Deepa is received nari shakti award by president
Deepa Mathur is a Jaipur-based entrepreneur and social activist. Through her NGO, QUALIS (Quality of Life Improvement Society), she is tirelessly working towards the upliftment of rural women through better education and skill development.
This International Women’s day, Deepa Mathur was felicitated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. On March 8, 2017, Deepa was rewarded with the prestigious, ‘Naari Shakti’ award by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee for her contribution towards women empowerment.Deepa mathur
She is the owner of Saarvantam Exports and Studio Fair Trade dealing in handicrafts and handlooms. And, her work base is mostly in the rural area of Rajasthan. It was during her work, Deepa observed the poor condition of women in these areas.
Initially, she helped and addressed the issues of the women on her own and it was in the year 2007 that Deepa set-up an NGO, QUALIS to empower rural women. Her NGO has over 400 members now.
“My central vision with QUALIS was to educate women and develop their skills in various fields so they can be financially independent. I believe Economic Empowerment is the best way to empower women, and, education or possessing of skill or set of skills through which they can earn is imperative for their economic independence,” Deepa had told IWB in an interview.
She also explained how QUALIS works:
“The first thing we focus on is equal pay. People working for me are paid equally regardless of their gender. Through QUALIS, we carry out various campaigns and initiatives for the rural women. Our campaign ‘Each one Teach one’ is aimed towards the generation of funds for the village girls’ education. Our campaign ‘RANG’ targets children in rural areas and is intended towards raising awareness about nutrition and hygiene.”
“We organize various medical camps to promote awareness about diseases, pregnancy, and family planning, etc. We conduct bank visits for women to impart knowledge about banks, safe deposits, safe investments, etc. Different skill development classes on dancing, nursing, music, drama, etc. take place on a regular basis,” she added.
On her definition of Women Empowerment, she affirmed,
“For me, Women Empowerment is giving females the liberty to do whatever they want to do. If a woman is an MBBS, but she decides not to be a doctor but a homemaker, it’s her choice. She shouldn’t be forced. Likewise, she shouldn’t be forced to sit at home and not continue her studies.”
Deepa Mathur is truly an inspiration for the women in our country and her journey is a reflection that when women empower and support each other, then no one can stop them from realizing their own potential.
IWB congratulates Deepa for being felicitated by the Indian Government and wishes her all the best for her future endeavors. Well-deserved, Deepa!
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