World Bank Group President, Robert B. Zoellick, visited the area to see how the Bank’s Odisha Rural Livelihoods Project is improving the lives of rural women, writes World Bank.
He also saw how the Bank’s Integrated Coastal Zone Project is working to safeguard Asia’s second largest eco-system of mangroves, known to be the most diverse in the world.
Sashikala Rout describes her old life as being like ‘a frog stuck in a well’ with no way out.
But a self help group, supported by the World Bank, has helped poor women in her village, like her, not only gain skills and financing but also given them a voice in their communities.
Puspalata Nayak agrees:
– It’s given me the strength to speak out. Standing here speaking to you – before I would have been too afraid, the 29-year-old mother of two explains:
– The poor have been given a chance to raise their voices, said Puspalata.
– The most important asset of Odisha are the people of Odisha, Zoellick later told a press conference.
– For these people, they’re small amounts, but it made a difference for them. These are people who have enormous potential. They’re hardworking people. They just want a chance to be able to do more for their families, their state, and for India.
