Naari Manchan, part of TARAgram Yatra 2024, was an innovatively curated roundtable breakfast interaction that exemplifies Development Alternatives' commitment to empowering rural women entrepreneurs as catalysts of change. It showcased the resilience and leadership of rural women entrepreneurs, marking a profound celebration of empowerment and innovation. This dynamic session, held as a roundtable during breakfast, transformed the conventional dialogue format into an interactive experience. Yatris engaged directly with inspiring women entrepreneurs who shared their stories of overcoming barriers and driving community-led transformations.

The venue for the same was the lawns of the beautiful Hotel Anantara by Richa exemplifying royal architecture of Bundela dynasty, on the second day of TARAgram Yatra 2024 that is 14 December 2024. The session was opened by Ms. Shaila Sam, Associate Vice President and Head of Communications and Impact at Development Alternatives welcoming the 26 women leaders and entrepreneurs informing everyone about their enterprises that they had set up. Post which our CEO Mr. Shrastant Patara spoke to the attendees on the systemic prototypes which have been applied by DA in its work of creating the ecosystem for the rural women and youth entrepreneurs to survive and thrive. Then as all the Yatris along with the women leaders were having the breakfast, the interaction at each table went intense to emotional to meaningful.

Under the theme "Micro Movements of Change" Naari Manchan spotlighted compelling narratives of women breaking stereotypes and redefining entrepreneurship. Prabha Rajput, an e-rickshaw driver and Gowsala manager, and other determined women like Rakhi, who transformed perceptions with her optical shop, and Munni Jha, who addressed the local need for clean drinking water through her R.O. water supply enterprise, were among the standout participants. Their journeys of resilience and vision highlighted how necessity-based entrepreneurship can catalyze empowerment.

These stories sparked meaningful discussions around aspirations, systemic barriers, and opportunities for collaborative solutions. The session culminated with actionable insights and commitments from Yatris to amplify grassroots innovations. A group photo captured the essence of the session, symbolizing collective action for advancing women’s leadership in sustainable development.

It transformed the traditional panel format into a dynamic and participatory experience. Each table hosted two to three rural woman entrepreneurs, seated among Yatris (participants), fostering intimate and meaningful conversations. These leaders shared their journeys of overcoming challenges and driving sustainable, community-centered development.

Unlike conventional setups, Naari Manchan flipped the narrative by encouraging women entrepreneurs to pose critical questions to the Yatris. This two-way dialogue explored actionable commitments and pathways to amplify grassroots innovations.

Naari Manchan was more than a dialogue; it was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and shared vision, highlighting that empowering women is pivotal to building self-reliant communities and achieving sustainable development goals.