9th July 2025: Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the CSR arm of Omega Healthcare, in association with Katradi, an initiative of Wind Dancers Trust (India), successfully concluded She Matters 2.0, a Radical Immersion Leadership Camp that brought together women from marginalised communities at Mannmuqi Village. Using immersive traditional arts such as storytelling, theatre, dance, and other forms of creative expression as powerful tools for self-discovery, the three-day programme helped participants develop sensitivity towards caste and gender-based barriers, build financial literacy, and reclaim their voices as grassroots leaders.
This year, 50 participants were trained as leaders equipped to initiate conversations and facilitate workshops on gender-based violence, gender stereotypes, reproductive health, and basic financial literacy, including managing income and expenses. Each woman is also prepared to mentor others, ensuring a ripple effect of community-led change. This cohort marks a powerful shift where women who are not just finding their voice, but empowering by example like leading, uplifting, and transforming their communities from within.
Speaking about the initiative, Sunanda Rangarajan, CEO, OFSI said, “True empowerment begins when women rediscover their strength and lead with purpose. She Matters 2.0 reflects our belief that leadership is not reserved for a few, but must be nurtured at the grassroots, especially among women who have long been denied space, voice, and opportunity.By creating immersive experiences rooted in empathy, we’re not just building individual confidence but also investing in sustainable, community-led change that grows stronger with each woman who dares to lead.”
The camp organised storytelling, theatre, and traditional dance as a creative expression of collective empowerment. Through various activities the participants engaged in confronting and dismantling deeply ingrained societal barriers tied to caste, patriarchy, and class. Additionally, the camp served as a platform for participants to come together and confront gender-based violence, break free from stereotypes, embrace the importance of financial independence, and reclaim leadership through shared stories, joy, movement, and deep connection.
Sangeeta Isvaran, Founding Trustee, Katradi, added, “The arts give us the empathy and courage to question generational injustice. In She Matters 2.0, we saw how creativity becomes a tool for truth-telling, connection, and collective healing. These women were not just taught leadership skills but also trained to execute it at grassroot level. Through shared stories, movement, and reflection, they broke silences carried for generations. At Katradi, we believe transformation begins not with answers, but with the freedom to ask difficult questions and that is what this camp gave them.”
Hosted amid the serene paddy fields of Mannmuqi Village, the retreat provided space for reflection and connection. Participants, many of whom had never travelled alone, worn a watch, or spoken publicly were left equipped to mentor peers on gender-based violence, reproductive health, and economic independence, creating a ripple effect of community-led change.
Sujatha Natarajan, Co-promoter of Mannmuqi Village, shared, “The program aligned deeply with our belief in creating spaces that nourish both body and spirit. These women spend their lives caring for others, often without access to rest or reflection. It was a privilege to offer them a space where they could feel safe, seen, and supported. Through quiet surroundings, wholesome food, and shared connection, we hoped to help them reconnect with themselves—and we look forward to continuing to hold space for journeys like these.”
The ‘She Matters 2.0’ camp is a testament to the meaningful collaboration between the Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI) and Katradi. OFSI has a long-standing commitment to uplifting underserved communities through integrated healthcare, education, and livelihood development initiatives. Katradi leverages the transformative power of the arts to foster empathy and address critical social issues, including gender-based violence and mental wellness, across over 35 countries.