### Hindustan Zinc's Initiative Praised for Women Empowerment – Mannalal Rawat

Udaipur MP Mannalal Rawat praised Hindustan Zinc's efforts in empowering and making rural women of Jawar self-reliant during the Sakhi Utsav, organized at Jawar Stadium by Hindustan Zinc, Manjari Foundation, and Sakhi Shakti Samiti. He emphasized that Hindustan Zinc is not just a mining company but a significant source of employment. He highlighted that the word 'Sakhi' itself symbolizes empowerment and that women are the backbone of the nation’s strength. Urging women to focus on income generation, he stated that the Sakhi project has significantly enhanced the power of women in the region. A self-reliant woman strengthens both society and the nation. The event was seen as a milestone at the national level, inspiring women to excel in various fields.

The event was attended by Salumber MLA Shanta Amritlal Meena, IBU CEO of Jawar Mines Ram Murari, Labor Union Secretary Laluram Meena, Sarpanch Chunnilal, Vedanta Group CSR Head Anupam Nidhi, SHO TD DS Rathore, Kiran Meena, Police Officer Chandadevi, along with Deepak Ghagreja, Punit Bordia, Abhimanyu Ranawat, Vivek Singh, and principals of various schools from the surrounding areas.

Commitment to Women Empowerment

Jawar Mines IBU CEO Ram Murari stressed that women possess immense strength in balancing family and professional responsibilities. He reaffirmed Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to making every woman in the Sakhi community self-reliant. Through initiatives like Sakhi, Shiksha Sambal, Samadhan, and Zinc Kaushal, the company is working towards a prosperous future for all. He highlighted that Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta Group have women in high-ranking positions, actively contributing to mine management.

Engaging Competitions and Cultural Performances

The day-long Sakhi Utsav featured exciting competitions, including Matki Phod, Tug of War, Kabaddi, Jalebi Race, and Chair Race, in which women enthusiastically participated. This was followed by bhajan-kirtan and Rajasthani folk dances, adding to the festive spirit. Organized under Hindustan Zinc’s CSR initiative, the event saw participation from over 1,000 women, including rural women, female employees, and Zinc family members, all pledging to strengthen their families, society, and the nation.

During the event, 100 girls trained in Unarmed Guard and Food Service Management at Zinc Kaushal received certificates. Winners of various competitions were also felicitated. Sakhi Shakti Samiti and Sakhi Federation President Rukmani Meena provided an overview of the project’s year-round activities.

Extensive Outreach and Impact

Women’s groups performed folk dances and cultural presentations, while stalls showcased CSR initiatives like Sakhi, Samadhan, Zinc Kaushal, and Shiksha Sambal. Hindustan Zinc operates the Sakhi program in six districts of Rajasthan—Udaipur, Salumber, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Ajmer, and Chittorgarh—as well as in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. In Jawar Mines and surrounding areas, over 400 women’s self-help groups are actively engaged, benefiting more than 5,000 women.

Hindustan Zinc, India's largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has empowered over 25,000 women across 200 villages in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand through 2,000+ self-help groups under its Sakhi initiative.