- Members of the Shivshakti Sakhi Mandal in Damka earn an income of INR 15,000 to 20,000 per month through tailoring work.
- Supported by CSR funds from ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, women in the community find sustainable employment.
Surat, (Gujarat) [India]: Empowering women to live with dignity and respect in society has been a key focus of government initiatives. Various schemes have been implemented to strengthen women economically, socially, and educationally. These efforts are being supported by prominent industries, helping further the cause of women empowerment.
At Hazira in Surat district, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) is participating in this government-led initiative through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. In collaboration with the local women, AM/NS India’s CSR division established the Shivshakti Sakhi Mandal, a self-help group formed by ten women from Damka village. This initiative has empowered these women and laid the foundation for their success.
Kalpanaben Patel, a member of the group, shared her experience with the Information Department. She explained that two years ago, ten women from the village came together to form the Shivshakti Sakhi Mandal. They received a revolving fund of INR 30,000 and a cash credit of INR 1.5 lakhs from the government. AM/NS India’s CSR division provided them with six months of basic sewing training, followed by four months of expert guidance.
Kalpanaben further added, “After completing the training, the CSR division provided us with ten industrial sewing machines. Now, we earn an income of over INR 10 lakhs annually by making jute bags, school bags, and school uniforms. We’ve also managed to save INR 2.5 lakhs.”
The uniqueness of the Sakhi Mandal is that its members range in age from 18 to 66. The youngest member, Snehaben, shared her story: “I studied until the 10th grade and live with my mother and younger sister. I received sewing training here, and now I can work from home. I earn between INR 15,000 to 20,000 per month.”
Daxaben, the oldest member of the group, expressed her joy at being part of the initiative: “At 66 years old, I’ve learned various types of sewing. I enjoy working with the other women in the group, and it’s much better than working as a farm laborer, where I used to earn only INR 150 a day. Here, I earn more, and this helps support my family. I tell other women that if we work well, our families will prosper too.”
Kiran Singh Sindha, a representative from AM/NS India’s CSR division, explained, “We conduct various initiatives in the coastal areas. In Damka, we formed the Sakhi Mandal and provided tailoring training to help the women become self-reliant. The group now earns a good income by making jute bags, school bags, and uniforms. AM/NS India awarded them a contract worth INR 8.5 lakhs.”
In addition to providing training, the CSR division also worked with the local Gram Panchayat to renovate an old building, creating a dedicated space for the women to work comfortably.
These efforts by AM/NS India’s CSR division, in collaboration with the government, are helping women achieve self-reliance and live dignified lives. Their contribution to women’s holistic development is truly commendable.
