VADODARA (India CSR): In a significant step towards fostering women’s empowerment and economic independence, Sun Pharma, India’s largest pharmaceutical company, has launched an Entrepreneurship Development Program in collaboration with Udyogwardhini Shikshan Sanstha, an NGO dedicated to entrepreneurship training. This initiative aims to equip women from low-income backgrounds with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to establish successful small enterprises.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
The pilot project targets 100 women in Vadodara and features a six-week intensive training program that combines:
- Classroom Sessions: Covering foundational business concepts.
- Industry Visits: Providing exposure to real-world business operations.
- Hands-on Experience: Practical exercises to build confidence in business management.
Through this comprehensive approach, participants will learn how to develop a business mindset, conduct market surveys, draft effective business plans, and access crucial market and financial linkages.
Building a Foundation for Success
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Chandrashekhar Gowda, AVP and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Sun Pharma, stated:
“At Sun Pharma, we believe that business and responsibility go hand-in-hand. By investing in women from underserved communities, we aim to create livelihood opportunities that build resilient families and foster self-reliance. This is a pilot project, and we plan to scale it up based on its outcomes.”
The program focuses on technical trades such as:
- Garment and Industrial Apparel Making: Equipping women with skills to produce market-ready apparel.
- Food Processing: Training in hygienic preparation and packaging of food products.
- Delivery Services: Preparing participants for entrepreneurial roles in food and parcel delivery.
A Holistic Support System
One of the standout features of this initiative is its post-training support system. Each participant will receive one year of mentorship and guidance to ensure the sustainability and growth of their businesses. This ongoing support helps women overcome challenges they may face while setting up and scaling their enterprises.
Seema Desai, a program participant, shared her excitement:
“This initiative is a life-changing opportunity. I’ve always wanted to start a food delivery business, and now I have the tools and confidence to do so.”
Driving Social Impact with Strong Partnerships
The partnership with Udyogwardhini Shikshan Sanstha further strengthens Sun Pharma’s commitment to sustainable social impact. Dr. Ramesh Patil, Director of Udyogwardhini, remarked:
“We are proud to collaborate with Sun Pharma to empower women entrepreneurs. By combining our expertise in training with Sun Pharma’s commitment to CSR, we are creating a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Table: Key Highlights of the Entrepreneurship Development Program
| Program Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Beneficiaries | 100 women from low-income backgrounds |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Key Trades Covered | Garment making, food processing, delivery services |
| Post-Training Support | 1-year mentorship and handholding |
| Program Partners | Sun Pharma, Udyogwardhini Shikshan Sanstha |
Paving the Way for Self-Reliance
By launching this program, Sun Pharma reinforces its dedication to holistic community development. The initiative not only empowers women to become financially independent but also contributes to strengthening the local economy. The success of this pilot project could pave the way for its expansion to other regions, amplifying its impact.
You might be wondering, “What can I do to support initiatives like this?” Sharing stories of empowerment can help inspire more companies and organizations to invest in community-driven programs.
(India CSR)
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