The CII Foundation announced the Woman Exemplar Award 2023, which recognizes grassroots women leaders from rural and resource-poor backgrounds who are driving social change in their communities. The Award was presented by Smt Smriti Irani, Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, at a ceremony attended by senior leaders from the Government, Indian Industry, social development sector, and media.
Smt. Smriti Irani highlighted the importance of celebrating the indomitable human spirit and the need to inspire women at the grassroots level to bring about social change. She urged the Government and Industry to build a society that is empathetic to the needs of women.
The Awards were given to Pushpa Shukla from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Zohmangaihi from Aizawl, Mizoram, and Archana Gokul Mane from Osmanabad, Maharashtra. Each winner received a trophy, certificate, and cash award of Rs 3 lakh. Zoh had battled depression and suicidal thoughts after being diagnosed with HIV and found a new life with counselling and ART therapy. She has transformed the lives of over 19000 HIV+ patients in the region, providing medical care, counselling, and a sense of dignity.
