Manisha Kanekar’s inspiration to form the trust came from her own personal experiences of witnessing the struggles of women and children in her community. She noticed that many women lacked access to education and job opportunities, which led to a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for their children. In addition, she saw that many children lacked access to healthcare and basic necessities like food and shelter.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, Manisha Kanekar founded Stree Sakhi Charitable Trust in 2004. The organization began by providing basic education and health care to children from low-income families, but has since expanded its services to include vocational training for women, healthcare services, and community outreach programs like building dams in the village area, organizing fund raising programs, production of organic vermin compost fertilizer etc. and many more.