EDII Empowers Women Artisans of Badarwas Jacket Cluster in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal witnessed a significant initiative aimed at empowering women artisans of Madhya Pradesh’s Badarwas Jacket Cluster through specialized skill training. The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, is providing training to enhance the craftsmanship of women artisans and promote economic development within the cluster.

The Badarwas Jacket Cluster is renowned for its production of ‘Modi Jackets from mill surplus’ and has emerged as a vibrant hub with a strong female workforce engaged in jacket production and related activities. Unlike conventional industrial hubs, this cluster has grown organically, driven by the dedication and hard work of its women artisans. Recognizing the potential of the cluster and the increasing demand for jackets, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, promoted a Producers’ Company under the National Rural Economic Transformation Project, owned and managed by the women artisans of Badarwas.

Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “This initiative by the Ministry of Rural Development goes beyond skill training. It empowers women through the establishment of a Producers Company, owned and managed by them. This significant step transforms them from mere job workers into entrepreneurs and shareholders in their own company, fostering self-reliance and economic independence.”

A training program on ‘quality appreciation,’ salesmanship, and visual merchandising was organized at the EDII Campus for 19 women artisans from the Badarwas Cluster. The program, held from February 13 to 18, 2024, offered participants a platform to enhance their skills and knowledge. The curriculum covered fabric manufacturing intricacies, sales marketing strategies, and brand building essentials.

The practical sessions at the NIFT campus focused on fabric checks, quality parameters, and packaging techniques. This was followed by a two-day training module at the EDII campus, delving into entrepreneurship basics, costing and pricing strategies, sales techniques, resource mobilization, and compliance management.

Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Project Director and Faculty at EDII, emphasized the importance of empowering women artisans with the right skills, stating, “By leveraging the expertise of NIFT, we aim to enhance the skill sets of these women artisans and provide them with the necessary tools to become successful entrepreneurs in the long run.”

The Badarwas Jacket Cluster, located in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, is a testament to the resilience and determination of local women to carve out a sustainable livelihood. Through initiatives like the Hastakala Setu Yojana, EDII is playing a crucial role in empowering women artisans and promoting economic development in rural India.