In Jaipur, Rajasthan, the beauty and success of the celebrated “Pink City” coexist with the harsh economic disparities that many families in the region face daily. Women and girls encounter significant cultural, social and economic barriers that limit their access to education, skill development and stable livelihoods, often leaving them vulnerable and dependent.

To address this critical issue, the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF) was established in 2013. Following a successful partnership in 2023, A&K Philanthropy (AKP) teamed up with PDKF again to fund Project Shakti, a key initiative offering free vocational courses at a new sewing training center in rural Jaipur.

Now only halfway through its first year, Project Shakti’s impact has proven both immediate and transformative, aligning directly with AKP’s education and enterprise pillars. Project Shakti is currently equipping more than 100 local women with marketable skills, paving the way for financial independence. PDKF will also provide job placement support for graduates. This model is just the beginning, as AKP and PDKF plan to establish more facilities in the future, expanding this vital work.

Guests visiting Jaipur can experience this empowerment firsthand at the PDKF headquarters at Badal Mahal, near the city palace. They will receive a traditional welcome, tour the facility and engage with women artisans, gaining insight into the project’s positive impact.

This partnership serves as a powerful example of how tourism can create lasting, positive change. By investing in women’s skills and enterprises, we are supporting not only individuals but also entire families and communities.