For many years, SHINE has been at the heart of Project Help India’s work with women. More than a conference, SHINE is a space where women are seen, heard, and encouraged to recognise their own worth. As we prepare for this year’s SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference in March—aligned with International Women’s Day—we want to share the stories of women whose lives have been quietly but profoundly changed.
Soniya is one of them.
“My name is Soniya. I’m 30 years old, married, and I live in rural Bengal. I belong to the Boksi tribe.”
Before SHINE, Soniya had never been educated. She was raised believing that women had little value beyond household chores and childcare. Confidence, choice, and identity were not part of her world.
That changed the first time she attended the SHINE Women’s Conference.
“For the first time, I felt like I had my own identity,” Soniya says. “I realised that I am special, and that my life has worth and value.”
Soniya has now attended SHINE three times. Through these gatherings—filled with learning, encouragement, shared stories, and community—she began to see herself differently. Today, she speaks of living her life “with full confidence,” something that once felt impossible.
Soniya’s story reflects the deeper purpose of SHINE and of International Women’s Day itself: when women are given opportunity, encouragement, and community, they rise—not just for themselves, but for their families and villages too.
Each woman who attends SHINE costs our charity around $15 AUD to sponsor. We anticipate 400 delegates will attend. For many, this conference is their first experience of being valued as an individual.
As we approach IWD, we are seeking individual sponsors and corporate partners who believe in women’s empowerment, education, and equality. Your support can help ensure more women like Soniya are given the chance to discover their worth—and to SHINE. All up, one SHINE Conference will cost us approximately $6000 - perhaps a little more.
Together, we can turn one woman’s confidence into a ripple of change, that impacts her family, her community and beyond.
How you can help
Sponsor a woman to attend SHINE
A contribution of $15 AUD sponsors one woman to attend the SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference and experience learning, encouragement, and community.Make a financial donation
Your donation helps cover conference costs, materials, meals, transport, and follow-up support for women in rural and marginalised communities.Partner with us
We welcome partnerships with individuals, organisations, and businesses who share our commitment to women’s empowerment, education, and equality.Become a corporate sponsor for SHINE 2026
We are currently seeking a corporate sponsor aligned with International Women’s Day 2026, offering meaningful impact, visibility, and alignment with real grassroots change.Share Soniya’s story
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