Bengaluru: Devi Bala has been honoured with the Abhaya Bravery Award for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through education, advocacy, and financial independence.

A journey of resilience and empowerment

Coming from an underprivileged background, Devi Bala understands the transformative power of financial independence. As the first graduate in her family, she has consistently advocated for women’s empowerment, believing education is the key to financial security.

Supporting at-risk children and young women

Devi Bala has been actively involved with Mariyala Ashram, a shelter for at-risk children, including those of HIV-positive parents and abandoned youth. Her contributions span several years, including providing essential learning resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also conducts sessions to address issues like college dropouts and exploitation, focusing on creating education and employment opportunities.

Additionally, she supports the Payanmaram Trust, bringing recipient requests to the organisation’s attention while contributing as a donor.

Initiatives for women’s empowerment

Devi Bala has undertaken several initiatives to uplift women, including:

  • Raising funds for an ex-domestic worker’s children’s education and initiating an awareness drive on banking processes for domestic helpers.
  • Providing employment opportunities, such as hiring a pregnant woman as a 3D designer to help her start her career.
  • Employing women as salaried social media handlers and 3D designers to support their financial independence.
  • Assisting over six women in securing jobs and freelance opportunities.
  • Collaborating with women artisans, including resin artists, voice-over artists, and painters, on various projects.

A strong advocate for women’s professional growth

As a proud member of Women’s Professional Connect (WPC), Devi Bala actively supports a network of women dedicated to uplifting and empowering each other. She believes in building a strong foundation for both personal and professional growth, helping women break barriers and redefine success.

A successful entrepreneur

Beyond her social initiatives, Devi Bala is a thriving entrepreneur in the interior design industry. Her company, D’Dezignz, reflects her creativity and dedication to excellence. More details can be found at ddezignz.in.

Through her relentless efforts, Devi Bala continues to champion women’s empowerment, proving that education and financial independence can truly transform lives.

About Abhaya: The movement for a safer India

Team Abhaya is an apolitical group demanding strict and swift punishments for perpetrators of sexual violence. The movement calls for judicial reforms to ensure sensitivity in handling such cases and seeks to create a secure environment for all individuals, irrespective of gender. Their mission is to hold law enforcement and the judicial system accountable in delivering justice and fostering a crime-free society.