Signify, a global leader in lighting, has introduced an innovative CSR
(corporate social responsibility) programme ‘Ratri Chaupal’ with the objective
of establishing safer environments for women in rural communities. Under this
pioneering initiative, Signify is illuminating communal areas in villages,
allowing women to congregate securely after dark.
Signify has joined forces with Srushti Seva Samiti to initiate the pilot project in
10 villages within the Mavli block of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The primary aim of
Ratri Chaupal is to have a positive impact on over 7,500 women and children in
the district. It intends to achieve this by organizing educational sessions
focusing on health, nutrition, agricultural techniques, and financial literacy.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to increase women’s involvement in night
schools.
One of the most significant factors affecting the safety and wellbeing of women
and families living in villages is the lack of adequate lighting after sunset. With
Ratri Chaupal, Signify will enable women to participate more actively in their
local communities, giving them more time to pursue education, social and
financial literacy programmes.
In addition to serving as spaces for communal activities, the illuminated
community centres will also function as libraries accessible to all when not in
use for Chaupal sessions. Following the successful pilot project in Udaipur,
Signify is planning to expand Ratri Chaupal to an additional 10 villages in other
districts of Rajasthan.
