The festive Diwali week began on an auspicious note with an invitation from Deepa Menon to interact with the remarkable beneficiaries of PVR Nest. While preparations for the upcoming SABERA Jury kept me busy, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to connect with women whose incredible stories embody the very mission of SABERA: celebrating impact and change.
The event was hosted at the exclusive Directors Club Lounge in Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj—a hidden gem that I explored during a short tour courtesy of PVR representatives. However, the heart of the experience was the interaction at the conference facility, where I shared a delicious five-course meal with eleven inspiring women managing Delhi’s ‘Pink Toilets’ turned ‘Garima Grihs’.
Read more about SABERA Awardee and guest of Honour Chhaya Sharma
The Pink Toilets Initiative: Recognized by SABERA
The Pink Toilets initiative, honored by the SABERA Awards, is a stellar example of how public-private partnerships can drive real change. What began as a civic facility for women has been transformed into safe, clean spaces and hubs for empowerment under PVR Nest’s guidance.
Managed by an inspiring group of women like Kiran, Kavita, Babita, Pooja, Laxmi, Chandini, Anjum, Monika, Mithilesh, and Reena, these centers now offer skilling courses in sewing, beauty, and hygiene. They’ve also become safe spaces for breastfeeding and community education, impacting neighboring areas by promoting cleanliness and health awareness.
Lakshmi, who oversees the RK Puram center, reflected on her journey:
“Initially, I would burst into tears when people in the community taunted me for asking them to keep their surroundings clean. Even my family questioned why I wanted to work in a toilet. But thanks to the persistence and encouragement of my cohort leaders, I persevered. Today, I am respected for the work I do.”
These centers have not only provided a source of income for these women—many of whom are now the primary earners in their families—but also created safe, welcoming spaces that benefit entire communities.
PVR Nest’s Power of One Program: Driving Social Impact
The Power of One program by PVR Nest highlights the potential of grassroots initiatives to create a ripple effect of positive change. This public-private partnership focuses on uplifting women and girls from vulnerable urban slum communities by providing skilling opportunities and socio-economic advancement tools.
The program’s WeRise Changemaker initiative has been specially designed to build leadership and communication skills for community leaders. Members of the Pink Toilets initiative participated in the first edition of this program, which is helping them develop the confidence and knowledge to become role models and changemakers.
I was honored to lead the opening session, “Every Woman is a Leader,” where I shared insights about harnessing inner strength to inspire and influence positive change in one’s community. It was an engaging and humbling experience, with each woman’s journey serving as a testament to resilience and empowerment.
A Day of Inspiration
The day concluded with meaningful conversations over a sumptuous five-course meal at the Directors Lounge. I returned home deeply inspired by the courage and determination of these women, who are breaking barriers and creating ripples of change in their communities.
The Pink Toilets initiative, recognized by the SABERA Awards, stands as a powerful testament to how women when given the right tools and support, can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.
SABERA 2024 are scheduled for December 11th at the India Habitat Centre, where more such stories of Impact will be celebrated. To attend register and reserve delegate passes here
