The trained women will be organised under Working Groups and will be assisted in terms of seamless access to the market and a perennial order pipeline so that they become self-reliant
Kalakudi and Kuruchikulam Villages, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu (India CSR): Zareena (name changed) a native of Kuruchikulam Village in Tamil Nadu was sexually abused when she was 17. She was forced to marry her already married tormentor eleven years elder than her.
A compulsive alcoholic that the man was, he never permitted Zareena to work outside the home premises, nor did he ever meaningfully contribute towards the household expenses. Physical and psychological abuse continued.
Zareena rolled Beedis at her home which fetched her a measly amount of Rs. 2000 per month barely keeping her and the two sons afloat. Sometimes Zareena’s cousin also extended monetary support to her. Much of what Zareena’s husband Maqbool earned, he recklessly splurged on alcohol and cigarette.
Result – Maqbool recently died of cancer at the age of 51. Battered by the body but not failed in will, Zareena stands resolute about tying up the loose ends reshaping her life and that of her sons. Assisting her in doing this is the CSR Pilot Intervention by Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited towards Women and Child Empowerment which is currently underway at Kalakudi and Kuruchikulam villages in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. The Intervention was formally launched in the first week of July 2022.
As an immediate relief, Zareena has been appointed as an office maintenance staff by the CSR Pilot Intervention Implementation Team. Both her sons are also enrolled in after-school assistive education classes that are being conducted daily under the CSR Intervention to bridge the learning gaps. Zareena and other women are also being regularly sensitised about their rights and social welfare entitlements under the CSR Intervention of Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited.
As soon as the mourning period gets over, Zareena will join the Tailoring Classes that are being conducted in her village under the CSR Intervention titled ‘Integrated Development through Empowerment, Advocacy and Livelihood’ in collaboration with Blossom Trust a well-known grassroots civil society organisation of Tamil Nadu committed to realise the true potential of the not so privileged women and children.
Once Zareena is through with her basic tailoring training, the CSR Intervention Implementation Team will arrange for a sewing machine for her through the District Social Welfare Office under the Sathiyavani Muthu Ammaiyar Ninaivu Scheme.
It will be ensured that Zareena can lead a dignified life along with both her children. “We are also in touch with the authorities to facilitate widow pension for Zareena. Since she is the second wife, it surely won’t be an easy task, but we will not give up and do whatever we possibly can in the best interest of Zareena and her two children.” Says, Mercy Annapoorani, Managing Trustee of Blossom Trust.
Notably, the new tailoring coaching centres at both Kalakudi and Kuruchikulam villages were inaugurated exactly a month ago on 03rd August 2022 by Srilekha, Union Chairperson for Manur Taluk which constitutes 43 Panchayats. Ms. Srilekha is the youngest Union Chairperson in the entire state of Tamil Nadu and is very committed to empowering women under her realm of influence.
Professionally qualified teachers at both the tailoring coaching centres are teaching the fundamentals (theory and practical) to the women in two shifts every day (Monday to Saturday). The women learn how to stitch cloth bags, blouses, petticoats, skirts, and dresses, and also create valuable items like door mats from waste cloth among other items.
A garment stitched at the Tailoring Centre on display
The Intervention has a clear vision and strategy for the women who are undergoing tailoring classes. Plans are in place to set up an Entrepreneurial Tailoring Production Unit in the village with the support of several progressive livelihood enhancement schemes being run by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Implementation Team is in regular touch with the relevant Government Stakeholders for ensuring that these plans are fructified. The trained women will be organised under Working Groups and will be assisted in terms of seamless access to the market and a perennial order pipeline so that they become self-reliant. Efforts are also underway to prepare these women for the Tailoring Examination conducted by the Government of Tamil Nadu so that once they become certified tailors their livelihood prospects are further brightened manifold.
As a responsible Indian Corporate, Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited – an avowed Global Player in the field of Credible Carbon Management ascribes equal importance to Planet and People. Upholding its ethos for the Environment and Society, the Company is laying special emphasis that the women who get accredited at the tailoring classes held under its CSR Intervention get connected to Tamil Nadu State Sponsored initiative of stitching Manjapai or Thamboolam Bags i.e. the yellow cloth eco-friendly carry bags that have emerged as a clear alternative to plastic bags. There is a swelling demand for these bags within Tamil Nadu and also from other states amid growing concern about pollution.
Tailoring Class underway in Kuruchikulam Village of Tamil Nadu
Talking about the Livelihood Enhancement Tailoring Classes in Tirunelveli District under the larger CSR Intervention of the Company, Puneet Katyal Chief Executive Officer Viviid Emissions Reductions Universal Private Limited said, “I truly appreciate the efforts that the tailoring trainers and the women are putting in for enhancing their livelihood prospects to lead a self-reliant life full of purpose and dignity.” Particularly talking about Zareena, Mr. Katyal added, “Many women either in this village or other villages of the country where we are undertaking community development initiatives are reeling under similar stigma. It is a gratification of sorts to be able to meaningfully contribute to their well-being and assist them to stitch their fate and craft a promising future.”
Disclaimer: Names have been changed to protect the identities.
