AM/NS India is providing free training in various vocational courses to women residing in villages in the vicinity of its steel plant at Hazira.
Hazira-Surat: Steel major ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) is promoting women empowerment in a big way by helping hundreds of women in villages surrounding its plant at Hazira, Surat, become self-sufficient.
As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, AM/NS India has established Lok Vikas Kendras or Skill Development Centres at Hazira, Rajgiri, Junagam, Damka, Mora, and Bhatlai villages in the vicinity of its 9 million tonnes per annum steel plant at Hazira.
Women and girls living in these villages are provided free of cost training in tailoring and other vocational courses such as computer training, makeup, embroidery, and baking at the Lok Vikas Kendras. The initiative has allowed them to stand on their own feet.
“The initiative has been a big success. More than 1,100 women and girls have benefitted from it in the last year. The training has allowed the beneficiaries, many of who are school dropouts, to develop their skills in the vocation of their choice and become financially independent and empowered. The initiative aims to empower more than 5000 women in a year. CSR works are meant to promote collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable development, and this initiative of AM/NS India truly captures the essence of CSR. We are committed to continuing to support the local communities in various developmental initiatives,” said Dr. Vikas Yadvendu, Head – CSR, AM/NS India.
The initiative has opened new opportunities for the beneficiaries, many of who are now providing for themselves and their families, or contributing an additional income to the household, allowing them to take control of their lives.
In addition to the vocational training, awareness sessions and seminars on a range of topics, including pre-marital issues, dowry, micro insurance, role of family counselling centres, child marriage, domestic violence, positive thinking, human rights, education, and others, are also conducted at the Lok Vikas Kendras for the beneficiaries.
