JAMMU: FICCI FLO Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh has successfully created sustainable employment opportunities for over 100 women through a structured skilling-to-employment initiative in collaboration with Nidra.
Under its “Skill to Scale” vertical, headed by Deepti Gandotra and Iruvanthika Chowdhary, the chapter adopted a “Train the Trainer” model to ensure wider outreach and long-term impact. Trainers from 20 Self Help Groups (SHGs) were imparted professional stitching skills. Each trained leader subsequently mentored five to six women within their respective SHGs, expanding the program’s reach to over 100 women at the grassroots level.
Following the successful completion of the training phase, the women have secured permanent employment in collaboration with Nidra, where they are engaged in stitching pillow covers. This initiative ensures a steady and sustainable source of income for the beneficiaries. The structured approach has not only strengthened local SHGs but also established a sustainable production ecosystem that directly links grassroots women with industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Aarti Chowdhary, Chairperson of FICCI FLO JKL, said, “At FICCI FLO JKL, our commitment has always been to ensure that skilling leads to real economic independence. Through this collaboration, we have successfully converted training into assured employment, completing the full circle of empowerment. This initiative reflects our promise and our purpose — to create meaningful, measurable impact in the lives of women.”
Addressing the gathering, Sahil Anand, Managing Director of Nidra, stated, “As responsible entrepreneurs, we believe it is our socio-economic duty to contribute towards the upliftment of women at the grassroots level. We value initiatives that empower women, and this collaboration with FICCI FLO JKL aligns perfectly with that vision. We are pleased to support this initiative and look forward to continuing our association to create more meaningful opportunities.”
Members present at the event included Varuna Anand (National Initiative Head – Partnership & Collaborations), Ruchika Gupta (Immediate Past Chairperson), Varsha Bansal (Senior Vice Chairperson), Rupika Sahai (Vice Chairperson), Sona Mehta (Treasurer), Nandita Bajaj (Secretary), along with Deepti Gandotra and Iruvanthika Chowdhary.
The initiative stands as a reflection of FICCI FLO JKL’s guiding motto, “The Power To Empower.” By transforming skill development into sustainable livelihood opportunities, the chapter has once again demonstrated its unwavering dedication to women’s economic empowerment and grassroots upliftment.
FICCI FLO JKL remains committed to fostering similar partnerships that bridge the gap between training and employment, ensuring long-term and scalable impact for women across the region.
