Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Mira Bhayandar
The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched an innovative initiative called ‘Faral Sakhi’ to empower women entrepreneurs in the city of Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra. This program aims to provide comprehensive training and support for women engaged in traditional snack production. By focusing on sustainable and effective business practices, ‘Faral Sakhi’ seeks to create a thriving environment for women-led enterprises. The initiative is a collaboration between MBMC and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, formally introduced under the Award to Reward initiative of WEP.
A Collaborative Approach to Empowerment
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) was established in 2018 as an aggregator platform to support women entrepreneurs. In 2022, it transitioned into a public-private partnership. WEP aims to empower women by addressing information gaps and providing a continuum of support across various areas. These areas include access to finance, market linkages, training and skilling, mentoring and networking, compliance and legal assistance, and business development services.
The ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative exemplifies this collaborative approach. By partnering with WEP, MBMC can leverage the resources and expertise of a larger network. This partnership allows for a more comprehensive support system for women entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed. The initiative not only focuses on individual success but also aims to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including government, business, and civil society.
Creating Sustainable Employment Opportunities
The primary goal of the ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative is to create permanent employment opportunities for women. This is achieved by engaging them in the production and sale of traditional festive snacks, known as ‘Faral’. A central kitchen has been established by MBMC to facilitate this process, allowing women from self-help groups (SHGs) to prepare these snacks in a professional setting.
MBMC further supports these women by providing sales spaces and promoting their products through municipal advertisements. The initiative has already seen remarkable success, particularly during the Diwali season, where over three tons of snacks were sold due to their superior quality and taste. This success not only highlights the potential of women entrepreneurs but also demonstrates the effectiveness of the support provided by the initiative.
Training and Skill Development for Future Success
To ensure the long-term success of women entrepreneurs, the ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative includes a robust training program. Twenty-five women from Mira Bhayandar will be selected for technical training in business operations. This training will be facilitated by the Centre for Education, Governance, and Public Policy (CEGP Foundation). Participants will gain essential skills and knowledge needed to establish sustainable businesses and contribute to the local economy.
The training program is designed to empower women with the tools they need to succeed. By focusing on practical skills and business operations, the initiative aims to equip women with the confidence and expertise to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. This investment in skill development is crucial for fostering a new generation of women entrepreneurs who can lead sustainable industries and inspire future generations.
A Vision for Societal Transformation
The ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative is not just about creating businesses; it is about inspiring societal transformation. According to Ms. Anna Roy, Principal Economic Adviser at NITI Aayog and Mission Director of WEP, supporting women entrepreneurs is vital for achieving women-led development. WEP provides comprehensive support, including training, access to resources, and networking opportunities.
By integrating the ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative into the ‘Award to Reward’ program, stakeholders are fostering the growth of women-led home industries. This collaboration aims to enable women entrepreneurs to transition into larger-scale enterprises. With over 30,000 women already engaged with WEP, the partnership with MBMC is set to create a thriving ecosystem for women-led businesses in Mira Bhayandar.
Municipal Commissioner Shri Sanjay Katkar emphasizes that this initiative represents a significant step toward the holistic development of women entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, the women of Mira Bhayandar are being prepared to lead sustainable industries and inspire future generations. The ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative is a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
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