Empowering Rural Women: How Plustrust Fellowship is Redefining Success Stories for Women in India

On Women's Day, we celebrate the remarkable power of women to defy expectations, break boundaries, and transform the world around them. In the heart of rural India, where societal norms often limit opportunities, a wave of change is quietly yet powerfully sweeping through communities. But how is this change happening? The answer lies in the stories of women who dared to dream, despite the odds stacked against them. Imagine a woman from a small village, who once felt confined by her circumstances, now standing at the forefront of education, healthcare, or entrepreneurship—leading the charge for change. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the inspiring journeys of three women whose lives have been transformed through Plustrust's innovative Fellowship Programs. Through financial support, mentorship, and hands-on training, these women are not just altering their own futures, they are shaping the destiny of their entire communities. 

Bengaluru-based social enterprise Plustrust was founded in 2008 by Dr. Lalitha Iyer, a visionary with a wealth of experience in banking and consulting, who recognised the need to empower rural women in India. Driven by the belief that economic independence and entrepreneurial skills could help marginalised women break the cycle of poverty, Dr. Iyer established the fellowship to nurture women at the grassroots level and bring about real societal change. The fellowship quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach, offering stipends (Rs. 6,000 - Rs. 10,000), mentorship, and training for six months to help women test their business ideas. Since its inception, Plustrust has supported 289 fellows across 13 states, with 89% of them coming from rural villages and small towns. The fellowship has turned dreams into reality, empowering women to make a lasting impact on their communities.

Plustrust offers various fellowship programmes to address specific challenges faced by rural women, including the Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHE) fellowship, which focuses on healthcare solutions in underserved rural areas; the Rural Women Edupreneur (RWE) fellowship, designed to help women create innovative education spaces for marginalised children; the Return to Roots (RTR) programme, which helps migrant workers acquire new skills and start community businesses; and the Changemaker Fellowship, aimed at educated urban youth who want to create grassroots social change. These programs have fostered remarkable success stories, with the fellows themselves driving transformative change in their communities and demonstrating the power of grassroots entrepreneurship and empowerment.

Simmi: Empowering Adolescent Girls in Ayodhya

Simmi, an educator from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, became a fellow in the RWE Fellowship and embarked on a mission to empower adolescent girls. Simmi’s passion for education led her to address vital issues like hygiene, mental health, and menstruation among young girls in her community. What started as a small initiative grew into a larger movement, reaching over 400 girls.

Simmi's journey was not without challenges. Balancing family responsibilities with a career in education was a tough task. But Simmi’s determination saw her through. Not only did she create life skills programs, but she also managed to establish a school to further her cause. Her work is a testament to how education can be a powerful tool for change, and she continues to mentor other fellows, expanding her influence across organisations advocating for youth health.

Kavita: Empowering Healthcare in Chhingri Village

Kavita, from Chhingri village in Ujjain District, Madhya Pradesh, has transformed her life through the Community Health Entrepreneur (CHE) program. Before joining, Kavita struggled with a difficult personal life and depended on her father for support. With limited healthcare facilities in her village, including no doctor or testing services, Kavita saw an opportunity to make a difference.

Through CHE, she gained confidence and financial independence, earning Rs. 2,000 - Rs. 3,000 per month by conducting over 1,000 health tests in the past year. Her work not only provides a steady income but also offers essential healthcare services to her community at affordable prices. Kavita’s journey reflects her determination to improve both her own life and the well-being of those around her, building strong relationships with other CHEs and becoming an integral part of her village’s healthcare network.

Khushnoor Bano: A Soap-Making Entrepreneur in Udaipur

Khushnoor Bano faced immense challenges growing up in a conservative community. Forced to drop out of school, she decided to take matters into her own hands and pursue financial independence through entrepreneurship. After attending a Plustrust workshop on business planning, Khushnoor started her own soap-making business in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Her business has not only been a financial success but has also been instrumental in shifting cultural attitudes towards women’s education and employment. Khushnoor now employs five women and earns over Rs. 30,000 per month. Her success story is a powerful reminder of how entrepreneurship can pave the way for women’s empowerment, even in the most traditional settings.

Parvati Chauhan: Breaking Barriers in Madhya Pradesh

Parvati Chauhan is a determined young woman from Madhya Pradesh who, despite limited resources, wanted to make a difference in her community. Encouraged by her family, she completed her B.Ed and worked as a tutor for children in a village near Bandana. But her ambition didn’t stop there. In September 2020, Parvati joined the Return to Roots Fellowship with the dream of providing better educational opportunities to the children of her village.

Through her project, Pehel Pustakalaya, Parvati aims to teach children from the Korku community the importance of education, a topic that is often overlooked. With determination and the support of Plustrust, Parvati continues to educate 40 young children, and her efforts are beginning to change the attitudes of the parents. Her story exemplifies how access to education and mentorship can unlock opportunities for those who need it the most.

Vasantha Kumari: Reviving Organic Farming in Karnataka

Vasantha Kumari from Nanjanagudu, Mysuru District, Karnataka, has a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and a desire to address malnutrition in her rural community. With her background as a trained nurse and years of experience in seed conservation and organic farming, she was the perfect candidate for Plustrust’s Rural Women Edupreneur Fellowship.

Through her project, the Kitchen Garden Project, Vasantha educates 50 families on the importance of organic farming and provides them with the necessary resources to grow their own food. Her work has helped combat malnutrition, and she is now working with local NGOs to expand her reach. Vasantha’s dedication to sustainability and her community’s well-being showcases the power of education and local initiatives.

Manju Jain: Empowering Women with Eco-Friendly Sanitary Pads

Manju Jain, a single mother and entrepreneur from Sarada, Udaipur, Rajasthan, began making eco-friendly banana fibre sanitary pads in 2017. Inspired by her former employer, Plustrust alumna Komal Roy, Manju learned to create these sustainable pads and sold them to women in her community. Initially shy and struggling with marketing, Komal supported her in gaining trust within the community.

Manju’s entrepreneurial journey began as a cook at the Piramal Foundation, where she was encouraged by Ashwani Tiwari to join the Plustrust Fellowship in 2019. The fellowship boosted her confidence, provided essential training from Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad, and taught her how to network. Today, Manju’s brand, Mayra is successfully sold on the Punya e-commerce platform and will soon be available on Flipkart, making an impact on women’s health and sustainability in her community.

The success stories of Simmi, Amita, Khushnoor, Parvati, Manju and Vasantha are just a few examples of how Plustrust is empowering women across India to become changemakers in their communities. The fellowship has not only provided financial support but has also instilled confidence and leadership skills, allowing these women to inspire others and create lasting social change. If you’re someone who believes in making a difference, consider how you can support and uplift those around you—because every small change can lead to a bigger transformation.