Empowering Rural Women in Uttarkashi

Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society (JDEWS) has been dedicated to empowering rural women and promoting socio-economic development in Uttarkashi. Through our unwavering commitment, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in the lives of women in this region. 

One such milestone was achieved during a recent visit to Gram Kunjan, Uttarkashi, where the inauguration of a pilot project under the Secure Himalaya Project took place. This project aimed to strengthen the capacity and skill-building of local women and uplift their socio-economic status.

Understanding the State of Rural Women in Uttarkashi:

Uttarkashi, nestled in the serene Himalayan foothills, is home to a vibrant community of talented women. However, many of these women face various challenges, including limited access to resources, economic opportunities, and skill enhancement programs. Recognizing the untapped potential within them, JDEWS took on the responsibility of empowering these women and providing them with the means to enhance their skills and livelihoods.

The Productive Excursion to Gram Kunjan:

In December 2022, women under JDEWS embarked on a riveting and productive excursion to Gram Kunjan, Uttarkashi. This marked the inauguration of the pilot project under the Secure Himalaya Project, an initiative focused on the capacity building and skill enhancement of local women. The project aimed to equip these women with valuable skills in the creation of handmade products, specifically shawls, stoles, and more.

Skill-Building Workshops:

During their visit to Gram Kunjan, the women actively participated in a series of workshops, carefully designed to provide them with a diverse range of techniques and expertise in crafting exquisite handmade products. These workshops served as transformative platforms, allowing the women to hone their skills, learn new techniques, and broaden their creative horizons.

Empowering Women through Skill Enhancement:

The pilot project’s core objective was to empower the women of Uttarkashi by enhancing their craftsmanship and fostering economic independence. By equipping them with valuable skills, JDEWS aimed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and uplift their socio-economic status. Through the pilot project, the women developed a deep understanding of product value addition, ensuring the creation of high-quality, handmade products that reflect their rich heritage and culture.

Impact and Future Prospects:

The women’s participation in the skill-building workshops at Gram Kunjan has already yielded remarkable results. These women have not only improved their craftsmanship but also gained confidence and a sense of empowerment. As they continue to produce exquisite handmade products, they are opening doors to new market opportunities and socio-economic growth.

JDEWS remains committed to nurturing the talent and potential of rural women in Uttarkashi. Our ongoing efforts to empower them through skill enhancement programs, vocational training, and sustainable livelihood opportunities have the potential to create a lasting impact on their lives and the entire community.

Conclusion:

The excursion to Gram Kunjan, Uttarkashi, under the Secure Himalaya Project, marked a significant milestone in JDEWS’ journey to empower rural women. Through skill-building workshops and capacity enhancement initiatives, the women of Uttarkashi are unlocking their potential, embracing their creativity, and shaping a brighter future for themselves and their families. JDEWS remains dedicated to supporting and uplifting these women, ensuring they achieve socio-economic independence and contribute to the holistic development of Uttarkashi.

 

Tree Plantation on World Environment Day

Tree Plantation at Kalinga park


In order to promote preservation of our environment JDEWS conduct a tree plantation drive on the occasion of World Environment day on 5 june 2019. On this occasion our chief Guest Mr.Devinder Singh Mann chairman of DOON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL planted saplings with us and congratulated us on the Environment Day as well as told about the need for preserving and protecting our nature.

In this different types of plants small and big and flowers and fruit bearing plants were planted by JDEWS members, and volunteers.

IFAD Training

Our NGO conducted training camps in the remote upper hills of Uttarakhand to the rural women in the villages of Rudraprayag and Augustyamuni. The program was sponsored by The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) which is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations.

100 women were given training on making various handicraft items to boost their livelihood opportunities.

Basic Computer Training Program

Project Background:

Keeping in mind the changing times, the need of the hour is to have basic computer education. Since, computers are becoming an integral part of our daily lives, knowing how to use one is a must these days. The basic objective of this program was to train the youth belonging to the weaker sections of the society who do not have an easy access to computer and thus find it difficult to operate one.

Project Implementation

The Basic Computer training program was conducted in association with the Samaj Kalyan Department and was conducted at the head office of Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society in Dehradun. The trainees were trained basics of computer like hardware, software, Operating system, MS Office etc. One batch of trainees comprised of 20 students and the entire course duration lasted for six months. The course module was followed as per the NIOS tailoring and stitching certificate program and the students were required to take an exam at the end of the six month course. The trainees were also given special lectures on personality development and how to work in a team environment.

Benefit for the trainees

  • Capacity building & empowerment
  • Know how of operating computer
  • Desktop Publishing and Data Entry skill development
  • Basic mannerism and leadership skills

Tailoring and Stitching Program Mehuwala

Conceptual background towards the need of implementing the Project

  • India has a very high number of illiterates, school drop outs and unemployed youth who are unskilled or inappropriately skilled manpower idling for need of opportunities.
  • Uttarakhand has reportedly 47.2 percent population dwelling below poverty line (BPL). There are about 130 ITIs which catered to nearly 9000 trainees only.
  • The market demands skilled manpower where as we have potential employable youth and young work force which is unskilled.

Project Implementation

The Tailoring training program was conducted in association with the Samaj Kalyan Department and was conducted in Mehuwala area of Dehradun. The trainees were trained on the nuances of stitching and cutting cloth. One batch of trainees comprised of 30 students and the entire course duration lasted for six months. The course module was followed as per the NIOS tailoring and stitching certificate program and the students were required to take an exam at the end of the six month course.

Benefit for the trainees

Upon successful completion of the project, most of the trainees were able to start their own tailoring work from their own home, thereby, supplementing their families’ income. Some trainees also started imparting their skills to their near and dear ones.