Vodafone Foundation releases ‘Women of Pure Wonder’

BANGALORE, INDIA: The Vodafone Foundation, released ‘Women of Pure Wonder', a book that chronicles the struggle, survival and ultimate success of sixty extraordinary women.

Blending an engaging mix of some well-known and some as yet unheard tales, this book narrates the extraordinary deeds of real women who have courageously braved all social, economic and familial odds to reach the pinnacle of success in their chosen field of work, thereby setting a shining example for others to follow.

Among the pioneering ladies who feature in this book are:

Chhavi Rajawat: Completed her MBA and gave up a lucrative corporate sector career to focus on public work. Is presently the sarpanch of Soda village in Rajasthan; introduced villagers to the power of internet.

Meeratai Umbre: Farmer; formed a women's group to spotlight and encourage innovative farming practices; believer in organic farming.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw: Entrepreneur; started as a trainee manager. No one wanted to lend to her, and no one wanted to work with her when she started. Today, runs a billion dollar enterprise. Her motto, ‘Dare to dream and never give up'

Aruna Roy: Social activist; a former IAS officer; now closely associated with the NREGA and founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan.

Nandini Sardesai: Educator and activist; married at 18; became a mother and graduated in the same year; fights for gender parity.

The Vodafone Foundation has chosen women's empowerment as a key area of focus and has several programmes and projects currently running across the country in association with credible partners from the social sector.

Its commitment to the cause of women empowerment is a response to various development indicators and research studies globally, which highlight that when you educate, empower or support a woman in any ecosystem to emerge victorious, you impact her entire family, her immediate ecosystem in the community, which in turn brings in a strong multiplier effect on the overall social and economic development of the entire country.

This finding and the fact that women have largely been marginalized in India, provided further encouragement for the Vodafone Foundation to take up this cause in India.

Madhu Sirohi, head, Vodafone Foundation, India, said: "Proceeds from the sale of the Women of Pure Wonder book will be used to empower girl children through the Naz Foundation. It will be our continued endeavour to provide as much support as possible to the cause of women empowerment through our initiatives and programmes."

The ‘Women of Pure Wonder' has been published by Roli Books and will be retailed through leading book stores across the country.