- Empowering over 25,455 women across 2,167 self-help groups in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand
- Driving financial inclusion through ₹11.63 crore in interest earnings and ₹22.90 crore in savings
Udaipur : Hindustan Zinc (BSE: 500188 and NSE: HINDZINC) the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has achieved a remarkable milestone under its flagship women empowerment initiative, Sakhi, by generating a cumulative credit of ₹125.71 crore, empowering over 25,455 rural women across Rajasthan. The credit generated through Sakhi Federation has become a cornerstone of financial empowerment for rural women, enabling them to invest in income-generating activities, expand small businesses, support children’s education, and improve household infrastructure. It also provides a safety net during unforeseen circumstances, allowing women to access timely loans without relying on informal or exploitative sources. By circulating capital within the community, these self-help groups have created a sustainable cycle of growth and resilience, where every rupee reinvested contributes to the collective prosperity of families and villages.
The Sakhi initiative, one of the key pillars of Hindustan Zinc’s community development efforts, aims to promote economic self-reliance, social empowerment, and leadership among women. Implemented in partnership with the Manjari Foundation and Chaitanya Trust, Sakhi facilitates the formation and strengthening of self-help groups (SHGs), enabling women to access formal banking, savings, and credit systems. By nurturing entrepreneurship and financial literacy, the initiative helps women emerge as active contributors to their households and communities.
Widowed at a young age, Farzana joined Hindustan Zinc’s Sakhi programme through the Peer Baba Self Help Group in Kayad, Rajasthan. Determined to rebuild her life, she trained at the Sakhi pickle unit and mastered food processing skills. Today, her income is ensuring stability for her family and education for her two children. Her remarkable journey, recognized by Business World and crowned with the Social Impact Leader Award, stands as an inspiring example of empowerment through opportunity.“Working here has given me hope for a better future for my children. I now have the confidence to manage my home and finances independently,” Farzana shares.
For Indra Meena, a single mother and the sole breadwinner of her family, the Sakhi journey began with quiet determination. She joined the Namkeen Unit in Zawar and soon became one of the highest earners. Her dedication and leadership earned her a seat on the Board of Directors of Sakhi Utpadan Samiti, where she now plays a key role in decision-making and mentoring other women. “The Namkeen Unit near my home has been a blessing. These didis I work with are not just colleagues, they are my family,” she says with pride.
Through Sakhi and Microenterprise programmes, Hindustan Zinc continues to build an ecosystem of inclusive growth, spanning economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and skill-building. The microenterprises under Sakhi Utpadan Samiti have established 14 production units and 208 stores, driving ₹231 lakh in revenue and creating strong rural market linkages through brands like Daichi (edibles) and Upaya (textiles). Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality, decent work, economic growth, and reducing inequalities, the initiative has empowered over 25,455 women across 2,167 self-help groups in more than 200 villages, redefining rural Rajasthan’s development narrative and championing women as key agents of change and progress.
Beyond Sakhi, Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to social transformation extends across multiple verticals,from children’s wellbeing and education, sustainable livelihoods, and skilling, to healthcare, water and sanitation, sports, culture, environment, and animal welfare. Guided by the vision to enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of communities around its operations, the company continues to drive inclusive growth through strategic and collaborative initiatives. Under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, flagship programmes like Nand Ghar are modernizing early childhood care and education, while projects in water conservation, health services, and rural infrastructure are ensuring resilient and self-sustained communities. With a reach of over 23 lakhlives inmore than 2,350 villages, Hindustan Zinc stands as a national benchmark in responsible business and community development, advancing two decades of shared value creation for a better tomorrow.
