This project airms to empower 50 women start their own business or to enhance their existing business, to supprt our vocational training centre and to cover the cost of wages for the staff members involved.
Challenge
In our society, women are not equally considered and the situation remains as such even after a long time. Women are unable to take part in decesion making int the family. Many studies show that bringing people out of poverty cannot be done through charitable efforts alone. It requires empowering disenfranchised groups to become self-reliant. Lack of resources and education may lead women, in particular, face a range of societal ills that puts them at a distinct disadvantage. For example, alcoholism, low literacy rates, limited employment opportunities, predatory lending and the resulting "debt trap" restrict women from having an expendable income, let alone start small businesses of their own.
Solution
To overcome this issue, Prime Trust initiates this project by providing small grants or loans (free or low interest) to women pursuing small businesses of their own. The awarding of loans and grants will be based on established small businesses or clearly outlined new ideas. Prime Trust already has a fair trade store in Puducherry that sells products that are made by women from our self-help groups. These women have voiced their need for additional funding to expand their businesses. Prime Trust runs a vocational training centre which provides training on tailoring and embrodiary so that women can fiind a job or they can undertake their own job.
Long-Term Impact
With the introduction of micro credit program, women become self-reliant and self-sustaining. It gives them the financial independence that they rightfully deserve. Additionally, there are added opportunities for employment opened. They are also able to meet other small business owners through our Akshaya store meetings. This ability to form networks with other women gives them access to support systems and safety nets that they otherwise would not have within their own families. The vocational centre would provide them employment opportunity.
Resources
http://www.primetrust.orghttps://www.facebook.com/Primetrust.Puducherry/
