Why Invest in Women’s Empowerment?
Empowering women isn’t just about equality — it’s about unlocking one of the most powerful catalysts for community transformation. When women gain access to education, income, and leadership opportunities, the impact reaches families, schools, and entire economies.
The Reality Women Face
Poverty Among Women:
In Gujarat, India, an estimated 21.5% of the rural population lives below the poverty line, with women disproportionately affected due to limited access to education, employment, and property rights (Gujarat Samachar, 2024).
Nationally, 15% of women are multidimensionally poor, facing barriers in health, education, and livelihood (UN Women, 2023).
Economic Inequality:
Only 5.3% of women in India have sole or joint ownership of land or housing (UN Women, 2023). This lack of assets limits financial security and reduces women’s participation in household and societal decision-making.
Employment Barriers:
India’s female labor force participation rate stands at just 25%, compared to over 70% for men (World Bank, 2023). In Gujarat, many rural women work in informal sectors with little or no pay, while managing unpaid domestic responsibilities.
Education & Skills Gap:
While primary education enrollment for girls has improved, rural women continue to face challenges completing secondary and higher education. Access to vocational training and digital literacy remains limited — especially for women below the poverty line.
The Economic Case for Empowerment
Closing the gender gap in labor participation could add $770 billion USD to India’s GDP by 2025 (UN Women, 2024).
Studies show that empowered women reinvest up to 90% of their income into their families’ education, health, and well-being (World Bank, 2022).
When women rise, communities rise.
Empowering women below the poverty line is not only a moral responsibility — it is a strategic investment in economic growth, resilience, and equality.
At Life Global Canada, we focus on:
Rekha, a 32-year-old mother of two from Rajkot, struggled to support her family after her husband fell ill. With no formal education and limited skills, she relied on odd jobs and community support to survive.
Through a women’s empowerment initiative supported by the Saurashtra Medical & Educational Charitable Trust (SMECT), Rekha enrolled in a vocational tailoring program. Within three months, she learned design, stitching, and order management.
Today, Rekha runs a home-based tailoring business, earning enough to send both her children to school.
“I never imagined I could earn and save. Now I can dream for my children too.”
Rekha’s journey reminds us that empowerment begins with opportunity. When we invest in women below the poverty line, we ignite change that uplifts families, strengthens communities, and shapes future generations.
(Story inspired by SMECT’s Women Empowerment Program – life4life.org.in/women/home)
Be part of a movement that transforms potential into progress.
Join Life Global Canada in empowering women through skill-building, mentorship, and community development programs.
👉 [Become a Volunteer]
Your support fuels real change. Donations help fund training materials, sewing machines, microloans, and education opportunities for women living below the poverty line.
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References
UN Women Data Portal (2023) – India Country Profile
World Bank (2023) – India Gender Data
Gujarat Samachar (2024) – “Over 1 crore people face poverty in Gujarat”
UN Women Report (2024) – “Closing Gender Gaps in Employment”
World Bank (2022) – Women’s Economic Empowerment Statistics
SMECT – Women Empowerment Initiatives – https://www.life4life.org.in/women/home