Empowering Odisha's Women Weavers: A New Era of Skill Development

In a significant move to enhance skill development among women weavers, the Odisha government's Mission Shakti department has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Weavers' Service Centre.

The agreement, signed on Tuesday, aims to provide design mentoring, training, and market linkages for weaving-based women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative is expected to help these groups adapt to changing fashion and decor trends, thus reinforcing a sustainable women-led textile ecosystem in Odisha, according to Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida. She highlighted the revitalization of the traditional weaving sector through active SHG participation.

Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Mission Shakti, highlighted the initiative's importance in supporting women involved in weaving and related crafts as a livelihood. She noted that this partnership would offer a conducive environment for design, training, and market-focused innovations for SHG members. Commissioner Handlooms Bikash Kumar added that the collaboration would enhance Odisha's weaving talents' national recognition, contributing to the overall handloom landscape.

This partnership will see the development of unique multi-colour paper designs for apparel and home decor, with expert guidance on aesthetics, finishing, and enterprise readiness. SHG products will also be professionally photographed and digitally catalogued to improve both online and offline visibility, added Kumar.

(With inputs from agencies.)