India has a population of more than 1.3 billion, yet more than half, still struggle to get a social identity. The most affected among these are women, who strive to make a mark in a predominantly patriarchal society.
Pune is probably one of the few cities that is caring and welcoming when it comes to women or women’s rights.
We spoke to this city based organisation that strives to provide hope for women from economically challenged families situated in socially backward areas.
A joint venture of the Sfurti Mahila Mandal and Pune Municipal Corporation, this organisation works toward making the women self-sufficient.
SMILE (Savitri Marketing Institution for Ladies Empowerment) foundation works towards giving such women an equal status in society and offering them economic stability.
The brainchild of former Mayor and current NCP Member of Parliament Vandana Chavan, SMILE includes a canteen and a store selling handicrafts and food items. It acts as a platform through which women from all sections can sell their products.
“Vandana Tai, being a political figure, used to meet many women across her constituency,” said an active member of SMILE Pune, speaking at the organisation’s store in Lokmanya Nagar.
“It struck her that these women are not getting equal status in their family nor do they have any source of income. Hence, she decided to give them skill training in tailoring, making pickles and more. She used to train these women in her backyard or in community areas.
“And finally, on March 8, 2000 she started the SMILE store in Pune where all the products made by these women or women groups can be sold to the public.
“The foundation works on a no-profit no-loss basis so that the women are directly benefitted,” added the members.
Currently, more than 3,000 women are an active part of the foundation. SMILE encourages women entrepreneurs to stand up for themselves and be recognised for their skills and creativity.
They also pair some of the economically-challenged women with others who have skill and are better off. This helps the former to hone their skills and learn about quality and finish.These women can then sell their array of products through the SMILE stores.
Going beyond the boundaries of making just achar and papad, SMILE stores now also sells products like lady’s bags made of khann and jute, stationery, clay pots, paper photo frames, products with hand painted Madhubani and Warli art, jewelry boxes, children clothing and much more. Importantly, everything is made by women coming from humble family backgrounds.
With clients ranging from the hospitality sector to business conglomerates, SMILE has also been recognised internationally. They also work in close collaboration with SMILE Saheli (2010), Alert and Change Makers that are working towards making Pune better through public participation.
By actively encouraging many women across Pune, the foundation has provided them with a better quality of life, economic up-liftment, self-dependence and confidence to showcase their creativity.
SMILE believes that its strength lies in shared togetherness.
Reach her at loveleen@pune365.com or tweet @KaurKaur18
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