Trichy, June 10, 2024: In a significant stride towards empowering rural women, Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has launched an impactful program aimed at skill development and entrepreneurship for women in the districts of Tiruchirappalli and Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu. The program will equip 120 rural women with specific trade skills in mat weaving, Palm leaf basket making and soft toy making along with training and assistance to build their own micro-enterprises. In rural areas, women face limited income opportunities due to various socio-economic factors like inadequate education, limited job choices and poor infrastructure. This initiative not only aims to provide locally accessible skill training but also focuses on sustainable livelihood opportunities for the beneficiaries. Over the past four months, the program has conducted three workshops in the Pullambadi Block of Tiruchirappalli District and the Ariyalur Block of Ariyalur District, culminating in a mat weaving session for 25 women in Pullambadi block that will conclude on 30th June. The inaugural training session was graced by Mr. Prakash, HR Head, P.N Suresh, Logistics Head. DCBL.
Commenting on the initiative Mr. Vinayagamurthi, Executive Director, DCBL said, “At Dalmia Bharat, we are committed to empowering rural communities and ensure sustainable development in the regions of our operations. Women in rural settings face significant challenges in accessing income-generating activities and are often relegated to traditional roles within the household or in agriculture-based work. Through our skill training programs, we aim to provide these women with the tools and opportunities they need to achieve financial independence and make meaningful contributions to their communities. We are grateful to SIDBI for their support for this initiative.”
To ensure the long-term success and sustenance of these initiatives, DBF has implemented a comprehensive support and follow-up strategy. This includes meticulous monitoring of income through income registers, facilitating online marketing platforms, providing training on online marketing with the support of the Walmart team, establishing financial linkages for business initiation and offering financial contributions to enterprise activities.
Dalmia Bharat Foundation spearheads community development with a focus on rural upliftment. Through targeted training in agriculture, non-agriculture, skill development and diverse livelihood avenues, DBF empowers women, farmers and youth, elevating their skills and capacities for a positive impact on livelihoods.