Rotary District 3232 Launches Empowered Women Programme to Provide Vocational Training

Chennai: Rotary District 3232 has launched its ‘Empowered Women Programme’, an initiative aimed at providing practical, income-generating skills to between 1,000 and 5,000 young girls and women.

The programme focuses on vocational training intended to support financial independence and self-reliance among women.

The inauguration was attended by District Governor Rtn. Suresh Jain and C.K. Kumaravel, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Naturals Salon, as chief guests. District officials, Rotarians, Rotaractors, faculty members, students and other guests also participated.

Welcoming the gathering, Rtn. Ajitha Balan, District Chair for Empowered Women, said the initiative seeks to help women use their time and skills to create livelihood opportunities that can contribute to their families and communities.

Six Skill Development Projects

The programme has introduced six vocational training projects:

• Artificial flower making: Training in making foam-sheet Jasmine buds and flowers, along with Pitchi, Jathi, Malli and other decorative floral products.
• Artificial jewellery making: Training focused on handcrafted fashion jewellery and micro-entrepreneurship.
• Tanjore art on blouses: Combining traditional South Indian art with contemporary garment designs.
• Reusable cloth menstrual pad making: Training related to reusable menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities.
• Beautician training: Conducted in association with Naturals, covering grooming and beauty therapy skills.
• Housekeeping and hospitality training: Preparing women for employment opportunities in the service sector.

Initiative Inspired by Artificial Flower Making

According to the organisers, the programme was inspired by Rtn. Ajitha Balan’s personal experience of learning artificial flower making as a hobby. She had developed techniques for making durable, washable and waterproof Jasmine buds and blossoms using foam sheets.

She subsequently trained her staff members, Suseela and Lavanya, enabling them to earn additional income alongside their regular work. This experience led to the idea of extending similar training opportunities to underprivileged women across Chennai, with longer-term plans for international export.

The programme highlighted that some of the skills can potentially enable women to earn income from home by spending around two to three hours a day with minimal investment.

Partnership with Naturals

Speaking about the partnership with Naturals, C.K. Kumaravel outlined collaborative opportunities and training programmes being introduced through the association.

The organisers said the broader objective of the initiative is to strengthen women’s economic participation and, in turn, support families through improved livelihood opportunities.

The launch also acknowledged the contribution of trainers, venue partners, volunteers, committee members, educational institutions, Rotarians and Rotaractors involved in the programme.