COWE Inaugurates 20th Aveksha Day Care Centre in Hyderabad, Strengthening Support for Working Mothers

In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and gender empowerment, the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (COWE) inaugurated its 20th Aveksha Day Care Centre in the heart of Hyderabad’s Technocrat Industrial Estate, Balanagar. Designed as a free facility for the children of industrial workers and underprivileged families, this new centre continues COWE’s mission to bridge the childcare gap for working women in India’s unorganised and semi-organised sectors.

Strategically located within the premises of KRSSTJ Integrated Technologies, the centre was formally inaugurated by Dr. G Babu Rao, International Director, Association of Lions Clubs International. The ceremony saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries including GR Surya Raj, Chairman of KN MIS Service Society; Mr. Vishweshwar Rao Japala, President of Technocrats Association; and COWE’s visionary Founder Directors, Ms. Uma Ghurka and Ms. Madhu Tyagi.

Dr. Babu Rao lauded COWE’s ongoing efforts to empower working women and announced a personal commitment of ₹60,000 per year for five years to support the centre's running costs—a gesture mirrored by another philanthropic member of the Lions community. In a further show of solidarity, industrialist and senior Lion member J. Jaganmohan Reddy waived rental fees for the 500 sq. ft. space, contributing what would otherwise have amounted to ₹25,000 per month. Mr. Japala also pledged continued assistance for the centre’s daily operations, underscoring the collective effort behind this initiative.

Operating from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday, the centre is tailored to care for 20 children aged between 6 months and 6 years. Located in one of Hyderabad’s oldest and busiest industrial estates—home to more than 250 units and over 10,000 workers—the facility provides a critical support system for working mothers, many of whom lack access to safe, affordable childcare.

“While the rich can afford daycare and preschools, poor industrial workers have no such option. Aveksha bridges this gap—and it’s completely free,” remarked Ms. Uma Ghurka, highlighting the centre’s role in levelling the playing field for women in the workforce.

COWE’s Aveksha model is already transforming lives across Telangana and beyond. Of the 20 centres launched so far, nine are situated in industrial colonies, six in urban bastis, and four at construction sites—directly benefiting nearly 450 first-time working mothers and generating employment for 50 women in the process. Each centre spans between 800 and 1,000 sq. ft., and is staffed by a trained caregiver, an Aayamma (helper), and a security guard, ensuring both nurturing care and strict safety protocols. Regular training and monitoring reinforce quality and accountability.

Aveksha, meaning "care" in Sanskrit, is more than just a daycare network—it is COWE’s Mother’s Day gift to working mothers across India. The initiative, supported by the SIDBI Foundation, has received operational funding to sustain 20 such centres. The collaboration also reflects COWE’s broader goal of building sustainable, women-led ecosystems in both entrepreneurial and social sectors.

In a touching moment during the inauguration, new slates were gifted to the children enrolled at the centre—symbolising not just early learning, but the beginning of equitable opportunities. Ms. Ghurka extended heartfelt thanks to IALA and various industry associations, whose support has been instrumental in bringing these centres to life.

With 1,800 women entrepreneurs across 12 states, COWE continues to champion empowerment with purpose. Through Aveksha, it is not only providing working mothers with peace of mind, but also setting a new benchmark in corporate social responsibility and grassroots impact.