Union Bank of India, a distinguished public sector bank in India, has launched a transformative initiative, EmpowerHER, to promote the empowerment of women across the nation. This initiative seeks to provide women with the tools necessary for financial independence and social empowerment, thereby enabling them to lead more self-reliant and confident lives. As the saying goes, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation”, and Union Bank of India is fully committed to ensuring that women have the financial literacy and resources needed to succeed.
What is EmpowerHER?
EmpowerHER is a gender-focused initiative designed to support women in various spheres, including financial services, entrepreneurship, and community development. The program includes several key components such as financial literacy training, entrepreneurship development, and access to banking products and services tailored specifically for women.
The primary goal of EmpowerHER is to cultivate a network of empowered women both within and beyond the bank. The program offers bespoke financial products, such as loans for women entrepreneurs, specialized savings schemes, and dedicated financial advisory services, all aimed at addressing the unique needs of women. Through this initiative, Union Bank of India seeks to break down barriers to access and equality, helping women increase their earning potential and take control of their financial futures.
The Members of EmpowerHER
The EmpowerHER initiative is brought to life by a team of dynamic women leaders, working at various levels of Union Bank of India. These leaders are committed to supporting women’s empowerment through dedicated efforts and initiatives. Among the key members of the EmpowerHER committee in Lucknow are:
1. Nancy Agarwal – As Chief Manager (Law) at Union Bank of India’s Zonal Office in Lucknow, Nancy has over 14 years of experience in the banking sector. She is a staunch advocate for grassroots financial inclusion and is focused on motivating women employees to pursue career growth and promotions. She believes, “Financial inclusion at the grassroots level is not just an initiative, it is a necessity for empowering women.”
2. Vidisha Srivastava – Serving as Chief Manager at the MSME Loan Point, Vidisha has been deeply involved in the EmpowerHER initiative. She plays a significant role in helping women employees and entrepreneurs achieve their personal and professional goals. Vidisha has also led several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities that contribute to societal development, reflecting the saying, “Empowering a woman means empowering an entire community.”
3. Priyam Srivastava – With over a decade of experience in banking, Priyam is a Senior Manager in the Regional Office, Lucknow. As part of the EmpowerHER team, she has actively participated in events aimed at promoting women entrepreneurs. She is passionate about helping women break the barriers of traditional business sectors, believing in the idea that, “Empowered women empower others.”
4. Swarnalata – A Senior Manager in the HR department at the Lucknow office, Swarnalata facilitates discussions among women employees about their career aspirations. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, stating, “By nurturing the potential of women, we sow the seeds for the future generation’s success.”
Events Organized by the EmpowerHER Committees of Zonal Office Lucknow and Regional Offices
The EmpowerHER Zonal Office Lucknow committee in collaboration with Regional Offices has organized numerous impactful events to promote women’s empowerment:
1. Women Shine Event at Lucknow – This event focused on the bank’s women-centric products and saw the participation of several women entrepreneurs. Fresh loan sanction letters were presented to new women entrepreneurs, while existing clients were celebrated for their contributions to entrepreneurship.
2. CSR Activities in Meerut – The EmpowerHER team distributed geysers, heaters, body warmers, and jackets to underprivileged girls at Jyoti Niwas Orphanage, illustrating the importance of uplifting marginalized communities. In the words of Maya Angelou, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value.”
3. Educational Support in Meerut – School bags were distributed to students, and teachers were felicitated at Ishwar Chand Vidya Sagar Shramik Kalyan Kendra. This effort symbolizes the belief that “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin.
4. Painting Competition in Haldwani – The committee organized a painting competition for students at Rajkiya Balika Inter College in Haldwani, awarding winners and gifting a water cooler to the school, echoing the sentiment, “The arts are the window to the soul, and every woman should have the chance to express her creativity.”
In addition to these events, many more activities were carried out to empower women employees and entrepreneurs and to promote CSR activities aimed at societal development.
The Impact of EmpowerHER
The impact of EmpowerHER has been far-reaching, influencing women’s roles in society and significantly contributing to their financial growth and independence. By promoting entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic independence, EmpowerHER has played a pivotal role in creating an ecosystem where women feel valued and empowered.
The future of EmpowerHER is full of promise. Union Bank of India continues to expand its reach, aiming to uplift more women and extend the benefits of financial inclusion across India. By collaborating with NGOs, government bodies, and local businesses, EmpowerHER is poised to enhance the socio-economic status of women and contribute to the realization of gender equality. As financial inclusion grows, EmpowerHER will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of driving this change, ensuring that women are not only part of the economy but are key players in its growth and success.
