Tailoring training for a self-reliant life for women
The core mission of the Deal Foundation is to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and to support the development of their own enterprises, which are independently run and managed.
The Deal Foundation is actively engaged across diverse communities and locations, striving to facilitate an effective process of social and economic rehabilitation that leads to recovery and resilience. A valuable lesson learned is the pivotal role of community ownership in fostering true self-reliance among people with disabilities in rural areas. The Deal Foundation endeavors to instill the importance of creating empowered and motivated individuals with disabilities, fostering self-help groups, and empowering them to take charge of the livelihood and entrepreneurship development activities they initiate.
To create more employment opportunities for disabled individuals and women, the Usha Silai organization in Koppal taluk collaborated with the Deal Foundation to organize a tailoring training program. The program aimed to provide training to disabled individuals and women in Gadag taluk, along with supplying tailoring machines for self-employment. Program Manager Uma Chilgodar from the Deal Foundation selected one disabled person and one woman from each taluk. In order to extend the program’s reach to every taluk, one participant was chosen from each, resulting in a total of 25 disabled and female members. Ultimately, 10 individuals with disabilities and 15 women were selected to commence training at the Farmer Extension Center in Gadag Taluk.
The training spanned 10 days, from 10 am to 5 pm, for each group of 25 selected women. Lunch arrangements were made for all participating women. Subsequently, the Deal Foundation established a self-employment center at the Agricultural Extension Center. Members of the Self-Help Society initiated a bread business, which not only provided them with a source of income but also facilitated employment opportunities. They prepared various meals daily, ensuring everyone had access to well-arranged meals.
Throughout the ten-day training program, Rajkumar Sir dedicated each day to teaching essential tailoring skills. On the first day, he provided a demonstration on assembling a tailoring machine, guiding the women through the process. The second day featured free tailoring training for disabled individuals and women in Mevundi village, led by Jyoti under the auspices of the Deal Foundation. Over the ten days, the training covered various aspects, from sewing techniques to crafting dresses and children’s clothing. The primary objective of this training is to empower disabled individuals who may face challenges in going out to work. By providing them with the skills to sew at home, it becomes a foundation for their lives. Many disabled individuals, despite their eagerness to learn, find themselves in poverty due to economic constraints. This training aims to address these challenges, offering not only skills but also a way to overcome economic barriers. Participation in the training comes with additional benefits. After completing the program, participants receive a free tailoring machine, and they also receive a certificate. These certificates can facilitate their eligibility to apply for government projects. The training program was designed with these goals in mind, aiming to bring tangible benefits to disabled individuals and women, providing them with skills, resources, and opportunities for a more sustainable future.
In today’s society, providing free tailoring machines is often challenging; however, this training program managed to distribute free tailoring machines as a means to support the self-reliant lives of disabled individuals and women. Rajkumar Sir conducted the training, guiding participants on machine assembly, and the program even resulted in job opportunities for some. Participants also found financial support by crafting and selling ready-made clothes such as dresses and blouses. Beyond Gadag taluk, they extend the impact of these training workshops to other districts, benefiting disabled individuals and women in various communities.
On the last day, Uma Chil Gowdar, representing the DEAL Foundation in collaboration with them, presented certificates to every woman and person with disabilities. She expressed her wishes for everyone to experience economic growth in the future, marking the conclusion of this ten-day training.
In collaboration with the Deal Foundation and Usha Silai, they illuminated the lives of differently-abled individuals and women through tailoring training, empowering them to lead economically sustainable lives. For specific inquiries about this blog or for assistance, please contact info@deal-foundation.com. You can also visit www.deal-foundation to learn more about the work we do.
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