International Women's Day 2024: Theme, Dr. Kalpana Sankar, Gender and Financial Inclusion

Dr. Kalpana Sankar's transformative work in financial inclusion for rural women in India recognized with prestigious awards and global impact.

In a world where gender inclusion is a crucial frontier, Dr. Kalpana Sankar has been a trailblazer in the realm of financial inclusion and social development. Since 2002, she has been transforming the lives of women in rural India through her work as the Managing Trustee of Hand in Hand India. Her efforts have impacted over 4 million lives, provided financial inclusion to thousands of households, and created numerous women-led enterprises. In Tamil Nadu alone, she has touched the lives of 1.5 million women.

Recently, Dr. Kalpana Sankar was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Financial Inclusion for her pivotal role in driving socio-economic changes for women in rural India. She has also received accolades such as the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the Hon'ble President of India and the Global Award for Women Empowerment from UN Women and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Driven by a passion for serving society, Dr. Kalpana Sankar founded Hand in Hand India and Belstar Microfinance in 1988. These organizations have trained hundreds of thousands of women in digital literacy, created millions of jobs, and empowered rural women to enter the organized sector. Operating in multiple states in India and globally, these organizations are beacons of socio-economic change.

Despite progress, women still face disparities in leadership roles. Dr. Kalpana Sankar's work is crucial in addressing these challenges and empowering women to reach their full potential. Hand in Hand India is committed to creating sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor, particularly women, to combat poverty and promote economic growth.

There is a significant financing gap for women entrepreneurs globally, which Hand in Hand India is working to bridge. Through partnerships with institutions like IIT-Madras, women entrepreneurs receive training and support to grow their businesses and achieve financial success. The impact of this program is evident in the success stories of women like Satya, who have benefited from the training and community support provided by Hand in Hand India.

Dr. Kalpana Sankar's recent recognition is a testament to her decades of dedication to financial inclusion and women's empowerment. Her achievements inspire inclusion and underscore the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all. As we navigate the complexities of gender inclusion, Dr. Kalpana Sankar's work serves as a guiding light, showing us the way towards a more equal and empowered society.

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