Signify, a global leader in lighting, has introduced an innovative CSR programme named ‘Ratri Chaupal’ to establish safer environments for women in rural communities in Rajasthan. Under this initiative, Signify is illuminating communal areas in villages, allowing women to congregate securely after dark. This programme also supports night school activities.
The primary aim of the programme is to have a positive impact on over 7,500 women and children in the district. It intends to achieve this by organising educational sessions focusing on health, nutrition, agricultural techniques and financial literacy. Moreover, the initiative seeks to increase women’s involvement in night schools and provide assistance to village households in enrolling for government schemes.
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 a unique program like 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 a safe environment.
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 the chaupal sessions. Following the successful pilot project in Udaipur, Signify is planning to expand the Ratri Chaupal programme to additional 10 villages in other districts of Rajasthan.
