Sustainability has become critically important in today’s consumption-oriented society, where environmental degradation often results from so-called development. Caring for our natural environment is part of our traditional practices, yet it has been neglected in the name of modernity. Our scriptures guide us to honour plants, trees, rivers, ponds, mountains, the moon, the sun, and the stars. However, these practices now have become more symbolic than a true respect for nature. Despite the erosion of our values over some time, it is intrinsic for women in our society to maintain a close association and bond with nature.
Therefore, women are ideally suited to undertake ESG responsibilities in today’s context, particularly at local governance levels. Unfortunately, many women in remote villages still struggle to find sustainable livelihoods due to a lack of education, training, and resources.
The opening of CSR initiatives and their expansion into remote areas particularly in mountainous regions, have begun to foster development in recent times. In most of these regions, growth directly depends on the skill development and livelihood training of women, who are often the primary breadwinners and managers of their households. It is ironic that in many of these communities, women do not enjoy equal status despite being major stakeholders in their households. This is primarily because the meagre earnings generated by women’s hard work are often controlled by men. Recognising this gap, many corporations prioritise initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment through the establishment of self-help groups, women’s cooperatives, or entrepreneurial development programs.
One of the examples of converging the governmental and non-governmental initiatives for the capacity building of locals in remote areas is enumerated here.
The Himalaya Unnati Mission (HUM), a global initiative focused on the conservation and preservation of Himalayan heritage, also works toward this cause alongside many other environmental and socio-cultural initiatives. In one such initiative, HUM trained women entrepreneurs in the remote Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh, which is situated at an altitude of 8,000 to 11,000 feet and remains cut off due to snow for nearly 5 to 6 months each year. Surrounded by rugged mountains, harsh winters, and limited road connectivity, life in this valley is challenging, particularly for women seeking economic independence.
In 2023, HUM identified Pragati Village Organisation in Pangi valley as a potential self-help group and introduced them to value-added opportunities using hazelnuts, a key natural resource of the valley. HUM organised the capacity-building programmes for these women to develop entrepreneurial leadership. Despite the abundance of hazelnuts in the region, it had never been commercially processed by locals. The mission assisted them in recognising the market potential, as hazelnuts are currently priced at approximately ₹1,000 per kg, with prices steadily rising due to their uniqueness and high demand. To equip the women with essential skills, HUM organised a specialised baking training program for the residents of Sach Village by IHM Kufri. They were also trained in branding and marketing their produce. A total of 36 women participated, learning to make hazelnut cookies and brownies, thereby transforming their local produce into high-value products. Despite the challenges posed by extreme weather and difficult transportation, most of these women have now begun full-time production, rendering Pragati VO self-sufficient. Today, they are not only earning a stable income but are also training other women, thus creating a ripple effect of empowerment in the Pangi Valley. This initiative is being led by HUM Rural Manager Smt. Sunitra, who has become a source of inspiration for youth leadership for many women in the community.
HUM played a crucial role in identifying opportunities, providing technical support, and helping these women establish market linkages. This initiative has demonstrated that even in the toughest terrains, the right guidance and skills can transform lives and create sustainable livelihoods. The sincerity of purpose of the women entrepreneurs and their will to take it to new heights is demonstrated in almost all their endeavours which makes them ideal change makers for society.
By Air Marshal VPS Rana PVSM VSM(Retd),
Chief Advisor Himalay Unnati Mission
