Calcutta Foundation
The Calcutta Foundation, an organization with a 29-year legacy, is devoted to working closely with rural women, forming a united family across Bengal.
Our foundation actively involves community representatives at various levels, shaping our operations based on the needs of the people we serve.
History and Journey of Calcutta Foundation
Founded by Shamlu Dudeja, CF is driven by a vision of compassion and making a difference. Compassion is a core value shared by every team member, and we have tirelessly served low-income rural and urban communities in Bengal, actively listening to their needs and concerns. Saumya and Mahima, the granddaughters of our founder, have returned from their overseas studies to lead the foundation. Their upbringing in the villages, playing in the homes of our team leaders, has instilled in them a legacy of change, compassion, and feminism. With an academic and global perspective on social transformation, they guide the foundation in fostering enduring and sustainable change within these communities.
Our Philosophy
Every visit to our villages unveils a society that is fundamentally unequal – where women remain bound to their domestic, unable to dream a life of freedom. Where will is curbed, choices are limited and aspirations go unnamed. This society falls into a cycle of inequalities that Indian women fight every day. A lack of agency, access, education, legal recourse, healthcare, and safety, all play into the generation-old social, cultural and financial inequality of women in India.
Central to this inequalities is a lack of financial agency. Indian women have a strikingly low representation in the workforce, and to truly close gender gaps in work and society, 4 categories must be focused on equality in work, essential services and enablers of economic opportunity, legal protection and political voice, and physical security and autonomy.
Central to our philosophy is exactly this – a 360-degree approach to tackling gender inequality, and with a focus on empowering them to become financially independent.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote economic independence for women in India through a 360-degree approach that includes training, skill development, and community engagement. We aim to establish physical centers that offer a range of services to women, including vocational training, financial literacy, and mentorship. Our goal is to create a supportive environment that empowers women to take charge of their lives and achieve their full potential.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where women have access to equal economic opportunities and are empowered to make their own decisions, contributing to a more just and sustainable society.
