO of a large media business in the UK, Wosskow added.<div type="image" title="AllBright" height="419" width="559" msid="82128381" hostid="261"></div>"Both of us were so used to being the only women at the boardroom table that we'd stop noticing," Wosskow told Insider.So they decided to launch AllBright, the UK's first women-only membership club, aimed at creating what Wosskow dubbed a "monster global sisterhood."AllBright opened its three buildings, which Wosskow describes as "flagships." These provide women with "a hub away from home," she said. At the sites, women can work, network, and attend a range of events organized by AllBright, including upskilling sessions.The boutique-style clubs all have a restaurant, lounge, and bookable meeting rooms, alongside event space.AllBright opened its first club in Bloomsbury, London on International Women's Day in 2018. It expanded its presence in the city by opening a second club in the city's exclusive Mayfair area the next year, in a five-storey townhouse with a rooftop garden and two restaurants.<div type="image" title="AllBright" height="2880" width="5760" msid="82128384" hostid="261"></div>Shortly after, it launched in the US with a club in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, which offers rooftop dining, a hair and nail salon, and aromatherapy and massage services.Despite the popularity of its physical clubs, AllBright had always planned to launch digital operations - but the pandemic accelerated this, moving its launch from an eight-month delivery time to just eight weeks. Alongside its club membership, which costs £1,300 ($1,800) a year, the company has launched a digital-only membership for £15 (around $20) a month. This includes access to articles, courses ran in partnership with education platform Future Learn, and both live and on-demand events, as well as networking opportunities.<div type="image" title="AllBright" height="2880" width="5760" msid="82128386" hostid="261"></div>And AllBright realized that, once it had the tech already in place, it was much easier to launch operations in new markets.It first bought Australian female lifestyle platform The Grace Tales, founded by Georgie Abay, the former deputy editor of Australian Vogue. The site is aimed at working mothers, and as well as articles about parenting and interviews with celebrities including Miranda Kerr, The Grace Tales holds in-person events.Months later, AllBright acquired Chicago-based digital hub EvolveHer, which held events focused on careers, money, and networking. Jones said the acquisition helped AllBright expand its presence in the US outside of Los Angeles.<div type="image" title="AllBright" height="2868" width="4015" msid="82128388" hostid="261"></div>AllBright is also targeting other English-speaking areas, and is soon launching operations in India, Jones said.<h2>The pandemic highlighted the importance of AllBright's mission</h2>Women have been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gender-pay-gap-extra-36-years-close-covid-pandemic-wef-2021-3">disproportionately hit by redundancies and furlough during the pandemic</a>. Jones said this had caused a surge in the number of women wanting to retrain: AllBright surveyed 2,500 women and found that 57% were thinking about pivoting their careers post-pandemic."I think that there's a general concern that we need to all ensure that [the pandemic] doesn't set the agenda of women and work back," Wosskow said.Employers are increasingly recognizing this too, she said. During the pandemic, there has been a big uptake in the number of companies choosing to provide their staff with corporate membership to AllBright so they can develop their careers.<div type="image" title="AllBright" height="1707" width="2560" msid="82128389" hostid="261"></div>Despite the huge surge in interest in its digital operations, with enrollment in its online courses up around 200% since the first lockdown in March 2020, Jones thinks AllBright's real estate offering will remain important to many of its members."I think that there's always going to be a desire and a need for women and people in to be able to connect in real life," Jones said.

AllBright's CEOs explain how they grew the community of its women-only club tenfold during the pandemic

<keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> has contributed USD 300,000 to the <keyword id="6355833" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="united-nations">United Nations</keyword> agency for <keyword id="6372584" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="gender-equality">gender equality</keyword> and <keyword id="112877" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Women-empowerment">women empowerment</keyword>, a <keyword id="26399" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="contribution">contribution</keyword> lauded by the UN entity. India made the contribution to <keyword id="329907" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="UN-Women">UN Women</keyword>, the world organisation's entity for gender equality and women's empowerment. "#India contributes USD 300,000 to @UN_Women for 2021," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted on Thursday. He said India reaffirms its support for gender equality and women empowerment, describing UN Women as a "valued partner in our progress from women's development to #women-led development." Assistant-Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women Anita Bhatia thanked India for the contribution and its support to UN Women and said in a tweet that "Women-led development envisions women as agents of change driving measurable impact in the lives of women &amp; girls." SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/wipro-share-price-jumps-over-1-after-117-million-acquisition-of-australian-cybersecurity-firm-ampion/articleshow/81817928.cms">Wipro's share price jumps over 1% after $117 million acquisition of Australian cybersecurity firm Ampion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/upi-crosses-5-lakh-crore-in-transaction-value-in-march/articleshow/81820799.cms">India’s digital payments soar – UPI crosses ₹5 lakh crore in transaction value in March</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/west-bengal-is-the-highest-contributor-to-small-savings-schemes/articleshow/81825902.cms">West Bengal is the highest contributor to small savings schemes – with elections underway, it could have been a trigger for the government to roll back interest rate cuts</a>

India contributes $300,000 to United Nations for gender equality and women empowerment

<ul><li>Women are the bedrock of society and with this International Women’s Day, brands have left no stone unturned to celebrate their dreams, ambitions, struggles and wins.</li><li>It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women and continue the push towards equality. </li><li>We cherry-picked a few campaigns that stood out this year. </li></ul>While every day should be celebrated as women’s day, 8th March brings an opportunity for us to stop, reflect on how far we have come and think about some of the many areas where advertising, marketing and the media industry needs to improve. It gives us a much-needed chance to pass on the mic, share our problems, look for solutions and celebrate women who have triumphed over patriarchy. Women's Day, however, has become a full-blown trend, packaged and brought to the audience for a labelled price. It is about gaining eye-balls, reminding women they exist by superficially caring about them, for a few days before and after March 8. Albeit, there were a few campaigns that did stand out this year and reminded us that we are slowly taking small steps towards inclusivity every year. So we thought of collating a list of advertisements that have set a benchmark for other brands to follow (in no particular order) and have tried to talk about issues that have gone unnoticed over the years: Prega News <div type="Youtube" id="X4mWIU-zcvQ" title="#SheIsCompleteInHerself - A Women’s Day Initiative by Prega News | Mona Singh (Hindi)" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/X4mWIU-zcvQ/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Swiggy <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> Levi’s <div type="Youtube" id="zg9IIbwsreM" title="Levi's® We All Move" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zg9IIbwsreM/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Zivame <div type="Youtube" id="ZEFXor8RV2Y" title="Mallika Dua Talks About Problems in Shopping Plus-Sized Lingerie" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZEFXor8RV2Y/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Shaadi.com <div type="Youtube" id="uxdFnhALP3Q" title="This Women's Day, Pledge to #TakeThePressureOff with Shaadi.com" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uxdFnhALP3Q/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Dove <div type="Youtube" id="E3kWzRB6Yy8" title="Dove | #StopTheBeautyTest (Hindi)" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/E3kWzRB6Yy8/mqdefault.jpg"></div> WeWork <div type="Youtube" id="9RMIdAEYLnE" title="WeWork India | International Women's Day 2021" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9RMIdAEYLnE/mqdefault.jpg"></div> OkCupid <div type="Youtube" id="PW9xQ0jcVtc" title="Ijazat Hai Feat. Mukti Mohan &amp; Keshav Sadhna | OkCupid India" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PW9xQ0jcVtc/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Dunzo <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> Bumble <div type="Youtube" id="_f8KPREKEgQ" title="All Our Moves" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_f8KPREKEgQ/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Paytm <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> Goibibo: <div type="Youtube" id="2qys7wyp4ks" title="A Women’s Day Message from Goibibo feat. Vidya Balan!" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2qys7wyp4ks/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

International Women's Day: campaigns that stood out

<ul><li><keyword id="6360312" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ONLY" source="Orion">ONLY</keyword> has launched its new anthem, The ONLY Thing I Want is Everything, ahead of the festive season.</li><li>The anthem features actor Ananya Pandey.</li><li>The ad has been created by <keyword id="180259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dentsu" source="Orion">Dentsu</keyword>.</li></ul>ONLY has launched an anthem, “The ONLY Thing I Want is Everything” festive campaign. The face of ONLY, Bollywood Actress <keyword id="3805597" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ananya-panday" source="Orion">Ananya Panday</keyword>, features in a fun video created to inspire the ONLY girl and celebrate her uniqueness through authentic self-expression. <div type="Youtube" id="Qv44T3afbTE" title="ONLY | ONLY THING I WANT IS EVERYTHING | ANANYA PANDAY" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Qv44T3afbTE/mqdefault.jpg"></div> The ONLY girl is highly ambitious and also selective about what she wants. She loves her own company and is also the life of every party! And capturing this fascinating enigma between only and everything is the foundation of the campaign. The Gen-Z attitude of not wanting to settle for one thing and in turn wanting it all at once is perfectly captured in a memorable track which is all set to become the new age anthem. “This campaign was extra special for me as it allows me to re-iterate the idea that we really want it all. ONLY reflects what my generation represents: the importance of being true to ourselves while continuing to reach for the stars. And it only helps to do it all wearing ONLY.” Actress, Ananya Panday said on the association. “Remaining true to our brand’s core essence, it was important for us to re-iterate and celebrate the ONLY girl we designed for. This campaign and the new collection is emblematic of the modern ONLY consumer - aspirational, confident and edgy, and they define success on their terms. We are thrilled at this representation of the ONLY girl!” says Mr. <keyword id="332449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vineet-gautam" source="Orion">Vineet Gautam</keyword>, CEO and Country Head at Bestseller India. ONLY partnered with Dentsu, a multinational media and digital marketing communications company, to create this campaign. <keyword id="12269595" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="titus-upputuru-creative-head" source="Orion">Titus Upputuru, Creative Head</keyword>, <keyword id="2805309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="taproot-dentsu" source="Orion">Taproot Dentsu</keyword> said, “It was fun working for ONLY’s festive campaign. Today’s young women are extremely ambitious. But, they are also very selective about what they want. We found this conundrum very interesting; the tension between Only and Everything. That’s how the idea came up: ‘The only thing I want is everything’. The ONLY collection for the season is amazing and Ananya Panday was sweet to work with. I had fun writing the song and was happy with the way the music turned out too. It’s got zing!” <keyword id="3345866" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="abhinav-kaushik" source="Orion">Abhinav Kaushik</keyword>, Office Head, Taproot Dentsu added “The excitement that we had whilst working on this ONLY campaign is abundantly visible through the super-cool execution. The Gen-Z attitude and the personality of the ONLY girl is brought to life in a manner that beautifully straddles the life and times of these millennials, their ambition and their desire to access, possess and be a part of everything and more – in a limited time. Their days filled with choices and tasks, and they don’t want to compromise on anything. That’s why the ONLY THING THEY WANT IS EVERYTHING.”

ONLY's new anthem featuring Ananya Pandey is all about celebrating the ethos of individuality and women empowerment

New Delhi, Mar 11 () From establishing special 'mohalla' clinics and dedicated support centres for women to strengthening their role in the economy, women empowerment is a key focus area of Delhi's 2021-22 budget, the AAP government said on Thursday. "The role of women is key to the progress of Delhi and hence, providing accessible healthcare, education and social provisions is a priority," the Delhi government said in a statement. Presenting the budget on Tuesday, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the finance portfolio, set aside Rs 4,750 crore for the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development and the welfare of SC/ST/OBC. He also announced that the Delhi government will launch a new scheme to empower women and give them a larger role in the economy through the establishment of 500 anganwadi hubs in various parts of the city. The statement said major measures proposed by the government this year include establishing 100 'Mahila Mohalla Clinics', allowing every woman in the city access to "special services of gynaecologists and related diagnostic tests". "Considering women are not able to talk freely about their health issues and healthcare is not easily accessible for those belonging to middle-class and low-income families, the Delhi government plans to undertake the responsibility of having a 'Mahila Mohalla Clinic' around every woman in Delhi," it said. To begin with, 100 such clinics will be opened across the city and the number will be increased to ensure that there is "at least one clinic in each ward". Sisodia, while presenting the budget, had termed the 'Mahila Mohalla Clinic' initiative a "revolutionary step". The government has allocated Rs 9,934 crore to the healthcare sector this year.To strengthen the role of women in the economy, the government, under its "Saheli Samanvay Kendra", will set up 500 anganwadi hubs in different parts of Delhi. "These hubs can be used for incubating individual start-ups and to promote self-help groups. "Special arrangements will be made for women in these hubs and the required training will be imparted to open micro-economic units and for holding meetings of self-help groups," the statement said. Other measures for women empowerment include the continuation of free travel in DTC and cluster buses, and equipping them with CCTV cameras and marshals. Installation of CCTV cameras and street lights at tourist spots and areas that are not well lit is also on the government's to-do list, according to the statement. To ensure that women in Delhi are aware of schemes like the Delhi Pension Scheme for women in distress, maternity schemes, and the 'Ladli Yojana' for school-going girls, the government is planning to establish 33 'mahila' support centres, the statement said. "A counsellor will be present in these support centres to help and counsel women regarding issues concerning government initiatives," it said. PT TRS DIV DIV

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