In 1988, a nuclear physicist, deeply moved by the challenges faced by women and children, embarked on a mission to follow her passion for serving society. Soon after, she founded two legacy organizations, Hand in Hand India, and Belstar Microfinance. Over the past two decades, these entities have left an indelible mark, training over 406,345 women in digital literacy and creating 8.25 million jobs, empowering rural women to find a place in the organized sector. Operating across 18 Indian states and 7 countries globally, these organizations have become beacons of socio-economic change. 

Women continue to face disparities in various sectors. As per the 2023 global assessment by Deloitte, women account for 18% of C-suite positions globally. Without a more concerted effort, global growth in the share of women financial leaders may not even reach 25% by 2031, highlighting the urgency of recognizing trailblazers like Dr. Kalpana Sankar. Hand in Hand India stands committed to addressing the key global challenge of poverty with its unique job creation model to create sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor, especially women.

According to the World Bank, there is a $1.6 trillion financing gap for women entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries. Working to bridge this gap, aligning with its goal of generating 10 million jobs by 2025, Hand in Hand India has previously linked micro and marginal women entrepreneurs with development training with institutions such as IIT-Madras. This program, facilitated by experienced industry practitioners, fosters business growth and profitability for women entrepreneurs. “For a women entrepreneur, family support is crucial to succeed in her business. Thanks to the training at IIT-Madras, I have a thorough understanding on finance, accounting, and taxation. Beyond this, I cherish the community of women entrepreneurs that I have found through the training session. We are empowered to empower each other through Hand in Hand India,” said Satya, a beneficiary from Kancheepuram, who has set up her catering and events business. 

Expressing her gratitude for the recent recognition, Dr. Kalpana Sankar said, “I am truly humbled to receive this award for contribution to financial inclusion that has been previously endowed on eminent leaders. As I complete three decades in this sector, what echoes loudest is the empowerment of women by women, and this sets off a chain reaction. It stands as a testament to the women we serve through Belstar and Hand in Hand – as they continually break barriers to go up the socioeconomic ladder.”

As we navigate the landscape of gender inclusion and women’s empowerment, Dr. Kalpana Sankar’s achievements serve as a beacon, inspiring inclusion and underscoring the urgency of creating a more equitable and inclusive future.

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