Driving change in women
We are proud to say that we have put nine women on the driver’s seat in these two years,” smiles Kanakjeet Agarwal, secretary, RC Rourkela Queens, RID 3261.
Last year the club, led by the then president Kiran Arora, launched Project Saksham, an initiative to empower women, “not just for a day, but for a lifetime.” Five economically-deprived women with driving skills and valid licence were identified and provided electric autorickshaws to help them earn a livelihood.
“All these women were struggling to make ends meet but were determined to move forward. A year has passed now and we are happy to see all of them self-reliant, supporting their families and taking control of their future,” she says. Mandodari, a domestic helper who was struggling to educate her daughters, now has a steady income to secure their future. Manju, previously reliant on odd jobs, has become the backbone of her family; Mandakini, a widow; Santoshi and Rashmita are the other beneficiaries of Project Saksham that has made them all achievers.
Spurred by the success of the project, this year on International Women’s Day (March 8), the club, led by president Barkha Gupta, donated e-autorickshaws to four women going through various sorts of challenges. The five beneficiaries from last year came for the handover event on Women’s Day to mentor and inspire this year’s recipients on their new journey of empowerment. Their stories of struggle and triumph awed everyone present.
“When we saw them return this year, not as recipients, but as strong, financially independent women, we knew that our initiative had created something truly magical. It was a proud moment for all of us,” says Kanakjeet. DGN Alam Singh Roopra, charter president Harpal Roopra and social worker Poonam Kerketta were present at the event.
To maintain the integrity of the project, the club ensures each recipient is carefully vetted. Legal agreements are signed, preventing the sale or misuse of the vehicles. “We keep track of their progress always because we make use of their services for our club-related transport needs. Many of our members hire them to drop their children in coaching classes, or for other personal work,” says project chair Seema Poddar. Kanakjeet adds that this not only gives them a steady clientele but also assures them of financial security. The club, chartered in 2018, has 59 members.
Each e-autorickshaw costs ₹2 lakh. The project was supported by Eastern Alloys, and club members Abha Mohunta and Jyoti Agarwal. Club advisor Ajay Agarwal offered guidance for the project both the years. Encouraged by the impact, president-elect Grishma Parmar has pledged to continue Project Saksham in the coming Rotary year.
The club organised a three-day RYLA for 150 school students at Agrasen Bhawan, a wedding venue in Rourkela. The camp focused on leadership development, with PDG Ashok Singh encouraging the participants to embrace cultural values while preparing for the future. PDG F C Mohanty, DGN Roopra, District RYLA chair Ranjit Singh Hura and Interact chair Uttam Garg were also present. From a jungle trek to learning CPR administration, the RYLA provided a mix of adventure and essential life skills.
