Only financial inclusion can empower women: Sujata R Karthikeyan

Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: Women empowerment can only be achieved by providing inclusive financial services affordable for all, said Commissioner-cum-Director of Mission Shakti, Sujata R Karthikeyan addressing a virtual training programme of aspiring women on Wednesday. “Around 80 to 90 per cent women used to manage care economy in Odisha, but they were not getting proper recognition. The Mission Shakti has given them identity by proving comprehensive care economy infrastructure at the grassroot level, which has helped women in rural Odisha to participate in economic activities,” said Karthikeyan. Women should come forward to engage themselves in various economic activities so that they can prosper. Mission Shakti has not limited its activity to loan system only; women are working as bank representatives in rural Odisha though Self Help Groups (SHGs) where banking service is not easily available, she added. SHG members are not restricted to any particular activity rather women are engaged in paddy procurement activity in Kalahandi, Sambalpur and Bargarh districts. Similarly, in urban areas women are engaged in various works like construction work and electricity meter reading.  We are planning to provide them ‘Digital Education’ so that more number of women can be engaged in various economic activities learning the uses of digital tools, she asserted. Members of the Mission Shakti Women (SHG) in Odisha set an example by preparing over 70 lakh face masks during Covid-19 pandemic.  Their dedication and contribution during the lockdown is praise worthy, she concluded.