Women Empowerment

Women Empowerment Program

In slum communities, women face a cycle of poverty due to limited education, lack of vocational skills, and low-income opportunities. Early marriage, young motherhood, and domestic abuse, often fueled by addiction issues, further hinder their financial independence and personal growth, impacting future generations.

The Women Empowerment Program, launched in 2015 at Shivaji Nagar Police Line, has now expanded to 34 locations—14 in Pune and 20 in Mumbai—aiming to transform the lives of these underprivileged women. By offering skill development training in areas such as basic and advanced stitching, jute product making, beauty services, and professional cooking, along with financial literacy and entrepreneurship support, the program empowers women to achieve financial independence. It also conducts awareness sessions on crucial topics like menstrual health, digital literacy, and the importance of insurance. Through initiatives like the Seva Fair, women gain hands-on experience in sales and business, fostering confidence and self-reliance. This holistic approach creates a ripple effect of empowerment, improving livelihoods and helping break the cycle of poverty.

Training Undertaken

Stitching and Cloth Product Making: Basic Advanced Fabric Stitching, Fabric Bag Making, Jute Product Making, Block Printing, Patchwork Odhni, Birds Making, Patch Work Quilt Making, etc.
Art & Craft Training: Artificial Paper Flower Making, Embroidery, Crochet, Lippan Art, Rakhi Making, Diya Painting, Paper Bag Making, Diwali Lantern, Nath Making
Food Training: Masala Making, Mukhwas Making, Chocolate, Til Wadi – Chikki, Ready to cook mixes (millet), Master Chef program, Cake Making
Awareness Sessions: Cancer Awareness, Physiotherapy, Yoga, Food Adulteration, Acupressure, Self-Love &Self-Awareness, Health and Hygiene, Reading, Financial Literacy Training, Etc.
Other Training: Beauty Parlor Courses, Soap Making, Candle Making, Computer Training and Participation in Seva Fair to Gain Sales and Business Exposure

Objectives

Empower underprivileged women by equipping them with employability and entrepreneurial skills through targeted training, fostering financial independence and self-reliance.
Promote integrated personality development among underprivileged women by conducting awareness sessions covering a wide range of topics.

Impact

The women empowerment program has made significant strides in enhancing the employability and entrepreneurship skills of underprivileged women, while also promoting their overall personal development. Operating across 14 locations in Pune and 20 in Mumbai, the program has positively impacted over 860 beneficiaries. Many beneficiaries have started household businesses or are working with WEP, selling their products at Seva-Fair stalls. The Self-Help Group (SHG) initiative has created viable income-generating activities, such as producing 306 kg of papads. Participants are not only becoming financially independent but also gaining digital literacy.

Last year’s beneficiaries have now become trainers, with around 120 participating in leadership programs. The awareness sessions have fostered improved thinking, vigilance in children’s education, financial discipline, personal hygiene, and self-confidence. This initiative has empowered women through practical skills and personal growth, promoting financial independence and community growth.