The Vocational Training Centre for Women, a collaborative effort between the Tharu Janjati Mahila Vikas Samiti and the Mahila Kalyan Nigam in Uttar Pradesh, brought new hope and opportunities to economically disadvantaged women in Gonda and Jaunpur districts. This transformative project, which ran from April to October 2009, empowered approximately 240 women aged 18 to 35, hailing from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

The project initiated by establishing and strengthening Women Self Help Groups, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among women facing economic hardship. A one-day workshop marked the launch of this remarkable programme, setting the stage for an ambitious endeavour to uplift the lives of these deserving women.

Covering 240 women in the targeted age group, the training programme was designed to enhance their skills in various fields, including the creation of soft toys, book binding, tailoring, embroidery, beautician courses, and the crafting of paper packets. These skills were not only meant to boost their confidence but also to empower them to establish their own small-scale businesses.

The training was delivered in eight separate batches, with each batch comprising 30 women. Each batch’s training spanned three months, equipping them with the practical knowledge and expertise necessary to enter the workforce or initiate their own entrepreneurial ventures. The Vocational Training Centre for Women emerged as a beacon of hope for these women, offering them not only the tools to enhance their skills but also the confidence to create a better future for themselves and their families. By enabling women from economically weaker sections to acquire valuable vocational skills, the project contributed to their economic independence and social empowerment, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.