The W20 Janbhagidari event, held in Anand, Gujarat, under the banner of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, focused on “Women-led Sustainable Development through Dairy Cooperatives.” The event celebrated the significant contributions of women in the dairy sector, with esteemed guests and experts participating. Discussions highlighted women’s pivotal role in value-added product manufacturing and 18 dairy cooperatives currently run by women. Additionally, the event recognized and honoured women dairy farmers from different states in India, sharing inspiring success stories in various priority areas. Key speakers emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment in the dairy industry and their crucial role in cooperatives.
Under the auspices of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and the W20 Janbhagidari event, centred on the theme “Women-led Sustainable Development through Dairy Cooperatives,” an influential gathering took place in Anand, Gujarat. Esteemed guests, experts, and women leaders from the dairy sector actively participated in this event.
Addressing the event virtually, Shri Parshottam Rupala highlighted the pivotal role of women in the dairy sector, acknowledging their significant contributions to value-added product manufacturing. He also emphasized that 18 dairy cooperatives are currently operated by women, showcasing their growing prominence in the industry.
Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of AHD, emphasized the remarkable contribution of women to the white revolution, with 70% of the dairy workforce being women. She highlighted the new A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) initiative, which involved community-based women activists bridging the gap between local veterinary services and livestock owners while providing primary services. The importance of the One Health concept and disease prevention was also highlighted.
Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma, MoS for Cooperation, Government of Gujarat, lit the ceremonial lamp, marking the inauguration of ‘Jan Bhagidari – Women-Led Sustainable Development through Dairy Cooperatives.’
During the event’s welcome address, Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chair of W20, reiterated W20’s objectives to empower women and enhance their participation in various spheres, including the dairy sector.
Ms Bharati Gosh underscored women’s pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted how the Government of India schemes created an enabling environment and ecosystem for women in the country.
The event, ‘Jan Bhagidari – Women-led Sustainable through Dairy Cooperatives,’ also recognized and honoured Women Dairy Farmers from different states in India. These farmers shared their remarkable success stories across five key priority areas of W20: Women’s Entrepreneurship, Grassroots Women Leadership, Bridging the Gender Digital Divide, Education and Skill Development, and Climate Action.
Insights into the progress and developments in Amul and India’s Dairy sector were provided by Shri Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation.
Ms Caroline Emond, Director General of IDF, delivered a presentation titled “Recognizing and strengthening the role of women in the global dairy sector,” which shed light on Sustainable Development Goal 5, the status of women in agrifood systems, and the role of dairy in empowering women.
Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB, emphasized women’s crucial role in cooperatives and expressed NDDB’s commitment to promoting women in the dairy sector.
In his address, Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma, MoS for Cooperation, Government of Gujarat, reiterated the Government of India’s mission to strengthen dairy cooperatives in India and highlighted the crucial role of women in the dairy sector.
Closing the event, Ms Dharitri Patnaik, Chief Coordinator of W20, expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the commitment to fostering women-led sustainable development in the dairy sector.
The Women 20 (W20) is the official G20 engagement group established in 2015 under Türkiye’s Presidency of the G20, primarily focusing on gender equity. It advocates for women’s empowerment and rights and raising their voices in society. W20 aims to incorporate domestic initiatives into an international strategy to achieve appreciable changes in gender equality.
The event featured inspiring panel discussions on “Journey of Resilience of Women Leaders Across Sectors” and “Contribution of Women in Sustainable Development through interdisciplinary collaboration.” Esteemed women leaders, including Ms Rahibai Soma Popere (Seed Mother of India), Ms Tessy Thomas (Former Director General, Aeronautical Systems & Former Project Director of Agni IV missile, DRDO), Ms Lajja Gauswami (Shooter, International Player, Commonwealth Games Medalist), and Dr Sandhya Purecha, shared their inspiring journeys.
The event concluded with Dr Sandhya Purecha felicitating the women delegates for their outstanding contributions to the dairy sector and sustainable development.
