Udaipur, October 25 (Daily Kiran) — Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest zinc producer, has achieved a major milestone under its flagship CSR women empowerment programme ‘Sakhi’, by facilitating financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among rural women. The initiative has empowered more than 25,455 women across 2,167 self-help groups (SHGs) in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, providing them with loans worth ₹125.71 crore through the Sakhi Federation.
The financial assistance has helped these women invest in income-generating activities, expand small businesses, support children’s education, and improve household infrastructure — enabling them to access credit without depending on informal sources.
Building Financial and Social Empowerment
Implemented in partnership with Manjari Foundation and Chaitanya Trust, the Sakhi programme aims to promote economic self-reliance, social empowerment, and leadership among women. It strengthens SHGs by connecting women to formal banking systems and building their financial literacy, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
Stories of Transformation
The initiative has created numerous success stories.
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Farzana, who lost her husband at a young age, underwent training at Sakhi’s pickle-making unit. Today, her steady income supports her family and ensures her children’s education. Her inspiring journey earned her recognition from BUSINESS World and the Social Impact Leader Award, symbolising empowerment through opportunity.
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Indra Meena, the sole breadwinner for her family, became one of the top earners at Sakhi’s savoury unit in Zawar. Her dedication led to her appointment to the Board of Directors of the Sakhi Production Committee, where she now guides other women and participates in key decision-making.
Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Livelihood
Through Sakhi and microenterprise programmes, Hindustan Zinc is building an inclusive ecosystem for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and skill development. The Sakhi Production Committee has established 14 production units and 208 retail stores, generating a combined ₹231 lakh in revenue.
Brands such as Daichi (food products) and Upaya (textiles) have strengthened rural market linkages, helping women-led enterprises thrive. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality, decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequalities — redefining the story of rural Rajasthan’s development and placing women at the forefront of change.
Broader Social Impact
Beyond Sakhi, Hindustan Zinc’s CSR efforts span multiple domains — from child welfare and education to livelihoods, healthcare, water and sanitation, sports, culture, and environment conservation. Under the Anil Agarwal Foundation, the company’s flagship Nand Ghar project is modernising early childhood care and education.
Additionally, the company’s initiatives in water conservation, rural infrastructure, and healthcare are helping build resilient, self-reliant communities. Overall, Hindustan Zinc’s CSR programmes currently benefit over 2,350 villages and positively impact more than 2.3 million people across its operational areas.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.