Tailoring Training for Rural & Tribal Women
To address the economic vulnerability of women from tribal and low-income households, BGM Foundation introduced a tailoring and stitching training program in collaboration with Govardhan Skill Centre. The initiative focused on equipping 25 women with foundational tailoring skills that would enable them to generate income from home.
Spanning 60 days, the program combined theoretical instruction with practical hands-on sessions in garment cutting, blouse stitching, basic alterations, and local ethnic designs. Flexible morning and evening sessions were designed to accommodate participants’ household schedules.
The outcomes were encouraging. Within one month of completion, 12 women had started offering tailoring services from their homes, while 3 others joined local tailoring units. A WhatsApp group was formed to share orders, coordinate pricing, and foster peer support. Participants reported increased financial contribution to their families and a significant boost in self-esteem.
The project is being scaled up through continued mentoring, SHG formation, and connections with garment retailers for subcontracting work. Future steps include refresher courses in embroidery and bag making, exposure to local craft exhibitions, and linking participants to digital platforms for product sales. Tailoring has thus proven to be a viable and empowering livelihood pathway for rural women in the region.-