PwC India Foundation supports women’s empowerment among Rajasthan’s Sahariya tribal community

Baran, Rajasthan : On the International Day of World Indigenous Peoples, PwC India Foundation (PwCIF) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable livelihoods and women’s economic empowerment among the Sahariya tribal community in Baran, Rajasthan. 

The devastating floods last year damaged crops across the region, leaving this Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) facing significant economic hardship. PwCIF stepped in to support the community by promoting sustainable agriculture, creating entrepreneurship opportunities for women, and strengthening economic resilience to foster sustainable livelihoods. 

On the occasion, PwCIF Vice Chairman, Jaivir Singh, visited Baran to interact with the beneficiaries of the project, being carried out in partnership with Manjari Foundation. During his visit, he engaged with women from three villages and witnessed first-hand the impact of the vegetable cultivation, vermicomposting, goat rearing and bio-resource initiatives that are creating sustainable economic opportunities for the Sahariya tribe.

“At PwCIF, we believe sustainable impact is achieved by working alongside communities to strengthen their capabilities, improve access to opportunities, and foster long-term self-reliance. Our engagement with the Sahariya community reflects this commitment and our belief that inclusive development must leave no one behind,” said Jaivir Singh, Vice Chairman, PwC India Foundation.

“Real and lasting change is built through trust, collaboration, and a sustained presence on the ground. Our partnership with PwC India Foundation has enabled us to work alongside the Sahariya community to create opportunities that extend beyond livelihoods, restoring confidence, strengthening resilience and enabling these rural families—particularly women—to have greater income security and independence. Seeing first-hand how sustained interventions can transform lives and livelihoods and affect real change at the grassroot level has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our work together,” said Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director, Manjari Foundation.

While the project is aimed at empowering the entire tribal community, Sahariya women are at the centre of it.  Focused interventions enable them to shift from being agricultural labourers to independent income earners and thereby achieve financial independence. PwCIF has also been providing specialised support to single or widowed Sahariya women through goat rearing and sustainable farming practices, improving their income security.

“What stood out during my visit was the determination and resilience of the women leading this transformation. Their journey towards greater economic independence demonstrates how community-led interventions can create lasting change. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen livelihoods, build resilience and create pathways to a more secure and sustainable future,” added Jaivir Singh.

Through initiatives such as this, PwCIF continues to work with communities and partners to create meaningful, long-term social impact by strengthening livelihoods, expanding opportunities for vulnerable populations, and enabling income security.