Efforts to promote women’s empowerment often come with ambitious promises, but few initiatives manage to create real impact at the grassroots level. Maru Udaan, a program launched in Barmer by District Collector Tina Dabi, has set itself apart by its action-driven approach. Since its launch on November 12, Maru Udaan has reached over 3,000 women through 12 block-level and one district-level dialogue session. Additionally, this initiative was rolled out across the entire state of Rajasthan on January 9, 2025.
Maru Udaan focuses on real-world skills and knowledge, with workshops and sessions addressing the challenges women face in both personal and professional spaces. It covers topics like mental and physical health, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, self-defence, and cybercrime awareness. In a state where traditional gender roles often limit women’s opportunities, the initiative has provided a much-needed platform for skill-building and awareness.
Financial empowerment and investment awareness
One of Maru Udaan’s main long-term goals is to break the cycle of financial insecurity by educating women on the basics of financial security and investment.
Under Maru Udaan, each session was organised into small groups of 55-60 women. This setup encouraged more open and candid discussions, allowing participants to feel comfortable sharing their personal concerns. Women felt less intimidated in smaller groups, making it easier for them to express themselves and seek advice on various issues.
One recurring issue that emerged from the discussions was the lack of financial literacy among rural women. Many women shared that they kept their savings at home, often out of fear or a lack of knowledge about safer, more effective ways to manage their money. This practice left them vulnerable to theft, natural disasters, or unforeseen financial crises.
In response, the experts introduced participants to various investment schemes available through the Indian Postal Service and other financial avenues. They explained how these options could help secure their savings and ensure long-term financial stability.
Addressing rural women’s health disparities
Statistically speaking, rural women often experience poorer health compared to urban women due to limited access to healthcare, food insecurity, and undernutrition. In the Maru Udaan initiative, health checkups revealed that many women had deficiencies in haemoglobin, iron, and calcium. So far, 1,538 women have participated in over 5,000 health checkups through the program.
Mental health was also a significant concern. Dr. O.P. Dudi led sessions on mental well-being and found that many women were struggling with depression, primarily due to domestic stress. Young girls, especially, reported feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the pressure of exams.
One key challenge is rural women’s reluctance to discuss their health problems. District Collector Tina Dabi played a hands-on role in the program, attending several block-level sessions. She provided counselling and reassured women that they could discuss their health issues openly. Her involvement helped create a safe space for women to express themselves.
Why Maru Udaan works: The unique power of women-to-women empowerment
The Maru Udaan initiative operates within the framework of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. While Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was a scheme with very positive intent, its reach and impact fell short. The program, despite its good intentions, struggled to make a real difference for those who needed it. However, what sets Maru Udaan apart and likely contributes to its success is its “chain system” approach to women’s empowerment.
Maru Udaan emphasises peer-to-peer learning and community involvement. Women who participate in the program’s sessions on health, financial management, and skill development are encouraged to become “brand ambassadors.” These ambassadors take what they’ve learned and share it with others in their communities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
Unlike many programs that focus on giving women resources or knowledge without involving them in the process, Maru Udaan turns women into change-makers. One woman’s empowerment sparks the empowerment of many more. It shows that true empowerment happens when women are not just passive recipients but active agents of change.
This “chain system” is a promising model for women’s empowerment. Its goal is to inspire similar initiatives in other states.
The final thoughts on Maru Udaan
Many women called Maru Udaan a “unique and historic” program. The initiative created a space where women could openly share their issues, whether they were health issues, financial challenges, or personal struggles. What made the program even more impactful was its peer-to-peer approach. Women didn’t just listen to experts; they connected with one another.
At Changeincontent.com, we celebrate initiatives like Maru Udaan and work to make such programs not just a one-state affair but a reality for every woman in India.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
