NAGALAND: Skill development for rural women through MSM launched

July 23, 2024 12 Views No Comment

200 women to be trained in tailoring and baking

Morung Express News
Kohima | July 23

With the core objective to provide skill training opportunities to rural women, the Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has set up the Mobile Skill Morung (MSM), a mobile skill training van where women can conveniently access training in various skills.

Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse has officially flag off the programme in a programme held at Sechü-Zubza village council hall on July 22.

Speaking at the programme, Kruse viewed that today marks the beginning of a journey that will not only equip the trainees with the skills to create beautiful garments, but which will ultimately become a source of their livelihood.

Minister, Salhoutuonuo Kruse speaking at the flagging off programme of the Mobile Skill Morung at Sechü-Zubza on July 22.

“As trainees, your dedication and passion will be key to your success” said the Minister adding that the trainees are very fortunate that the training programme has been brought to their doorstep to equip and empower them.

While the trainees will learn various techniques over the course of this training under the guidance of the instructor, Kruse however, pointed out that their progress depend on their willingness to work hard and push boundaries. “Take advantage of every resource, ask questions, learn, practice diligently and empower yourselves,” she stated.

She also reminded the trainees that the skills they acquire here will not only enable them to create beautiful clothing, but will also empower them through their work. “I am confident that each of you has the potential to make a significant impact, and thereby empowering yourself,” she stated.

Kruse also thanked the ESDE and its Advisor, Moatoshi Longkumer for this initiative of bringing the training to the doorsteps of the rural women in the state.

Transforming lives of rural women
Secretary & Ex-Officio Director ESDE, Kovi Meyase said the basic objective of this programme is to transform the lives of rural women and provide skill training opportunities to those who face challenges in accessing such programmes due to familial responsibilities and geographical constraints.

The Mobile Skill Morung (MSM), a mobile skill training van, he said is an innovative solution to these challenges that will travel to different locations, setting up temporary training centers where women can conveniently access training in various skills.

“This skilling programme represents the Department’s commitment towards inclusion as it embarks on a remarkable journey towards empowering rural women” he stated.

Meyase maintained that this programme is not just about imparting skills, but also about fostering self-reliance, economic empowerment and community development.

“By empowering rural women with market-relevant skills, we are enabling them to enhance their livelihoods, contribute to their household income, and play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of their communities” he added.

ESDE Joint Director, Zubemo Tsanglao informed that the state government taking priority on SDG goals on gender quality has launched the skill development for rural women in tailoring and baking at Kohima on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024.

However, he said it has been postponed owing to the Lok Sabha and Municipal elections in the state. Tsanglao expressed confidence that through this specialised short term skill development training, it will enable the trainees to launch their own self-employed business.

With the flagging off the programme at Sechü-Zubza with 25 trainees from 11 villages under Western Angami for the two-week training programme, the programme is being simultaneously held at Suruhuto, Zunheboto today.

It was also informed that that the two MSMs shall be at Phomching, Mon and Wozhuro, Wokha to provide skilling to the women. During the second phase of the training programme, another 100 women shall be imparted skilling in Baking.

Every woman trained under this programme will receive a basic start-up toolkit, enabling them to commence livelihood activities immediately upon completion of their training to help the trainees’ transition from training to income generation.

With Skill Alli as its training partner, it was informed that the training partner shall support in exploring self employment ventures to ensure the long-term impact of this programme to ensure sustainability.