United Way Mumbai supports 3331 micro women entrepreneurs in Mumbai
United Way Mumbai, a non-profit organization that works closely with urban and rural communities, conducted a drive as a part of their Project Sakaham that helps women micro-entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic to restart their business. Project Saksham, a first of its kind project that empowers women micro-entrepreneurs and helps them overcome challenges that women from low-income groups face.
The support is not merely providing equipment, raw material, machines to run a particular business, but also in terms of training on supply management, operations, fiscal management etc. Micro enterprises being supported include but not limited to tailoring units, hair and beauty artists, flour mills, community refreshment counters, tiffin service providers etc.
With support from Google, FedEx and other corporates, a total of 3331 Saksham kits worth Rs. 15,000 each have been distributed in partnership with Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM, Govt of Maharashtra’s nodal agency for women empowerment. The kits covered a range of skills like tailoring, beauty and salon equipment amongst others. The event was attended by Ms Jyoti Thakare, chairperson, MAVIM. United Way Mumbai has been working with women entrepreneurs for the past two years to provide training, necessary tools and resources to help them start their ventures.
Speaking about the initiative, Anil Parmar, Vice President – Community Investment, United Way Mumbai said, “Project Saksham recognises that promoting entrepreneurship among women is one of the most effective ways to transform families. Running a business also comes with exposure to the outer world, which means increased interactions with customers, suppliers etc. which was denied for many women, earlier. Participation in decision-making in the family, especially in aspects related to health and education, has opened up to women. Many of these women entrepreneurs have become champions for better education and nutrition opportunities for their girl child in the family and within their communities as well.”
Ms Jyoti Thakare, Chairperson, Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM) | Govt of Maharashtra said, “Saksham is a beautiful initiative by United Way Mumbai as they didn’t just help our women stand on their feet but took their consensus on what the kits should constitute. The result is irrespective of whether it is a tailoring kit or a kit to start a small food business, they have ensured that they include all ingredients required for women to get a head start in their businesses.”
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