Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

The concept of holistic development is centered on addressing the entire well-being of individuals, particularly women, rather than focusing on just one aspect of their lives. In the case of NISDAR (an organization focusing on women’s empowerment), this approach integrates multiple dimensions of empowerment to create long-term, sustainable change. This means:

1. Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Empowering women with practical skills (e.g., tailoring, computer literacy, carpentry, retail, health or entrepreneurship) equips them to be self-reliant and economically independent. Skill development programs help women gain financial stability and reduce their dependency on others, which is a key aspect of empowerment.

What we have done ?

One of NISDAR’s standout initiatives is its focus on empowering women entrepreneurs, particularly in underprivileged areas. Here’s a deeper dive into this initiative:

Skill Development Programs for Women:

A. Kalol, Gandhinagar, Gujarat (Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (SMO) Course)

Empowering 150 Underprivileged Women in Kalol, Gandhinagar, Gujarat through Industrial Sewing Machine Operator Course

In collaboration with the Apparel, Made-ups, and Home Textiles Sector Skills Council (AMH SSC), NISDAR organized a Skill Development Program for 150 underprivileged women in Kalol, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, during the 2022-23 period. The program focused on training women in the Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (SMO) Course, with the aim of equipping them with both technical and entrepreneurial skills. This initiative not only enhanced their employability, making them eligible for job placements, but also empowered them to become self-reliant and potentially start their own businesses or engage in group activities like Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to develop collectively.

The program was designed to offer a comprehensive skill set. In addition to SMO technical training, participants were also introduced to essential skills such as basic business management, marketing, finance, as well as specific trade skills like handicrafts, tailoring, and small-scale manufacturing. By acquiring this diverse range of skills, the women gained the knowledge and confidence to generate income for themselves and their families, leading to sustainable economic independence and contributing to the economic development of their communities.

B. Gandhidham, Gujarat (Retail Sales Associate Course)

Empowering 150 Underprivileged Women in Gandhidham, Gujarat through Retail Sales Associate Course

NISDAR recently organized a skill development program for 150 underprivileged women in Gandhidham, Gujarat, focused on the Retail Sales Associate Course. This course has now been concluded, and NISDAR is providing ongoing support for placement assistance. Given the rapid growth of the retail sector and the expansion of mall culture, this industry presents a promising opportunity for trained retail operators to secure employment.

Course Details and Impact

This program aimed to provide women with both technical and entrepreneurial skills that would not only qualify them for placement opportunities in the retail sector but also empower them to become self-reliant. The program also encouraged participants to explore opportunities in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fostering group-based development and mutual support.

In addition to Retail Sales Associate training, the program offered a wide range of complementary skills, including basic business management, marketing, finance, and specific trade skills. These diverse skills enable participants to explore various income-generating opportunities, whether through employment or entrepreneurship. By equipping them with both technical expertise and entrepreneurial know-how, the program aims to help women achieve financial independence, improve their quality of life, and contribute to the economic upliftment of their families and communities.

C. Tarapur, Maharashtra( Self-Employed Tailor (SET) Course

Empowering 150 Underprivileged Women in Tarapur, Maharashtra through Self-Employed Tailor (SET) Course

NISDAR recently organized a Self-Employed Tailor (SET) course for 150 underprivileged women in Tarapur, Maharashtra. The program has concluded, and post-training support for placement assistance is currently underway. This initiative aligns with the growth of the retail sector and the expanding mall culture, which presents excellent opportunities for employment for trained individuals in the industry.

Project Overview

Effectiveness of SET Course: Research highlights the significant impact of the Self-Employed Tailor (SET) course for rural and semi-urban women, helping them gain crucial skills for self-sustenance and employment.
Skilling Proposal: NISDAR has skilled 150 women in Tarapur through the industry-aligned SET course, in collaboration with EKC. This initiative aims to contribute to the region’s development while aligning with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Project Duration: The training program lasted for 4 months, conducted by SSS-certified, experienced trainers, delivering instruction in the local language for greater impact.
Post-Training Support: NISDAR will continue to provide placement support to ensure that women are successfully integrated into the workforce, improving their family income and supporting the development of the community.

Impact & Benefits

Economic Empowerment: The program equips women with the skills to either secure employment or start their own businesses, thereby increasing their financial independence.
Social Upliftment: The training boosts women’s confidence, self-esteem, and social status, enhancing their role within their communities.
Skilled Workforce: A skilled pool of women is created to meet local industry demands, contributing to the economic growth of the region.
Alignment with ESG & SDGs: The project is aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, promoting poverty reduction, gender equality, and economic growth, contributing to sustainable development.

D. Taloja, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra (Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (SMO) Course)

Empowering 150 Underprivileged Women in Taloja, Navi Mumbai through Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (SMO) Course

NISDAR is currently running a skill development program for 150 underprivileged women in Taloja, Navi Mumbai, focused on the Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (SMO) course. The program is in full swing, with women from diverse backgrounds participating in the training. Upon completion, a seasoned fashion designer will provide additional insights into the fashion industry, boosting the women’s confidence and preparing them for either placement opportunities or self-employment through individual enterprises or Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

This program combines both technical and entrepreneurial skills in SMO, ensuring that the participants are not only eligible for job placements but also capable of becoming self-reliant and pursuing their own businesses. In addition to the core training in SMO, the program includes valuable lessons in business management, marketing, finance, as well as specific trade skills like handicrafts, tailoring, and small-scale manufacturing. These additional skills empower women to generate income for themselves and their families.

Key Program Benefits

Gain practical, industry-relevant skills in SMO.
Increase employability with free certification.
Receive job placement support for a successful career.
Creating Udyog Adhar for easy processing of financial support
Helping to start their own enterprise
Support women’s empowerment through skill development, boosting confidence and financial independence.

By equipping these women with comprehensive skills, this initiative aims to transform their lives, helping them contribute to their communities and achieve long-term success.

Promoting Sustainable Development through Women Entrepreneurship

The ultimate goal of NISDAR’s initiatives is to foster sustainable development by empowering women. As women establish their own businesses, they not only achieve financial independence but also drive the economic growth of their communities. This is especially significant in rural and marginalized areas, where women are often the key catalysts of change.

Empowering women entrepreneurs leads to:

Job creation, boosting local economies.
A transformative shift in the community’s perception of women’s roles in society.

By equipping these women with comprehensive skills, this initiative aims to transform their lives, helping them contribute to their communities and achieve long-term success.

Creation of Udyog Aadhaar

A unique aspect of this program is helping women register their businesses with Udyog Aadhaar, a government registration for small-scale industries. This formalizes their businesses, granting access to government benefits, financial support, and other business incentives.

By guiding women through the Udyog Aadhaar process, NISDAR ensures their businesses are legally recognized, making it easier to access essential resources for growth. This step is vital in removing barriers for women to enter the formal business sector and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Long-Term Empowerment

The empowerment of women entrepreneurs goes beyond individual success; it helps break the cycle of poverty for entire families and communities. Women who run businesses often reinvest their earnings into their families, improving education, healthcare, and social welfare.

In the long run, NISDAR’s support creates a positive feedback loop, where more women are inspired to pursue entrepreneurship, amplifying the societal impact.

Community Building

Empowerment extends beyond individual growth to the creation of strong, supportive communities. NISDAR’s community-building efforts include leadership training, encouraging local governance participation, and establishing support groups where women can share resources, advice, and encouragement. By strengthening community bonds, women gain the confidence and capability to address collective challenges.

When these elements work together, the result is more than just individual empowerment—it fosters the collective upliftment of communities, where women play an active role in social, economic, and cultural development.