In many parts of rural Visakhapatnam, women and girls with disabilities continue to face barriers that limit their access to education, employment, and self-sufficiency. Recognizing this, Care and Love Foundation has launched the EmpowerHer Skills Project, a comprehensive livelihood and vocational training program designed to transform the lives of 200 women and disabled girls from marginalized communities.
At the Foundation’s residential home, disabled girls have already begun a remarkable journey — crafting handmade soaps, candles, and creative art pieces. These activities have not only nurtured their talents but have also instilled a deep sense of confidence and purpose. Building upon this success, the EmpowerHer Skills Project aims to expand training opportunities to nearby rural areas, equipping more women with employable skills and sustainable income pathways.
This initiative is not just about training — it’s about empowerment, inclusion, and dignity. Through structured vocational programs, digital literacy sessions, and entrepreneurship training, participants will gain the confidence and knowledge needed to lead independent, self-reliant lives.
- 1. Skill Development: Train women and disabled girls in income-generating skills such as soap making, candle making, and tailoring.
- 2. Digital Empowerment: Introduce basic computer and internet literacy to help rural women adapt to the modern digital world.
- 3. Creative Expression: Develop artistic and craft skills through painting and fabric design workshops, encouraging creativity and innovation.
- 4. Market Linkages: Establish sales channels for finished products through local fairs, exhibitions, and online platforms.
- 5. Social Inclusion: Promote dignity, confidence, and equal opportunities for women and girls with disabilities, helping them break cycles of dependence and marginalization.
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Target Beneficiaries:
- 150 rural women from below-poverty-line households
- 50 disabled girls residing at Care and Love Foundation’s home
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Project Location:
- Care and Love Foundation Campus, Visakhapatnam
- Outreach Training Programs in nearby rural villages
| Skill Area | Duration (weeks) | No. of Beneficiaries | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soap & Candle Making | 4 weeks | 60 | Learn to make, package, and sell handmade soaps and candles |
| Stitching & Tailoring | 6 weeks | 40 | Create garments, eco-friendly bags, and reusable pads |
| Basic Computer Training | 8 weeks | 50 | Gain digital literacy and use basic office software |
| Canvas & Fabric Painting | 6 weeks | 30 | Produce saleable artwork and decorative crafts |
| Entrepreneurship & Marketing | 2 weeks | 20 | Learn branding, pricing, and marketing strategies |
12 Months (January 2026 – December 2026)
| Category | Before Project | After Project |
|---|---|---|
| Women with no income source | 200 | 0 |
| Women earning from home-based work | 0 | 150 |
| Disabled girls making soaps and handmade items | 0 | 50 |
| Households gaining additional income | 0 | 150 |
| Community awareness programs conducted | 0 | 12 |
By the end of one year, 200 women and girls will gain the tools, skills, and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods — reducing economic vulnerability and increasing self-worth across rural communities.
Phase 1 – Setup (Month 1–2)
Procurement of training equipment, raw materials, computers, and setup of classrooms. Trainers and resource persons will be onboarded.
Phase 2 – Training (Month 3–10)
Multiple batches will undergo hands-on training in soap making, tailoring, and digital literacy. Continuous monitoring will ensure every participant gains practical skills.
Phase 3 – Exhibition & Product Sales
(Month 11–12)
Final products such as soaps, candles, and crafts will be showcased at local fairs and online stores, allowing participants to experience real-world entrepreneurship.
| Expense Head | Amount (INR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure & Setup (training halls, furniture, utilities) | ₹10,00,000 | $11,875 |
| Training Materials & Raw Supplies | ₹15,00,000 | $17,813 |
| Computers & IT Equipment | ₹12,00,000 | $14,250 |
| Trainers’ Honorarium (6 part-time trainers for 1 year) | ₹18,00,000 | $21,375 |
| Stipends for Trainees (for travel and meals) | ₹8,00,000 | $9,500 |
| Marketing & Exhibition | ₹5,00,000 | $5,938 |
| Administrative & Maintenance Costs | ₹7,00,000 | $8,313 |
| Total Project Cost | ₹80,00,000 | ≈ $95,000 |
Sustainability Plan
- Establish permanent soap and candle production units managed by trained women and disabled girls.
- Launch a social enterprise brand under the Care and Love Foundation to sell handmade products locally and online.
- Provide continuous mentorship and advanced training, encouraging successful trainees to become future trainers.
- Build long-term partnerships with corporate CSR programs and local markets for sustained product sales and visibility.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Monthly tracking of training progress and attendance.
- Quarterly financial and impact review.
- Annual exhibition and sales report to showcase progress and impact.
Expected Outcomes Summary
- 200 women and disabled girls trained in sustainable livelihood skills
- 50 disabled girls actively producing soaps and crafts
- 150 rural women starting home-based micro-enterprises
- 12 awareness and community inclusion programs conducted
- Long-term income generation model established in rural Visakhapatnam
Conclusion
- The EmpowerHer Skills Project represents more than vocational training — it’s a movement towards inclusive growth, financial independence, and self-dignity. By equipping rural women and disabled girls with tangible skills, Care and Love Foundation envisions a future where every woman has the opportunity to earn, express, and lead a confident life.
- Your partnership and support can help scale this mission — enabling hundreds of women to transform not just their own lives, but their families and communities too.
- Together, let’s build a world where every woman is empowered to create, earn, and inspire.
