The Rotary Club of Bikaner Uprise, RID 3053, organised a three-day vocational training workshop to help local women and girls enhance their skills, confidence and economic independence. “Most families in our town do not encourage women to work outside their homes. So the girls prefer to engage in beauty care, tailoring and embroidery,” explains Ruchi Dastari, charter member and president of this three-year-old all-women’s club.
Nearly 80 participants attended sessions on mental wellbeing, nail art, advanced hair treatments, hairstyling, bridal makeup and personality development. “We also included a basic session on cyber security and digital awareness, with an expert teaching safe practices for online fund transfers and social media use. This was particularly aimed at young women who are vulnerable to digital fraud,” she says.
Given the enthusiastic response, the club is now planning a second, longer-duration programme with additional modules.
Alongside its work in women’s empowerment, the club has taken up meaningful community service initiatives. It recently installed two sturdy concrete animal shelters at the Bezubaan Welfare Society campus, replacing temporary structures to better protect handicapped dogs and cats from harsh weather. “The shelter is now home to around 150 stray animals, up from 50–60 earlier. The society has requested an animal ambulance, and we are currently raising funds for it,” says Ruchi.
In another green initiative, members planted 1,000 medicinal plants at Radhanagar Colony. The club, which prides itself on its youthful energy, has 38 members — “the oldest being just 35,” says the president with a smile.