Empowering women workers, one light at a time
Credit: DH photo
Bengaluru: '#Be Polite’, in collaboration with NGO Sauramandala Foundation and The Good City, will host a fundraiser pickleball tournament at Gorally, Depot-18, Jayamahal, on Saturday between 11 am and 4 pm.
Conceptualised by architect Aakarsh Shamanur in 2017, #BePolite aims to provide solar-powered lights to women entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
This year, the initiative seeks to equip at least 100 women street vendors in Meghalaya with solar-powered lights, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In previous crowdfunding campaigns, particularly during Deepavali, Aakarsh provided solar-powered lights to over 500 women street vendors across several Indian cities.
The idea took shape when Aakarsh noted that street vendors — estimated at 10 million nationwide, according to WIEGO — often lacked access to basic infrastructure. With poor lighting posing challenges during evening hours, he designed a solar-powered light integrated with an umbrella and mobile-charging facility.
The initiative has since helped women vendors work safely, earn customer trust, and extend working hours, leading to higher incomes.
Contact details
Those wishing to support the campaign can register as players.
Contact Senthur Krithik at 9591928188, contribute through crowdfunding (link: https://milaap.org/ fundraisers/support-women- street-vendors-in-meghalaya), or share the campaign on social media.
For details, contact Aakarsh Shamanur at 9606677223 or email: bepolite.city@gmail.com. Socials: @bepolite_city.