This International Women’s Day, the NML Pakri Barwadih Coal Mining Project celebrates the resilience and progress of rural women who have undergone remarkable transformations through the empowerment initiatives led by the project. Over the past few years, the project has dedicated itself to uplifting the lives of women in the project-affected villages, bringing about positive change that is both empowering and sustainable.
NML Pakri Barwadih Coal Mining Project has taken significant steps to promote women’s empowerment by offering financial support and quality training in various livelihood skills. These initiatives are not just about providing knowledge but also about creating opportunities for women to step into a space where they can support their families, build their confidence, and contribute to their community’s growth.
Among the most impactful training programs offered to the women are:
- *Lac Bangles Making (42 women)*: This traditional craft is helping women not only preserve an important cultural heritage but also generate income, creating a sustainable source of livelihood.
- *Mushroom Cultivation (50 women)*: This practical skill has enabled women to take part in the agricultural economy, growing and selling mushrooms for profit while contributing to food security in their communities.
- *Millets Masala Production (20 women)*: Women have learned the art of producing and selling millets masala, a nutritious and popular food product, which has opened new markets for them.
- *Herbal Soap, Shampoo, Dishwash Liquid, and Phenyl Making (16 women)*: By learning how to produce household products, women are now able to create their own brands and contribute to the local economy, all while ensuring the well-being of their families.
These programs are more than just skill-building opportunities—they are catalysts for economic independence. As a result, the women of project affected villages of Pakri Barwadih are no longer dependent on external sources of income, but are capable of earning their own livelihood. This newfound financial autonomy has led to significant improvements in their quality of life, with women now contributing to the smooth running of their households alongside their husbands.
The Head of Project, Faiz Taiyab, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “We are making various efforts for uplifting the lives of women. Our goal is to ensure that women can earn daily and live their lives with pride. We are committed to empowering women so they can contribute meaningfully to their families and communities. Our efforts are focused on providing them with the tools to build a better future for themselves and the generations to come.”
As these women continue to build upon the skills they’ve gained, they are not only transforming their lives but also inspiring other women to take charge of their futures. The efforts of NML Pakri Barwadih Coal Mining Project stand as a testament to the power of skill-building, financial independence, and community support in fostering lasting change.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate these empowered women of project affected villages of Pakri Barwadih—heroes of their own stories—who, with every step, are breaking barriers and building a future they can be proud of.
