Social and Development Research & Action Group
Sarthak for Women is a focused initiative that works with migrant women to build skills, enable livelihoods, and promote environmentally responsible practices. Based in peri-urban communities, the programme creates opportunities for women who are willing to work but lack access to skills, resources, and income options.
Through a combination of training, production, and market exposure, Sarthak supports women in moving towards financial independence while encouraging sustainable practices through recycling and reuse.
Objectives
The programme works towards the following:
- To provide skill development opportunities for migrant women
- To enable sustainable livelihood options through income generation
- To promote environmentally responsible practices using recycled materials
- To support the formation of women-led micro-enterprises
- To build confidence and leadership among women
Programme Approach
Sarthak follows a structured and community-based approach:
- Identification and mobilisation of women through outreach and community meetings
- Skill training in stitching and tailoring
- Product development using recycled materials
- Training in basic financial literacy and business skills
- Creating opportunities for product sales through stalls and networks
- Encouraging leadership and ownership among women participants
This approach ensures that women are supported throughout their journey from learning to earning.
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
Launched with 25 migrant women in 2009 at village Nithari, Noida, Sarthak has skilled around 800 women in Noida and in the rural communities of Distict Hapur in U.P. and working effectively towards SDGs –
Sarthak Empowerment Model
Key Activities
1. Skill Development Training
Women are trained in stitching and tailoring through structured batches.
- Training duration: 3 months
- Focus on practical, hands-on learning
- Covers both basic and advanced stitching techniques
Over 120 women have been trained in the last year.
2. Livelihood and Enterprise Development
After completing training, women begin earning through production work.
- Women produce a range of stitched and recycled products
- Work is organised individually and in small groups
- Earnings are linked to production
Some women also move towards starting their own home-based work or small enterprises.
3. Environmental Sustainability
The programme promotes the principles of Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse.
Women create eco-friendly products such as:
- Bags and pouches
- File folders and aprons
- Doormats and household items
- Small accessories and gifting items
More than 800 products have been created using recycled materials, helping reduce waste and plastic use.
4. Capacity Building and Awareness
The programme includes sessions that go beyond technical skills:
- Health and hygiene awareness
- Gender and safety discussions
- Confidence building and communication
These sessions help women become more aware, confident, and active participants in their communities.
5. Women Leadership Development
Women showing initiative are supported to take on leadership roles.
They are encouraged to:
- Mentor new trainees
- Support centre coordination
- Help manage production and activities
- Strengthen participation within the community
This helps build a programme that is increasingly led by women themselves.
Impact
- 120 plus women trained in stitching and tailoring
- 25 plus women engaged in livelihood activities
- 5 women-led groups formed
- 800 plus eco-friendly products created
- Nearly INR 40,000 earned collectively by women
The programme has led to increased confidence, improved financial contribution within households, and greater independence among women.
The Way Forward
Sarthak aims to expand its reach and strengthen its impact by:
- Increasing the number of women engaged in livelihood activities
- Strengthening market linkages and sales opportunities
- Improving product quality and diversification
- Supporting more women to start micro-enterprises
The programme continues to work towards enabling women to build secure, independent, and dignified lives.
Stories from the Field
Sushma: Learning to Earn
Sushma joined Sarthak without any prior skills but with a strong need to support her family. Through training, she learned stitching and began making bags from recycled cloth. Today, she earns regularly and contributes to her household, while also inspiring other women in her community.
Vimla: Building Confidence Step by Step
Vimla was unsure of her ability to learn stitching when she first joined. With regular practice and support, she gained both skill and confidence. She now earns through her work and feels more secure and independent.
Zeenat: Creating Her Own Opportunity
Zeenat used her training at Sarthak to start her own tailoring work from home. She now earns a steady income and supports her children’s education. Her journey reflects how access to skills can open new possibilities.