New Delhi, November 17, 2022 – On the occasion of Children’s Day, PNB MetLife, one of India’s leading life insurers, distributed financial literacy booklets and school supplies kits to girls of classes 7^th and 8^th in Varanasi through their partnership with Project Nanhi Kali – one of India’s largest programs that enables underprivileged girls to complete 10 years of schooling. 

Under its Damini initiative, PNB MetLife works with Project Nanhi Kali to provide daily academic support to school-going underprivileged girls in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and Moga, Punjab. This program also provides these girls with an annual school supplies kit which comprises a school bag, stationery, pullover, raincoat, and feminine hygiene material, enabling girls to attend school with dignity. 

The 24,579 Financial Literacy Books distributed by PNB MetLife across six cities in India – Mumbai, Barabanki, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ratlam, and Shravasti have been created to bring the spotlight on the importance of financial independence for girls and women in rural areas. This will help to counter the patriarchal mindset where money-management and financial decisions are considered to be the roles of the male members of the house, giving little scope for women to make independent financial decisions.

 Vineet Maheshwari, Chief Strategy Officer, PNB MetLife India, said, “We, at PNB MetLife, think that it is imperative to initiate conversations on financial literacy for women at an early age, so that young girls are empowered to manage their finances and make informed financial decisions as they grow up. Our CSR initiative, Damini is an effort towards ensuring inclusive growth for women and we hope these financial literacy books will give the young girls the opportunity to learn about basic financial concepts in daily life in a fun and interesting manner.” 

“We are grateful to PNB MetLife for extending their support to Nanhi Kali. Financial literacy is an important aspect of independence for young girls. These financial literacy books will make the girls better prepared for the real world by making them aware of money management. Additionally, the school supplies kit is an essential part of our intervention. This holistic support to the girls will help ensure that the girls can reach their full potential.” said Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director & Trustee, of K.C. Mahindra Education Trust. 

As a responsible corporate citizen, PNB MetLife India aims to go beyond business and invest their energies in initiatives that help build sustainable communities through their CSR program, Damini, and through this partnership with Project Nanhi Kali, they strive to aid and stand by women, in all their life-stages and develop a safe and conducive eco-system for them