impact of stitching training programs on village women: In today’s time when employment opportunities for women in rural areas are limited, there are some schemes and efforts which are working to give a new direction to their lives. Women of Chaklasi and Bhumel villages of Nadiad tehsil of Kheda district of Gujarat have also made a new beginning in their lives through one such inspiring initiative. National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) organized a sewing and tailoring training program in this area under the ‘Income Restoration Plan’, which showed the path to self-reliance to women.
Objective and beginning of the training
The main objective of this program was to provide employment opportunities to women of families affected by the project and to increase their family income. This 30-day training, which ran from 24 March to 28 April 2021, was conducted in collaboration with the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (R-SETI) located in Anand. A total of 32 women participated in the training, each woman from an affected family. In the training, women were taught various technical skills related to sewing and embroidery, so that they can work independently in the future.
Formation of Self-Help Groups: Foundation of Self-Reliance
After the training, women not only got skills, but they were also encouraged to become empowered and organized. Under this, two empowered self-help groups (Sakhi Mandal Organization) were established, which inspire women to start entrepreneurship at a small scale.
Bhumi Mahila Sakhi Mandal – Inspiration of Bhumel Village
10 women of Bhumel village formed a group called “Bhoomi Mahila Sakhi Mandal”. This group was established with the help of Taluka Panchayat Office, Nadiad under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana of the Government of Gujarat. Through this scheme, the group was provided an interest-free loan of up to Rs 1 lakh. This loan helped the women to purchase commercial sewing machines, stock up material and start small-scale production.
Mahalakshmi Mahila Sakhi Mandal – Example of Chaklasi Village
The second group named “Mahalakshmi Mahila Sakhi Mandal” was formed in Chaklasi village, in which 12 women participated. This group was formed with the support of Nagar Panchayat Office, Chaklasi under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). The aim of this scheme was not only to make women self-reliant but also to raise their standard of living by providing them shelter with basic amenities.
New path towards the future
These two Sakhi Mandals have given a new direction to the lives of women. They are no longer confined to the boundaries of their homes, but with their skills they are paving the way for employment and a respectable life not only for themselves but also for their families. Working collectively has not only given them economic strength but has also instilled confidence in them. Many women are now sewing school uniforms, blouses, kurtas, pyjamas etc. on a small scale, which is giving them a regular income every month.
Basis of social change
The sewing training program was not just a technical course, it has proved to be a strong step towards social and economic change for women. This program shows that if rural women get the right direction and support, they too can play a leadership role in the society. It also becomes clear that when women are financially capable, the entire family and society benefits from it.
Conclusion
This training program organized by NHSRCL is an ideal example of how women can be made self-reliant by giving them employment-oriented training in a planned manner. The women of Chaklasi and Bhumel can today proudly say that they have woven not just clothes but also their dreams and self-reliant future with the threads of sewing. Such efforts not only improve individual lives but also strengthen and sensitize the social structure.
This example can also become an inspiration for other rural areas of the country, where women are still looking for opportunities. This journey of empowerment should continue – this is the hope and need.