Food Enterprises: A Way for Women’s Economic Empowerment

Visit Bihar to experience the personifi cation of Annapurna (the Goddess of Food) through rural women entrepreneurs locally known as Didi ki Rasoi (DKR)! This chain of community-based canteens has come up well and is effi ciently managed by empowered rural women who also happen to be the members of the self-help groups (SHGs) of JEEViKA (the program name synonymous with Bihar State Rural Livelihoods Mission). DKRs has emerged as the true axiom of collective leadership, aiming at meaningful changes in Bihar’s rural community in terms of providing income, self-employment and a pathway to overcome poverty. These micro level women entrepreneurs are charged with commitment to serve the customers (mostly patients of district hospitals), with all possible hygienic and safety measures and home-like quality food at an affordable price. This is an innovative idea, wherein each women member is a partner. These unique canteens have been serving the patients of the respective district hospitals with consistent dedication, demonstrating unparalleled dedication even during COVID-19 pandemic.