How Are Women in Bihar's Sheikhpura Achieving Financial Independence Through Free Beautician Training?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Empowerment through Education: Free beautician training fosters financial independence.
- Real Success Stories: Women like Kanchan and Pinky exemplify the program's impact.
- Support from Government: The initiative is backed by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Access to Financial Support: Women can secure small loans to start their businesses.
- Comprehensive Skill Development: Training includes both technical skills and business management.
Sheikhpura (Bihar), Sep 10 (NationPress) Women in Sheikhpura, Bihar, are shattering societal norms and achieving financial independence through complimentary beautician training offered by Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs). Endorsed by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, these training initiatives are empowering rural women to transform their aspirations into thriving self-employment opportunities.
With the increasing demand for personal grooming and beauty services, numerous women are seizing this chance to launch beauty parlours in both rural and urban settings.
These programs, in collaboration with partner banks, provide women with vital skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient and even access financial support and small loans for starting their enterprises.
Kanchan Devi, a villager from Hussainabad, exemplifies this success. After graduating from the beautician training at RSETI, she secured a loan of Rs 10,000 through the Jeevika group and opened a modest beauty salon in her village.
“We were once struggling financially. My husband earned a meager daily wage as a mason,” she shared with IANS.
“Today, we operate our own business. I’m earning well and have begun hiring others. Our children are attending school, and our lives have improved significantly.”
Another inspiring story is that of Pinky Devi from the urban area, who also gained from RSETI training.
“My husband is a driver, and we previously faced challenges managing our household. However, after completing the beautician course and receiving a small loan, I established my beauty parlour. Now, I can support my family independently,” she informed IANS.
The RSETI initiative aims to offer structured skill development to rural youth, especially those living below the poverty line. These institutes are set up by banks in designated districts and are intended to deliver short-term training along with sustained support and guidance.
Targeting rural youth aged 18 to 45, the initiative encourages them to pursue self-employment or entrepreneurial endeavors. The training encompasses not only domain-specific skills, such as beauty services, but also essential soft skills and business management principles to help them thrive in their ventures.
The RSETI initiative is emerging as a transformative force for rural women, enabling them to gain dignity, financial independence, and the capacity to contribute significantly to their families and communities.