Nirmal Chandal “The Ekal Nari”

October 15, 20213 Minutes Read
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At the age of 23, a widow accused by society as evil single-handedly changed the lives of 16000 other widows.

Forming an organization Ekal Nari Shakti Sanghatan, she supported them mentally and gave them social rights and social security.

This woman has set an example to keep going, no matter what life brings to you!

Opportunity knocks at the door. Her friend came by and told her about the opportunity that she could not miss out. SUTRA (Social Uplift Through Rural Action ), an organization that works towards rural upliftment, provided job opportunities for women.

This raised Nirmal's hope. She immediately applied for the job. Nirmal was expecting a clerical-level job at Sutra. But she was only a matric pass.

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She had never seen a laptop or a cheque in her entire life. But she believed in herself and was full of positivity. Surprisingly, she got a job as an accountant at a monthly salary of Rs 350. This was the turning point of Nirmal's life.Determined Nirmal was doing very well at her job. Her other colleagues and seniors were noticing her work. It was a small village, so the news spread like a fire and everyone came to know about her progress.

A day that changed everything

Her ashamed parents, not so happy with their daughter's decision, offered her a monthly help of Rs.500. In return, they asked her to leave the job. But she could not let anyone stand beyond her self respect. She denied. "If I financially depend on someone, they will have control over my life", she said.

Society accused her of being 'shameless', but she didn't bother because she had something big planned for herself.

One fine day, SUTRA sent her to Rajasthan to attend widows meet. This march aimed to go to the chief minister's house and ask for the rights of single or widows. She was amazed to see women like her wearing colourful clothes and jewellery.

By staying amongst the women having the same sufferings as her, she was very discomforted. She noticed that be it of any region; women have to suffer unnecessarily.

The rise of Ekal Nari Shakti Sanghatan.

After returning from Rajasthan, she decided to keep a similar meet of widowed women from her locality. Nirmal was indeed a woman who always helped others. After that, she collaborated with various NGOs.

Around 120 widowed women gathered at the SUTRA premises. They did a silent protest by applying sindoor and bindis.

Nirmal and these women discussed a variety of topics. Like how to lodge an FIR, self-help groups to start small businesses, etc. She then named this organization *Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan. *She also created a WhatsApp group that shared job vacancies. Later more and more women from various districts joined this group.

Nirmal did not stop there; she wanted to secure the lives of all the women in her organization.

She further went on a foot march to Shimla at the CM house and presented her 25 point plan. This plan included demands for land, income, jobs, pension, seats in elections, etc. Out of which, health insurance, ration cards for single women, and social security were implemented in the whole state. Women from age 19-90 years were all benefited from this gigantic move by Nirmal.

The Nirmal who was made to sit in a dim-lit room and blamed for killing her husband made the following progress for other widows like her:

  • Pension increased from rs.200 to RS. 300 for windows

  • Single women got their ration cards.

  • Health check-ups up to rs.5,00,000 were free for single women.

  • Educational funds increased under Mother Terresa Asahaya Matri Sambhal Yojana.

    There are also many scholarship programmes on Glow and Lovely Careers website for women. You can choose any scholarship that suits your educational need!Nirmal and her organization have been successful in breaking the stereotype. But yet they still face accusations and hatred from society. But none of these is going to stop her. Nirmal is 56 at present, but her heart is still 23. Giving land rights to women is her next goal. The Ekal Nari is never going to give up!

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Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.