Imphal, Feb 18: Aiming to empower women with life skills in strife torn Manipur, the Indian Army has initiated a Women Empowerment Program at Phougakchao in Bishnupur district in collaboration with the State Handicraft Department.
The women of Phougakchao and adjoining areas are being given the opportunity to learn and earn through in Comprehensive Training in Handloom Weaving.
Under this unique program, the Indian Army facilitated the collection of handlooms from Narainsena, Nambol and Imphal, and despite the unrest in the region, stores were provisioned for the women of the far flung villages.
The initiative has been well received by the community and as many as 35 women from local villages are actively participating in the program with many more expressing interest to join the program.
To aid the program, Ranjan Wahengam, SDC Kumbi and Pukhrambam Rakeshchand, SDC jointly handed over a cheque of ₹35,000 to the women for fostering their skills.
Rabi of State Handicraft Department supported the initiative and handed over the yarn for the project.
Officials also informed that Manipur State handicraft department will provide a platform for finished products through its outlets.
This collaborative effort of the Indian Army and State Handicraft Department will assist in preserving the traditional handicrafts by creating sustainable and empowering economic opportunities for women in the region.
Indian Army stated that it is committed to contribute in nation building through development in the region despite the challenges posed by the security situation in the region.
