Root Trust, an NGO that has been working for the welfare of financially backward class, organised a workshop to help empower women. It was held at Chintadripet slum on Sunday.
Chennai:
Sunitha Shirley, founder of the NGO, in conversation with DT Next:
What did the workshop focus on?
The primary motive of the workshop was to teach women craft works like paper bag making, jewellery making, etc. They can make these on their own which can be sold and thus be a source of income. We also provided them with equipment to make paper bags as it is the need of the hour to eradicate plastic bags. Around 32 women and 28 children from the slum participated in this workshop.
What was the aim?
When we put resources in a woman’s hands, it is considered the best way to accelerate development and reduce poverty. We, therefore, organised this workshop to boost their self-esteem — providing them with the knowledge we have on craft making. Recently, we have been seeing many women entrepreneurs. We felt that we need to help these women become what they want to be. It is essential to create a safe environment for women and ensure that they have access to resources to thrive and live in safe and resilient communities where their rights are fulfilled and protected.