EMPOWERING WOMEN

EMPOWERING WOMEN

Agriculture training key to empowering women

Vocational training in agriculture is an important step towards empowerment of large sections of women in the State, according to a study conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Thrissur.The study, conducted by Rinchui Raman of Manipur, a final year student at the College of Cooperation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, revealed that the trainees derived significant benefits and floated women’s self-help groups. They are earning steady incomes.Rinchui Raman gathered data from members of two self-help groups, Haritha Sree and Udyan Sree, attached to KVK. The groups are partners of a vegetable seed production programme of KVK after attending a six-month vocational training for skill development in seed production and nursery management.

According to Ranjan S. Karippai, KVK head, the study used a standardised women empowerment index to measure its levels and revealed that the women were involved in income generating activities.They had better self-esteem, more participation in household decision-making and control over resources.There was improvement in economic factors such as accessibility to credit, household income, acquisition of assets and an increase in savings, noted the study.Women’s empowerment brought about changes in their mobility pattern, social interactions and change in labour patterns. Most of them have chit-funds savings and some have bought two wheelers.The statistical analyses indicated improvements in various aspects of household living conditions after formation of SHGs.A study has revealed that women who attended vocational training in agriculture derived significant benefits and floated self-help groups.

Prof. John Kurakar