In the heart of rural India, a thread of transformation is being spun. Tata Motors’ Samaj Vikas Kendra (SVK) is at the forefront of this change, empowering women through the art of ‘Chikankari’. This initiative has seen women from local communities not only master a traditional craft but also turn it into a flourishing business venture.
The journey began in 2007, with Tata Motors SVK weaving a dual strategy to both revive the ancient handicraft and link it to the socioeconomic advancement of women. They set up a training center for women from 15 neighboring villages, equipping them with skills and market insights. This initiative has blossomed into something much larger. By 2023, it had mobilized over 150 women to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs), actively engaging in credit and thrift activities, and collectively raising a remarkable Rs.25 lakhs in the past 16 years.
Expanding beyond Chikankari, the SHG Federation program now includes skills like jute bag production, candle making, and more. Tata Motors has also bridged connections for these women with various welfare schemes by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, further enhancing their entrepreneurial journey.
Vinod Kulkarni, the CSR Head at Tata Motors, emphasizes the holistic nature of the SHG Federation program. “It’s about banding together to build enterprises that lead to financial independence and, ultimately, uplift the socioeconomic status of these women,” he says. The project not only grants financial freedom but also breaks down societal barriers, paving the way for gender equality.
The success of this initiative echoes the global call for gender equality and women’s empowerment, highlighting Tata Motors’ commitment to building an equitable society, one stitch at a time.
