Philanthropist and ‘InspirationPreneur’ Renu Paswan left home 20 years back to write her own destiny. Today, as a celebrated author and proactive social worker, she is helping to change the destinies of hundreds like her, in the rural confines of Bihar’s Muzaffarpur. Along with it, Renu is also an active participant in activities related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including Gender Equality.
Going back to her roots in rural Bihar, Renu is busy creating awareness about issues faced by local women as well as lay down the groundwork for development as indicated by the UN. Talking about her mission, Renu says, “I want to work for my Paswan community as well as for other communities or sections of people who are facing difficulties in life. After I got influenced by the UN SDGs and came to be associated with several UN bodies like the UNGASS, CSW, UN-WOMEN, etc, I have been a regular at periodic meetings as well as online interactions with professionals, influencers and policymakers from different parts of the world.”
She plans strategies for rural women who want to take up a livelihood, such as handicrafts, etc, and then helps them create indigenous products, which can be sold commercially. She travels to villages, including her own birthplace, to create awareness about the UN SDGs. In the past three years, she has met officials in the state as well as central government, sharing with them her plans and submitting her ideas for the upliftment of the socially backward communities in India.
Today, Renu is a social influencer in her own right but not the kind you see on social media these days. She makes a real difference in the lives of people on the ground. She wants to continue her work on Gender Equality as well as on other SDGs, which will make people’s lives better.
‘India’s First Inspiration Preneur’
For her significant contribution towards women empowerment and gender equality, Renu was awarded the title “India’s First Inspiration Preneur” in 2019 at the World Economic Forum. She is part of the United Nations-Woman Forum, which had her appearing on several TV programmes, where she spoke on gender equality and issues that plague women in the modern society. For her exemplary contribution to the upliftment of individuals, Renu has received several other awards, including ‘Iconic Women of the Year’, ‘Women of Substance’, ‘India’s Achievers Award’, ‘She The Change’, ‘Nari Shakti Ko Pranam’, etc.
This independent, wonderful woman knows that life can be harsh, especially for those living on the brink of socio-economic faultlines. So, she gets up every day, determined to make it better for at least one more person around her.