How Did Adani Electricity and Adani Foundation's Swateja Mart Initiative Empower Women Entrepreneurs?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Successful sales of Rs 2.7 Lakh during the Maha Mela.
- Empowered over 4,500 women entrepreneurs.
- Initiative part of the Project ‘Swabhimaan’.
- Comprehensive training provided in food safety and hygiene.
- Significant credit linkages facilitated for women’s self-help groups.
Mumbai, Oct 13 (NationPress) Adani Electricity, in collaboration with the Adani Foundation, proudly announced the remarkable success of its Swateja Mart initiative, which facilitated sales totaling Rs 2.7 Lakh during its week-long outreach event, 'Maha Mela'.
The Maha Mela, conducted from September 21 to 28, effectively served as a platform for women belonging to Entrepreneurial Self-Help Groups (ESHGs) to display and sell their handcrafted and homemade products at various Adani Electricity offices and governmental venues.
This week-long event achieved commendable results, generating a total of Rs 2,70,000 in sales across multiple sites, including Adani Electricity offices, Mantralaya, World Trade Centre, and T2 (Mumbai Airport).
The success of this initiative not only enhanced the financial status of the participating women but also bolstered their confidence, paving the way for greater self-reliance.
This initiative is part of the Project ‘Swabhimaan’ programme, a collaborative effort between Adani Electricity, Adani Foundation, MAVIM (Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal), and BMC, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs.
“Swateja Mart is a reflection of our dedication to sustainable community development,” remarked a spokesperson from Adani Electricity.
“Through our 'Swabhimaan' project, we are creating not just a marketplace; we are nurturing an ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and self-reliance among women from disadvantaged backgrounds. We believe this initiative will greatly improve their livelihoods and overall well-being,” the spokesperson continued.
The Swateja Mart initiative offered a crucial platform for over 4,500 women entrepreneurs associated with ESHGs.
The mart showcased 20 stalls featuring a variety of products, from traditional handicrafts to organic and homemade items, along with a cloud kitchen facility that provided professional culinary infrastructure for aspiring food entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, to maintain high standards, over 60 ESHG members underwent thorough training in food preparation, hygiene, and safety from the Indian Hotel Management (IHM) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Since its inception in 2022, Project ‘Swabhimaan’, the flagship initiative for women's empowerment and livelihood generation by Adani Electricity and the Adani Foundation, has made significant progress.
The programme provides an Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for women from underprivileged communities in Malad-Malwani, Mira Road, and Bhayandar, offering training, financial literacy, business plan development, and upskilling opportunities.
To date, the project has facilitated credit linkages totaling Rs 4,81,84,000 for 171 women’s self-help groups, benefiting 1,224 ESHG members.
As a result, over 500 women now own their businesses, with participants experiencing an average income increase of 29 percent.
“Since 1996, the Adani Foundation has been committed to strategic social investments that yield sustainable results throughout India. Project 'Swabhimaan' embodies our vision of empowering individuals and communities by equipping them with the skills, resources, and support necessary to launch and grow their enterprises,” stated a spokesperson from the Adani Foundation, emphasizing the program's long-term vision.
“Swateja Mart is a direct outcome of this commitment, offering a tangible pathway for these women to achieve 'Lakhpati Didi' status and establish self-sustaining businesses,” the spokesperson concluded.