Dehradun: Doon Handloom (Self-Help Group) and Surya SHG Federation have taken inspiring initiatives towards economic and social empowerment of rural women. These groups are not only providing employment opportunities to women, but are also playing an important role in making them self-reliant. The sales center of these groups is located in Vikasnagar block of Dehradun district, where the products manufactured by them are sold.
gradually took a bigger form
This initiative was started in the year 2009-10. Gradually it took a widespread form and today it is opening the way to self-reliance for many women. Raghuveer Singh Chauhan, President of Surya SHG Federation, shared the story of this initiative in an exclusive conversation with Local18. He told that there are 30 members in this organization, out of which 25 are women. These women were given training to make them self-reliant, so that they can not only support themselves but can also inspire other women. Raghuveer Singh Chauhan told that with time its annual turnover reached 15 to 20 lakhs.
Increasing demand for products made by women
This initiative is not limited to social empowerment only, but is also achieving success commercially. Women of these groups make different types of products like pickles, Buransh juice (Malta, Bael, Amla, Lemon, Orange, Ginger, Apple, Tulsi, Triphala, Mint, Rose). Apple jam, apple chutney, amla chutney and papaya jam are also being liked by the people. About 70 products including marmalade and organic spices are prepared here.
There is a special demand for juices of hill products in summers, while in winters the demand for ginger, garlic and mango pickles is highest. It is noteworthy that women are now being empowered through this initiative funded by the Rural Development Department.
Recognition at local and national level
These products, sold under the name of Jaunsar Fresh, are manufactured by women from Chakrata, Kalsi and Vikasnagar. These products are supplied to other parts of Uttarakhand as well as neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The objective of the federation is to create recognition for these products not only at the local level but across the country.
To give economic independence to women, they are given special training in areas like product manufacturing, packaging, marketing and sales. This has not only increased their productivity but also given them confidence. Many women, who were earlier confined to the four walls of their homes, are now emerging as successful entrepreneurs.
New identity of strong women
Today this initiative has become a ray of hope for women. The women associated with these groups are now not only strengthening the economic condition of their families but are also inspiring other women of the village. Initiatives like Doon Handloom and Surya SHG Federation prove that if given the right guidance and opportunities, rural women can also reach the heights of self-reliance and success. This initiative has become a symbol of positive change in the society.
Tags: Dehradun news, Local18, News18 UP Uttarakhand
FIRST PUBLISHED : November 27, 2024, 1:12 PM IST
