Amid Displacement Crisis, Skill Training Initiative Empowers Women Under Shakti Sadan in Kangpokpi

A three-month vocational training programme on tailoring under the Shakti Sadan Project was inaugurated at ICARD Shakti Sadan, Keithelmanbi in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, alongside the distribution of Jan Dhan benefits to project beneficiaries.

More than 20 trainees, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from various relief camps, will undergo three months of tailoring training.

The programme is being implemented by the Institute for Community Action and Resource Development (ICARD) with funding support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. It is aimed at equipping women, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances, with market-oriented skills to enhance their livelihood opportunities.

Significantly, Jan Dhan benefits were distributed to beneficiaries during the event, underscoring the government’s emphasis on financial inclusion and direct benefit transfer mechanisms to support economically weaker sections. The initiative is expected to strengthen access to banking services and provide a financial safety net to participants enrolled under the project.

The Shakti Sadan Project, a flagship intervention under the Ministry, is designed to provide integrated support to women in distress, including those affected by violence, social exclusion, or economic hardship. The project focuses on rehabilitation, skill development, capacity building, and facilitating access to employment opportunities. By combining shelter, counselling, and vocational training, it seeks to enable women to regain dignity, independence, and sustainable livelihoods.

Chairman of Keithelmanbi Village Authority, SM Lhunkhomang, who inaugurated the programme, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in fostering self-reliance among rural women. He noted that skill-based training programmes like tailoring can open avenues for entrepreneurship and income generation at the grassroots level.

The programme began with a welcome song, followed by an opening prayer and keynote address by ICARD President Lian Vaiphei. A short speech was delivered by Ward Member Haopilun Kipgen, while the inaugural address for the training programme was given by SM Lhunkhomang.

The event concluded with a holy message and blessing prayer by Evangelist Haopu Khongsai of the Thadou Baptist Association, Keithelmanbi Baptist Church.

Officials expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly enhance the socio-economic condition of the beneficiaries and contribute to inclusive development in the district. The function ended with a photo session and light refreshments.