PRAGATI : A Social Initiative for Empowering women
In many parts of the world, women continue to face barriers to education, employment, and financial independence. Yet, when given the right tools and opportunities, women are powerful agents of change in their families and communities.
Skill Development – The Need of Hour
One inspiring way this change can occur is through skill development programs that combine basic education with vocational training like sewing, creating a strong foundation for self-reliance and empowerment.
The Power of Education and Skill Development
Access to education when combined with practical skills, it becomes a transformative force. Many underprivileged women, especially in rural or underserved areas, have had to drop out of school due to poverty, early marriage, or social norms. By providing second-chance education alongside sewing training, women are being given the opportunity to reclaim their futures.
Pragati Initiative: A Glimpse
Our initiative Pragati, a grassroots program by Sandeepon Music & Educational Society members designed to equip women who belonged to marginalized communities working as house helps.
While their young children studied at our Samriddhi Learning Centre, the need to uplift their family and society as a whole, led to the foundation of program Pragati i.e. Progress, a skill development program to train women from marginalized communities. The program provides hands-on training in areas like foundational literacy and skills like stitching, tailoring and embroidery.
Stitching a Brighter Future
21 women aged between 25-45 years actively participated in the program and designed beautiful products including bags, dining covers, sofa covers, cushion covers, handkerchiefs and other stuff of household use.
Their work was showcased and products were put on sale in malls and societies. People purchased the articles and appreciated the handcrafted work.
Economic and Social Impact
With a needle in hand and knowledge in mind, women stitched not just clothes, but a brighter and dignified future for themselves and generations to come.
The benefits of such initiatives are far-reaching providing self-sufficiency to women giving them a stronger voice in family decisions. Sewing skills provide a sustainable source of income where women can work from their home. Education helps builds self-esteem.
Real-Life Impact
Take the story of Rani, a 40-year-old mother of three, working day and night ironing clothes to earn her living, her child studied at our Samriddhi Learning Centre. With no formal education, she joined the program inspired by Principal Mrs. Nipra Majumdar, as she told her “Why do you use thumb for signature, why don’t you study?” Rani with hope in her eyes joined the Pragati Silai program. Within 6 months, she learnt to read & write as well and sew while earning income.
Program Completion & Challenge
The Pragati initiative successfully ran between the years 2019 and 2021. Despite success, challenges remain from funding constraints to cultural barriers, especially for women from conservative communities.
The Road Ahead
Empowering women through a blend of education and skill development is more than just charity – it’s an investment in a more equitable and prosperous society. We are hopeful to continue with programs like Pragati where we can uplift and transform into a Samriddh Society.
