One of our key initiatives is a centre that aims to support women in need. From emotional support to economic rehabilitation, we are helping women begin a new chapter in their lives.

At our women’s centre, Gauravi, we focus on skill development with women entering into a 6-month paid training program. We teach them the skills and train them to create high-quality products without having any prerequisites to join our training program. Our sewing and production management training provides many women with a means to find dignified work they otherwise wouldn't have access to.

Each Trainee has their own story of hardship, and their choices are limited. Thus, access to paid training and a consistent income can be transformative for them.

Our training program is as follows:

• 1. The first week is primarily an orientation, focused on getting comfortable with the facility, understanding the sewing machines and learning safety guidelines. The women then learn to operate and maintain the machines, starting with the single needle and straight stitching. With each step, we make sure the women are comfortable before moving on.
• 2. In the second week, they move on to sewing on fabric with variations of the straight stitch.
• 3. The following weeks, they choose which methods they are interested in, ranging from embroidery to block printing.
• 4. They learn to construct products and, in the following weeks, refine their efforts.

As the women complete their training and begin to produce goods, we increase their pay. We work daily to create a truly supportive and inviting workplace with women working 5 hours per day in a comfortable environment.

Our reach isn't limited to only the workplace; we are often instrumental in supporting our trainees in numerous ways, from their health to ensuring their children's education.

With the COVID-19 crisis, our work is by no means over. We are ensuring that all employees strictly follow health and safety protocols as we ease back into production. Our facilities are cleaned and sanitized at the end of every day, and our trainees follow social distancing protocols. We've prioritized the need for employees to take proper safety precautions at home and outside of work and are fully vaccinated.

We encourage our trainees to pursue health, prosperity, and dreams.