Sewa Mahila Jyoti is aimed at providing livelihood opportunities to women. Born out of the need to empower women through local art, craft, and skill development. This project has empowered thousands of women and further strengthened the village economy. There are places in India where generations after generations, people are involved in a certain occupation. Although, there are some bottlenecks on how the majority of these communities never thrive on these occupations. This calls for a need to streamlined the channels, tools, and training sessions that make their products market-ready.
SHGs are an important part of Sewa Mahila Jyoti which asks for community participation and resilience building. Woollen clothes and Bamboo crafts are the two pillars of Sewa Mahila Jyoti. Bamboo is used to create superior quality products which are used for home decor, domestic purposes, etc. Bamboo craft is practised in many places of Uttarakhand due to the abundant availability of rich quality and variety of species of bamboo in the local forest. Among the species of bamboo, Ringal is one of the bamboo species. Ringal Bamboo products are tough and durable.
Similarly, exceptional heat resistant woollen products from the Kumaoni and Garhwali culture, their beautifully woven caps, sweaters and shawls are in demand all throughout the country, special emphasis is placed on the marketing of the products so as to develop a sense of entrepreneurship in the women and make them understand the nuances of business.
The project is aimed at training the women to align their craft with the market-driven demand for the product. The centres have trainers to train the beneficiaries and guide them. To increase their visibility in the market, the SHGs are encouraged to participate in various exhibitions. Special emphasis is placed on the marketing of the products so as to develop a sense of entrepreneurship in the women and make them understand the nuances of business. Also, the volunteers, especially the youth interact with the local population thus giving them fresh, innovative ideas to improve their business and to explore more livelihood options.
