In Unai, the month of August shone with the transforming power of women. Two events, different in form but united in spirit, marked a new step on the path of empowerment and hope for local communities.
On the one hand, the inauguration of the Sarvodaya Cooperative opened a horizon of cooperation, training and income generation for tribal women. On the other hand, the culmination of the organic herb garden project of the Vedruna Holistic Health Center resulted not only in medicinal plants, but also in a renewed commitment to ancestral wisdom and care for life.
Both milestones reflect how organization, training and solidarity intertwine to give women a central role in social and community transformation.
Blessing of Tribal Women’s Cooperative Unit
On a radiant and hopeful morning of August 6, the blessing of the Sarvodaya Women’s Cooperative Unit marked a significant milestone for the local community of Dolvan, Unai. This blessing was not only imparted to a building, but to the dreams, dignity and determination of many tribal women, who will reshape future generations.
The presence of Sr. Rekha, the pioneer who ventured into women’s organizations in Unai, and the president of the Sarvodya Cooperative, Mrs. Geetaben Gamit, added solemnity and significance to this event. It was a meaningful celebration of the strength and determination of women who overcame many obstacles, and now come together to build a future based on cooperation, self-reliance and collective growth.
The newly established cooperative will serve as a center for skills development, savings activities and income generation for women from nearby villages. The enthusiasm of the women from different villages present boosted the cooperative spirit and highlighted their strong sense of unity and solidarity.
We took this opportunity to provide training on mushroom cultivation and mango grafting, sources of income for the women.
Sr. Asha D’Monte, ccv
“Women are great leaders and agents of change in the family and society”
The Vedruna Holistic Health Center ‘s 16-month project on organic herb gardens in 10 villages ended in August.
Its objective was to raise awareness of Mother Earth’s healing resources and to teach women simple home remedies for common ailments. Activities included setting up an herb nursery at the Center, distributing and planting saplings with the monsoon and conducting four training courses on herbal home remedies, which reached 100 women who are now spreading this knowledge in their villages.
This project also contributes to preserving traditional knowledge about herbs and protecting endangered plants. The project culminated on August 29, when the women gathered to share their experiences and committed to maintaining their home herb gardens.
Vedruna Samachar
