CII Foundation

Beyond Expectation, Beyond Barriers - Post 6 of 13 Preparing young women for the future of work starts with building confidence alongside capability. Skills such as digital fluency, communication, and critical thinking can significantly expand their choices and aspirations. Across centres in Barabanki, Lucknow, and Lakhimpur Kheri districts of Uttar Pradesh, CII Foundation is implementing a Digital Literacy Program for adolescent girls aged 16–18. Conducted across 7 centres, the program currently engages 600+ participants, many of whom are using a computer for the first time. Through structured sessions, they are building digital skills such as using MS Office tools, learning internet basics, and understanding online safety and cyber hygiene. Many participants have also begun creating their resumes and setting up their social media profiles. By strengthening these core skills at a formative stage, the initiative aims to improve employability readiness while nurturing self-belief and decision-making confidence — helping young women step forward with greater clarity about their futures, #beyondexpectations. What skills do you believe are most critical for young underprivileged women entering the workforce today? Mention one in the comments below. . #CIIFoundation #BeyondExpectationsBeyondBarriers #DevelopmentInAction . @sunilmisra @PShirali @sarbanichakrav1 @yukti_b14 @CII_IWN @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @FollowCII

Beyond Expectation, Beyond Barriers - Post 5 of 13 Livelihood opportunities often grow from what communities already know and nurture. Beekeeping is one such pathway — turning local biodiversity into a source of income, resilience, and independence for women. In Chainpurwa village in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, widowed women are building sustainable livelihoods through a beekeeping initiative implemented by the CII Foundation in collaboration with Chainpurwa Kayakalp Foundation @madhumakhiwala. A similar intervention in Gumla, Jharkhand, in partnership with Shoshan Surin Foundation, is enabling women to adopt this practice as an alternative income stream. A tamarind-processing inititaive in Kulburu village of Gumla district in partnership with the Shoshan Surin Foundation is building livelihood avenues for tribal women by drawing on locally available forest produce. Through value addition such as tamarind candies and pickles, women are gradually transforming local resources into viable income streams. Small interventions, when rooted in community knowledge, can open meaningful pathways to economic agency, #BeyondExpectationsBeyondBarriers. If this story resonates — share it to amplify community-led progress. . #CIIFoundation #DevelopmentInAction . @sunilmisra @PShirali @sarbanichakrav1 @yukti_b14 @CII_IWN @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @FollowCII

Continuing the spirit of celebrating women’s aspirations and achievements, CII Foundation organised a special program in Lakhimpur Kheri with young girls participating in the Saksham Shakti Digital Literacy Program — celebrating learning, creativity and confidence. The program was graced by Manisha Dharve, IAS, SDM Kheri; Anjum Parveen, Coordinator, Childline; Prof. Sanjay Kumar, HoD, YDPG College, Kheri; and Preeti Upadhaya, Director, Digital Learning Centre. The event featured vibrant student-led moments including a welcome song, Kathak–tabla performance, a computer-themed song, and storytelling performances such as “Shama Ki Kahani – Shama Ki Zubani,” highlighting the importance of education and informed choices for girls. Beneficiaries also shared their personal journeys, reflecting how digital literacy and mentorship are helping them build confidence and expand their aspirations. Even beyond a single day, the message remains clear — when girls gain access to digital skills and opportunities, they are empowered to shape their own futures. . #WomensDay #DigitalLiteracy #GirlsEducation #WomenEmpowerment #FutureReady #CIIFoundation #EmpoweringCommunities #EducationForChange . @sunilmisra @PShirali @sarbanichakrav1 @yukti_b14 @sukriti_tolani @CII_IWN @CIICWL @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @FollowCII

A Clean-Up Drive and Waste Management Awareness Program was successfully conducted today at Matho Monastery with the active participation of 30 monks, the Head of the Monastery, and the CII Foundation team. During the program, the CII Foundation team conducted an awareness session on the importance of proper waste management, reducing plastic use, and maintaining cleanliness within the monastery and surrounding areas. ♻️ Cloth bags were distributed to the monks to encourage the use of reusable bags instead of single-use plastic, promoting the habit of carrying cloth bags while visiting the market. 🛍️ This initiative in partnership with @HDFCBankCSR aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices within the community. The clean-up drive highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the environment and promoting eco-friendly habits. 🌱 . @HDFC_Bank @followcii @cii4nr @sunilmisra @PradhanCK

Beyond Expectation, Beyond Barriers - Post 4 of 13 Skills open pathways to livelihood, confidence, and agency. For women, access to skilling opportunities can transform not just individual futures, but entire communities. The CII Foundation works to strengthen skilling and livelihood opportunities for women and rural youth across underserved geographies — through grassroots training initiatives, digital literacy programmes, beekeeping and tamarind processing initiatives, employment-linked skilling partnerships, and inclusive livelihood interventions. From projects in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, our work is driven by partnerships with the CII Centre of Excellence on Employment and Livelihood, civil society and industry. Initiatives like Livelihood on Wheels further extend inclusion by enabling persons with locomotor disabilities to pursue financial independence through assistive technology. When people gain agency through skills, they create impact #beyond expectations. Discover how livelihoods enable change: lnkd.in/g3gtbcUH . #CIIFoundation #BeyondExpectationsBeyondBarriers #DevelopmentInAction . @sunilmisra @PShirali @sarbanichakrav1 @yukti_b14 @sukriti_tolani @CII_IWN @CIICWL @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @FollowCII

Celebrating the spirit of sport and community in Village Kota Kalan, Mansa, Punjab. As part of the Village Sports Initiative, an exciting Kabaddi tournament was organised in VVillage Kota Kalan, Mansa, Punjab, bringing together young athletes from the community. The event featured U-16 Girls and Boys Kabaddi matches, where participants displayed remarkable energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship on the field. The program also included: 🎽 Distribution of sports kits and equipment to encourage and support young players 📷 Awards distribution recognising the efforts and achievements of participants Through initiatives like these, we continue to encourage healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and leadership among rural youth, while strengthening the role of sports as a unifying force within communities. . #VillageSportsInitiative #Kabaddi #SportsForDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #CommunitySports #CIIFoundation #Punjab #PlayForChange . @followcii @cii4nr @sunilmisra @PradhanCK

Where sport meets community spirit. As part of the Village Sports Initiative, an exciting day of Kabaddi brought together young athletes and community members in Village Ghulal, Ludhiana, Punjab. With 50 enthusiastic participants, the event showcased the power of sport to build teamwork, confidence, and collective pride. The event was honoured by the presence of Mr. Anupam Goswami, CEO – Mashal Sports & League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi, who addressed the gathering and encouraged young players to pursue sports with dedication and discipline. The day featured: 🎽 Distribution of sports kits and equipment to support young athletes 🏃‍♀️ Girls National Kabaddi Match 🤼 Boys Circle Kabaddi Match 🏆 Awards ceremony recognising the participants and winners Initiatives like these reaffirm how community sports can inspire leadership, strengthen local bonds, and encourage healthy lifestyles among youth. . #VillageSportsInitiative #Kabaddi #SportsForDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityEngagement #CIIFoundation #Punjab #PlayForChange . @followcii @cii4nr @sunilmisra @PradhanCK

The playground can be a platform for change. Today, we launch our first-ever community sports initiative in Ludhiana and Mansa — where children will carry a powerful message home: of protecting our environment, of togetherness, team spirit, and of progress… Through #sports, we are building awareness, pride and responsibility This is more than a sports event. . It is a movement powered by young champions. Watch this space. . #SportsForChange #YoungChampions #CommunityForClimate #PlayForPurpose #YouthLeadership #EmpoweringCommunities #ClimateAction #CIIFoundation #Punjab . @jswfoundation @followcii @cii4nr @sunilmisra @PradhanCK

Nurturing Curiosity Through STEM Learning As part of CII Foundation’s STEM Education intervention, a Science Fair / STEM Project Exhibition was organized in government schools in Gummidipoondi, with the support of Kemin Industries South Asia Private Limited. Students enthusiastically participated in the event, showcasing their creativity, curiosity, and scientific thinking through innovative models and project displays. The exhibition provided a valuable platform for young minds to explore science, demonstrate their talents, and build confidence in learning through practical experiences. Initiatives like these encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and develop a deeper interest in science and technology — essential skills for the future. . #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #FutureInnovators #EducationForAll #CIIFoundation #ExperientialLearning . @sunilmisra @followcii @CII4SR @sarbanichakrav1 @EduMinOfIndia

Beyond Expectation, Beyond Barriers - Post 3 of 13 Meet Varsha Patil, a CII Woman Exemplar who is driving education amongst children in her community in Maharashtra. When women participate in governance and collective action, there is change #BeyondExpectationsBeyondBarriers. Empowerment begins with voice. It grows through leadership. This is what going beyond barriers looks like. Share her story. . #CIIFoundation #DevelopmentInAction #WomenEmpowerment . @sunilmisra @PShirali @sarbanichakrav1 @yukti_b14 @sukriti_tolani @CII_IWN @CIICWL @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @FollowCII

The 2nd Edition of the Compendium on Rural Development by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) showcases the work of corporates and NGOs which demonstrates outcome-driven models of structured CSR spending, institutional convergence, and community ownership to deliver measurable and sustainable impact. Spanning climate-resilient agriculture, market-linked livelihoods, youth skilling, women-led enterprises, financial inclusion, and ecosystem strengthening, the Compendium serves as an excellent reference document. As India advances toward inclusive growth, strengthening rural systems remains central to building a balanced and resilient economy. 🔗 Click here to read - lnkd.in/gPxX9GwC Watch this space as we bring you case studies from the Compendium through a series of posts. . #RuralDevelopment #CSRImpact #SustainableLivelihoods #ClimateSmartAgriculture #YouthSkilling #WomenEmpowerment #FinancialInclusion #CollaborativeImpact #InclusiveGrowth #SustainableIndia . @sunilmisra @sarbanichakrav1 @MoRD_GoI

Recognising young changemakers committed to building a cleaner and more responsible future. A Certificate Distribution & Felicitation Ceremony was held at Eliezer Joldan Memorial College Leh, Ladakh @ejmcleh (EJM College), to acknowledge 22 students who successfully completed a 60-hour internship over 45 days under the Waste Management Initiative supported by @HDFCBankCSR in collaboration with CII Foundation. As part of the internship, students actively contributed to strengthening environmental awareness and responsible waste practices through: ♻️ Door-to-door awareness campaigns 🧹 Community cleanliness drives 🏭 Hands-on exposure at the MRF Centre, learning about scientific waste management processes The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Ms. Bhanu Prabha, Secretary, Higher Education, UT Ladakh, who felicitated the students and appreciated their dedication towards community engagement and environmental stewardship. Initiatives like these not only provide experiential learning opportunities for students but also help build stronger community awareness around sustainable waste management. . #CIIFoundation #WasteManagement #CommunityEngagement #YouthForChange #Sustainability #EnvironmentalResponsibility #HDFCBank #Ladakh . @HDFC_Bank @followcii @cii4nr @sunilmisra @PradhanCK

Livelihood on Wheels | Stories of Self-Reliance Continuing our series of spotlighting voices from Livelihood on Wheels — an initiative addressing the dual challenges of mobility and unemployment for persons with locomotor disabilities. “Before this, I was unemployed. With the NeoMotion e-cycle provided through this initiative, I now have an opportunity to work and earn. It has brought stability to my family and happiness at home.” — Kaushika Through this initiative, empowered by A.P. Moller - @Maersk, implemented by CII Foundation with mobility partner NeoMotion, employment partner @Zomato, and on-ground partner Young Indians, persons with locomotor disabilities are gaining mobility, livelihood opportunities, and greater independence. When #mobility meets #opportunity, #dignity follows. . Stay with us as we continue sharing more stories from across the country. . #LivelihoodOnWheels #MaerskCSR #StoriesOfSelfReliance #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleMobility #InclusiveLivelihoods #CIIFoundation #DignityThroughWork #SelfReliance . @sunilmisra @PradhanCK @tahirmmu @FollowCII @CII_IWN @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @CIICWL @MaerskIndia

Beyond Expectation, Beyond Barriers Grassroots leaders are not born — they are shaped by circumstance, resilience, and determination. The #WomanExemplarProgram identifies and supports grassroots women leaders who are driving meaningful change within their communities. Beyond recognition, the programme builds capacity of the women leaders through training, connects them to networks, learning opportunities, and platforms that help scale their impact. Today, over 150 grassroots women leaders are influencing social change that touches more than 2 million lives. Expanding on its national footprint, focused state-level programmes are underway in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to strengthen local leadership ecosystems. Because when women lead, transformation extends far beyond the individual. 👉 Explore the programme: ciifoundation.in/woman-exemplar… . #CIIFoundation #BeyondExpectationsBeyondBarriers #DevelopmentInAction . @sunilmisra @PShirali @sarbanichakrav1 @yukti_b14 @sukriti_tolani @CII_IWN @CIICWL @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @FollowCII

Rights. Justice. Action. — for ALL women and girls. This International Women’s Day, we begin a month-long journey exploring how empowerment unfolds in practice — through leadership, livelihoods, and access to healthcare. Across India, women are reshaping futures — speaking up, leading locally, building enterprises, and strengthening communities. At CII Foundation, we see empowerment not as a slogan, but as action that removes barriers and expands opportunity. Through March, we bring you stories of change under our campaign: Beyond Expectations. Beyond Barriers. Follow this series as we spotlight initiatives enabling dignity, inclusion, and agency. 👉 Learn more about our work: ciifoundation.in . #CIIFoundation #BeyondExpectationsBeyondBarriers #DevelopmentInAction #WomensDay . @sunilmisra @PShirali @sarbanichakrav1 @yukti_b14 @sukriti_tolani @CII_IWN @CIICWL @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia

Livelihood on Wheels | Stories of Self-Reliance Continuing our series spotlighting voices from Livelihood on Wheels — an initiative addressing the dual challenges of mobility and unemployment for persons with locomotor disabilities. “I received a scooty three months ago. With it, I now work as a Zomato delivery partner and also run a small agarbatti business. Today, I am able to manage my household well.” — Kanchan Through this initiative, empowered by A.P. Moller - @Maersk and implemented by CII Foundation with mobility partner NeoMotion, employment partner @Zomato, and on-ground partner @YiTweets, persons with locomotor disabilities are gaining mobility, livelihood opportunities, and greater independence. When #mobility meets #opportunity, #dignity follows. Stay with us as we continue sharing more stories from across the country. . #LivelihoodOnWheels #MaerskCSR #StoriesOfSelfReliance #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleMobility #InclusiveLivelihoods #CIIFoundation #DignityThroughWork #SelfReliance . @sunilmisra @PradhanCK @tahirmmu @FollowCII @CII_IWN @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @CIICWL @MaerskIndia

A renovated classroom building at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Thirumudivakkam was inaugurated, supported by GH Induction India Pvt. Ltd. The project included renovation of 6 classrooms, a new handwash station, toilet repairs, and a dedicated play area for students. Present on the occasion was R. V. Chari, Chairman, CII Chennai Zone and Managing Director, GH Induction India Pvt. Ltd.; Ms. J. Gnanaselvajothi, Headmistress of GHSS Thirumudivakkam; representatives from Namma School Namma Oru Palli – Tamil Nadu School Education Department; community leaders; and members from the Confederation of Indian Industry and the CII Foundation. . #CIIFoundation #EducationForAll #CSR #SchoolInfrastructure #TamilNadu . @sunilmisra @EduMinOfIndia @followcii @sarbanichakrav1

CII Foundation participated in #KrishiDarshanExpo2026 at NRFMTTI, Hisar. Around 200 farmers from Sirsa, Fatehabad, Rohtak & Jhajjar attended the expo, engaging with experts and exploring new agricultural technologies shaping the future of farming. The event was attended by Mr. Mukesh Jain, Director, NRFMTTI, and Mr. Tawinder Singh, Program Lead – Agriculture India, CII Foundation, highlighting the importance of collaborative platforms that connect farmers with innovation and knowledge. #CIIFoundation #SustainableFarming #AgriInnovation #FarmerEmpowerment . @sunilmisra @followcii @PradhanCK @cii4nr @moefcc @tahirmmu @AgriGoI

Livelihood on Wheels | Stories of Self-Reliance Continuing our series of spotlighting voices from Livelihood on Wheels — an initiative addressing the dual challenges of mobility and unemployment for persons with locomotor disabilities. “This has helped me a lot — I am able to support my children’s education." — Babita Thakur Through this initiative, empowered by A.P. Moller - @Maersk, implemented by CII foundation our mobility partner NeoMotion, employment partner @zomato and on ground partner @YiTweets, the core purpose of the project by Maersk is live and while giving the mobility independence it also opened the door for a dignified life to the beneficiaries. When #mobility meets #opportunity, #dignity follows. Stay with us as we continue sharing more stories from across the country. . #LivelihoodOnWheels #MaerskCSR #StoriesOfSelfReliance #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleMobility #InclusiveLivelihoods #CIIFoundation #DignityThroughWork #SelfReliance . @sunilmisra @PradhanCK @tahirmmu @FollowCII @CII_IWN @MinistryWCD @NCWIndia @CIICWL @MaerskIndia

Building Digital Confidence. Expanding Possibilities. The #DigitalLiteracyProgram for rural girls by CII Foundation is progressing steadily across seven centres in Barabanki, Lucknow and Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. With three batches running daily at each centre, young learners are gaining foundational computer skills in structured and encouraging environments. Many of these girls travel 2 to 12 kilometres each day to attend classes — a reflection of their determination to pursue education and new opportunities. A recent field visit reaffirmed the program’s smooth implementation and the visible growth in confidence and aspirations among participants. Mr. Vishambhar, Education Head, @tatatrusts – Uttar Pradesh & Bihar also visited these centres and appreciated the initiative and its quality of delivery. By strengthening digital access at the grassroots, we are supporting informed choices, continued learning, and greater participation in an increasingly digital world. . #DigitalInclusion #GirlsEducation #RuralEmpowerment #CIIFoundation #SkillDevelopment . @sunilmisra @FollowCII @cii4nr @MinistryWCD @EduMinOfIndia @yukti_b14 @sarbanichakrav1