Raksha Bandhan: ESL Steel Strengthens Women-Led Livelihoods Through Project Jivika

 

 

 

 

Bokaro: Raksha Bandhan took on a deeper meaning at ESL Steel Limited as the company celebrated the festival with 25 rural women entrepreneurs associated with its women-livelihood initiative, Project Jivika, at the Jute Model Centre in Gidhtand (Hutupather).

The programme, organised under ESL Steel’s Employee Volunteering programme, brought company officials and women beneficiaries together to celebrate not just a festival of bonds, but also the growing spirit of self-reliance and entrepreneurship among rural women.

Durga Prasanna Panda, Factory Manager, ESL Steel Limited; Binod Kumar, Head-Safety & Sustainability; Rakesh Mishra, Manager-Public Relations & Stakeholder Management; and Kunal Daripa, Head-CSR, visited the centre and interacted with the beneficiaries. They also observed the women at work and viewed the range of products being produced through the jute-based livelihood initiative.

The CSR team explained the objectives and progress of Project Jivika and the Jute Model Centre, which aim to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while strengthening women-led enterprises. During the interaction, the women shared their journeys, achievements, challenges and aspirations for expanding their businesses.

Ravish Sharma, CEO & Whole-Time Director, ESL Steel Limited, said Raksha Bandhan symbolises trust, care and enduring relationships, adding that Project Jivika seeks to carry that spirit into the company’s engagement with surrounding communities.

“When women gain the skills, confidence and opportunities to become economically independent, entire families and communities move forward,” Sharma said, stressing ESL Steel’s focus on creating sustainable livelihood pathways for rural women.

The visiting officials appreciated the beneficiaries’ determination and progress and encouraged them to pursue entrepreneurship, self-reliance and sustainable growth.

Basanti Devi, CEO, Jivika Srijan Shakti Producer Company Limited, underlined the importance of collective entrepreneurship, better market linkages and collaboration to make women-led enterprises more sustainable and scalable.

The programme ended with a traditional Rakhi-tying ceremony, symbolising mutual respect, trust and the bond between ESL Steel and the local community.

More than a festive gathering, the event highlighted the entrepreneurial potential of rural women and reinforced ESL Steel’s commitment to women’s empowerment, inclusive growth and sustainable community development.

Through Project Jivika, ESL Steel continues to support women with skills, livelihood opportunities and avenues for economic independence, helping build stronger and more resilient rural communities.