Women’s voices now heard round the world

Hyderabad: Poonam Kapoor, the founder of Dhyan Foundation located at Hi-tec city which has different branches all across India is actively engaged in a host of charities including free distribution of food at multiple places, saving wildlife, looking after injured animals, running schools for children who are on the streets, sponsoring higher education of the poor and the blind girls, empowering women and girls of all levels,

finding employment for the unemployed and spreading awareness about environmental issues. Apart from these Dhyan foundation provides free stitching course which is of three months with a professional teacher. Once the course is completed they also provide them with a free placement.

How does your organisation engage and inspire women?

Our training centre inspires women at all levels. It’s a non-religious, non-profitable and spiritual organisation completely sanitised of commerce.

What are the activities you’re giving women to participate in?

Women are not made capable to become independent but are also taught Dhyana and Asana which make them stable and composed. They were also made part of Independence Day celebrations last year and will be interacting with ladies who own cloth manufacturing units to know how it works and how they can be a part of it.

We also support blind girls at the National Association for the Blind and organise regular health check camps for women to educate them about health, nutrition and family-care.

What is your mission on empowering women and girl child?

To equip them to carve a living for themselves by providing vocational training such as beauty, stitching, sewing, and embroidery courses. To help them find and generate employment for the underprivileged. Help restore health and confidence and turn them into productive assets of society through free yoga and meditation classes and become an asset to the world.

What advice or suggestions can you give to women walking the path of empowerment?

Stand with head held high and know your worth. As I believe ‘Energy follows Thought’ and with the right thought anything is possible. Stay open to possibility and get curious. Let go of pre-conceived ideas and perspectives and cultivate an awareness of the world around you.

What are the possible strategies can be employed in empowering the women in the society and family?

People can help to sponsor a woman's education or training or lend us space to start a training centre. They can even volunteer to teach any skill or art form that may help these women and help us seek employment for these women.

Have you ever seen any violence against women or girls? How do you react?

Yes we saw our maid getting beaten by her husband. We did get the husband counseled and made the maid independent by teaching her stitching course and also helped her with a stitching machine placed at home. Today she takes stitching orders at home and earns well becoming independent and supporting her family.

What role do men play in supporting empowered women? How have men supported you?

Woman and man both are required to get the balance needed. My Father has always been a great friend supporting in every cause and step right from childhood. I believe that both men and women have a critical role in empowering women. It’s about trusting each other and providing mutual respect.

What is your vision for women on the planet?

Our voices are heard around the world. Women should not consider themselves weak or below anyone. With desire, dedication, priority and commitment to the dream, it can be achieved. A woman is a Shakti.

By Vandana Sharma