SBI Foundation Launches Prerana Centres to Empower Rural Women in Belagavi
In a significant move to uplift rural communities, the SBI Foundation, in collaboration with the Sankalpa Rural Development Society, has established SBI Prerana Centres in Sangolli and Amatur villages of Belagavi district. This initiative, part of the SBI Sammaan Project, aims to provide free tailoring training to women, thereby enhancing their skills and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Training Programme Details and Impact
Over the course of one year, a total of 136 women have benefited from this programme through six comprehensive training batches. Specifically, 76 women were trained at the centre in Sangolli village, while 60 women received instruction at the Amatur village centre. The training curriculum is designed to impart practical skills in stitching a variety of garments, including blouses, dresses, kulcha caps, baby frocks, neck blouses, and boat-neck blouses. This hands-on approach enables participants to develop employable tailoring skills that can be immediately applied in the workforce.
Success Stories and Economic Benefits
The programme has already yielded tangible results, with several trainees achieving financial independence. For instance, Shashikala Tigadi and Savita Kadrolli, after completing the training, purchased sewing machines and began stitching blouses and dresses from their homes. They now earn approximately Rs 4,000 to 5,000 per month, which they use to support their children's education and manage household expenses. Expressing their joy, they highlighted how earning through their own efforts has instilled a sense of self-reliance and confidence. Many other women who completed the training have also started earning small incomes through tailoring work, demonstrating the initiative's role in fostering economic independence and boosting self-esteem among rural women.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
To ensure the long-term continuity of the programme, local trainers were identified and provided with employment opportunities. This strategic move allows the training activities to be conducted sustainably within the community, fostering local ownership and skill transfer. By integrating local talent, the SBI Foundation and Sankalpa Rural Development Society are not only empowering women but also strengthening the overall social fabric of these villages.
Overall, this initiative underscores a commitment to rural development and women's empowerment, offering a model for similar projects across India.
