Empowering women in Kutch: 45 SHGs foster entrepreneurship and skill development

AHMEDABAD: At a time when women-led startups in India are increasing by the year, women in Gujarat’s peri-urban and rural areas are also taking entrepreneurial strides. A case in point is villages in the Kutch district, where a CSR initiative by GHCL has helped establish some 45 self-help groups (SHGs) for women, providing them with a platform for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Taking a holistic approach, the company also trained some 60 women in sewing, providing them with sustainable income opportunities. “To encourage the socio-economic development of these women, the company collaborated with the state women and child development department to hold block-level workshops for some 240 women, informing them about the various govt welfare schemes that can be leveraged by women and their villages for their betterment,” according to a statement by the soda ash manufacturer.
The company also established a vocational training centre in Mota Lajia village in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to help develop employable skills among students, a majority of whom were placed. “In its first batch, 27 General Duty Assistant trainees secured 100% placement, and 29 students completed Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) training with placements underway,” the company said.
Working in 15 villages, including Bada, Pachotiya, Motalayaja, Nanalayaja, Bhisara, Janakpar, Bhada, Bayath, Padmpur, Mapar, Babhdai, Modkuba, Chagadai, Vindh, Kokaliy the GHCL Foundation directly impacts the lives of over 14,000 people, setting the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future.
The company has invested nearly Rs 350 crore for setting up a salt field in Kutch. The company has also recently received environment clearance for setting up a soda ash manufacturing plant in Bada village of Mandvi taluka in Kutch district of Gujarat.