by Father Rolvin D'Mello
PUNE, AUG 19, 2017: Forty women from a Self-Help Group (SHG) who participated in a specialised five-day training programme in 'spice making business' and 'phenyl 
and hand wash production business' were awarded certificates by the Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS), Chinchwad on August 12.
The main objective of the venture was to empower the women from the slums of Chinchwad by teaching them some skills, which in-turn will help them to earn an extra income for their families. This programme was organised under the aegis of Women Empowerment Project funded by AXA Business Services.
Kasturba Mahila Khadi Gramodyog Vidyalaya, a registered organisation with Khadi and Village Industries Commission, was the training provider who certified them on the basis of their knowledge and practical tests.
Minal Yadav, corporator – Chinchwad, was the chief guest for the programme, which began at 3pm. The welcome address was given by Lalita Choudhary, project co-ordinator – DBDS, who spoke about the Women Empowerment Project and the need to work for equality and empowerment of women.
Advocate Preeti Sathe also conducted an awareness session on the 'Rights of Women' in which she informed participants about their rights and legal remedies available in case of crimes committed against them and violation of their rights.
Nagsen Chavan, training co-ordinator – DBDS, shared his knowledge and experience on 'micro-entrepreneurship'. He shared examples of SHG women who are running small businesses after completing their training.
Yadav expressed her joy that women in slums are adding to their skill sets and taking up small business initiatives to empower themselves economically and socially. She also visited the stalls put up at the venue by the SHG women to sell their products like various kinds of spices, liquid soap, phenyl and garments.
"Thanks to Don Bosco who helped me in learning phenyl and liquid soap making. I have already started earning through this business," Pratiba Bansode, a participant, said. Course conductor and senior technical trainer, Ramni Pillay, added, "The participants were very punctual and staff also extended their full co-operation to us."