The Girl Power Project strives to encourage women in entrepreneurship while also raising awareness about gender mainstreaming. Financed by the European Union, this endeavor aims to nurture a thousand women entrepreneurs out of five thousand beneficiaries, from ten districts of Jharkhand. The project’s vision transcends mere entrepreneurial development; it strives to empower women through education and economic self-sufficiency, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goal of supporting government initiatives aimed at gender mainstreaming, which would usher in a brighter, more inclusive future, is essential to its success.
The Girl Power Project is designed to make a significant impact on the lives of women residing in the diverse and culturally rich landscapes of Jharkhand. Its scope encompasses comprehensive training, skill enhancement, and mentorship programs for the beneficiaries, enabling them to emerge as successful entrepreneurs. The project has been strategically designed to reach women across ten districts, identifying areas that require support and focusing on underprivileged communities. The programme cultivates an atmosphere of empowerment and solidarity among these prospective entrepreneurs while also fostering economic growth by enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of women and improving their market access.
PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY THROUGH FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
♦ Skill Development: One of the fundamental pillars of the Girl Power Project is skill development. The initiative recognises the untapped potential within rural women and focuses on improving their skills, enabling them to venture into entrepreneurship. Through targeted training programmes, these women are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to start and manage their businesses effectively.
♦ Fostering Entrepreneurship: By nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit among rural women, the Girl Power Project encourages them to explore various business opportunities. This fosters economic independence and self-sufficiency, gradually breaking the chains of financial dependence. Through mentorship and guidance, the project instills confidence, paving the way for these women to become successful entrepreneurs.
♦ Market Linkage for Product Promotion: A significant aspect of the Girl Power Project is creating sustainable markets for products crafted by these empowered women. The project works towards establishing market linkages, connecting these skilled artisans with consumers and retailers. By promoting their products in local and broader markets, the project provides a platform for these women to showcase their talents and creations.
♦ Financial Inclusion and Support: Financial inclusion plays a crucial role in empowering women to become successful entrepreneurs. The Girl Power Project facilitates access to loans, grants, and financial support through existing schemes such as NABARD, ensuring these women have the necessary capital to start and grow their businesses. Financial empowerment breaks traditional gender barriers, encouraging economic participation on an equal footing.
♦ Awareness and Gender Sensitisation: Beyond economic empowerment, the Girl Power Project engages in marketing shows and events for gender sensitization within rural communities. These endeavors aim to challenge gender stereotypes and promote a culture of respect and equality. By engaging both women and men in these events, the project strives to create an inclusive society where gender parity is the norm.
By training and supporting women in rural Jharkhand, the Girl Power Project initiative is not only fostering economic independence but also challenging societal norms. Through market linkages, financial support, and awareness campaigns, the project is actively contributing to a more genderinclusive society where women can thrive as successful entrepreneurs, ultimately breaking the cycle of inequality. Initiatives such as this one, are having a significant impact in our society. This project, which aims to empower women and advance gender mainstreaming, focuses heavily on developing skill sets and raising public knowledge of government initiatives. By doing so, it significantly contributes to community transformation and the promotion of an inclusive society.
The Girl Power Project plays a crucial role in disseminating information about various schemes designed to uplift women and promote gender equality. This includes schemes related to education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and more. Some notable government schemes focused on promoting women entrepreneurship are
♦ Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): It offers three categories of loans. Shishu (up to 50,000), Kishor (50,001 to 5 lakhs) and Tarun (5,00,001 to 10 lakhs) to meet different business needs.
♦ Stand Up India Scheme: This initiative encourages women entrepreneurs and individuals from marginalized communities to venture into entrepreneurship by providing bank loans ranging from 10 lakhs to 1 crore for Greenfield enterprises in the manufacturing, trading, or service sectors.
♦ Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY): This scheme supports women entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance and training for coirrelated businesses. It encourages the active participation of women in coir production and entrepreneurship.
Gender mainstreaming is a fundamental aspect of the Girl Power Project. By integrating a gender perspective into all policies and programmes, the initiative aims to create an environment where the needs and aspirations of both genders are considered and addressed equitably. This approach fosters inclusive growth and development, where the unique challenges and strengths of women are acknowledged and supported. Through sensitization workshops and community dialogues, the project promotes conversations around gender roles, stereotypes, and biases. It encourages a shift towards a more egalitarian society where women are recognized for their capabilities and given equal opportunities. In conclusion, the Girl Power Project promotes progress in the journey towards a more genderinclusive society. Through skill-building activities, awareness about government schemes, and the promotion of gender mainstreaming, it empowers women to break free from traditional norms and carve a path of success and equality.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
One thousand women are anticipated to become successful business owners by the project’s conclusion. This achievement would signify not only their empowerment but also a substantial contribution to economic development. The project aims to enhance the beneficiaries’ skills, self-confidence, and decision-making abilities, providing a foundation for sustainable businesses. Moreover, the Girl Power Project endeavors to strengthen the societal fabric by instilling a sense of unity among the women beneficiaries. This unity will foster collaboration and support networks, promote knowledge sharing and collective growth. Additionally, through increased awareness and engagement with government schemes, the project aims to ensure that the beneficiaries make optimal use of the support available to them, further enhancing their chances of success. The project’s objectives essentially include an elevated community led by empowered women who have realised their capacity to improve not only their own lives but also society as a whole. In its development and preparation for a more fair and successful future, the project stands as a testament to the power of cooperation, tenacity, and unwavering belief in the potential of women.