Women Empowerment >> EDP for Widows
There are 33 million widows all over India -- 8 per cent of the total female population and 50 per cent of the female population over the age of 50. In terms of prevalence of widowhood, India ranks among the highest in the world. The story of the daily deprivations of these 33 million widows is never told, Deprivations that cause mortality rates for widows to be a shocking 85 per cent higher amongst widows, than among married women.
ICECD broke new grounds by implementing a unique project for the economic rehabilitation of more than 23,500 rural widows in the state of Gujarat. The project successfully enabled 90% of these widows to start small businesses/get linked with skilled employment and earn INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 (US $ 200 to 500) per month. This was the first step towards their economic independence.
It not only provided a sustained means of livelihood to them, but their renewed confidence led to a positive shift in their social acceptance and status!
The development intervention by ICECD targeted widows belonging to rural poor families/schedule caste/schedule tribes/Muslim community/ Christians. More than 65% of these widows were illiterate.
The area of special concern was enhancing their competitiveness and developing them as human resources in all spheres, including the economic.
This not only resulted in a better social status of these widows, but they became economically independent and their children got better education. Their standard of life improved.
Defying the general belief that women prefer to venture into only certain industries, the business enterprises established by ICECD trained widows belonged to a variety of industry sectors including manufacturing, service as well as trading.
66% | Manufacturing
> Washing Powder
> Phenyl
> Making of papad/Mathiya/khakhra
> Ready-made garments
> Hosiery
> Cold drinks
> Pot making
> Mouth fresheners
> Bakery items
> Mattresses and blankets
> Food products
> Organic fertilizer
> Fish farming
> Cattle farming
> Broom stick making
18% | Service Sector
> Embroidery
> Beauty parlor
> Telephone booth
> Book binding
> Flower stall
> Goat rearing
> Flour mill
> Buffalo rearing
> Cow rearing
> Poultry
> Grocery shop
> Tiffin service
> Beadwork
> Ironing
> Pedal rickshaw
> Photocopy shop
> Tea stall
16% | Trading
> Hosiery
> Cold drinks
> Cutlery
> Stationery
> Plastic toys
> Confectionery/Chocolates
> Milk products
> Fruits and Vegetables
> Mirror work
> Artificial Jewellery
> C.D & D.V.D.
> Footwear
> Animal feed
> Seasonal products
> Grocery store