AM/NS India's "Aajeevika" Initiative to Empower Women

By: WE Staff | Friday, 18 February 2022

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has initiated skill development programmes at Paradeep as part of its Aajeevika project to empower women in its region of operation and offer economic prospects. It has established a Lok Vikas Kendra (LVK), a resource training and skill development centre in Paradeep, to provide tailoring, terracotta and soft toy production, and beauty therapy training.

Women from the local neighborhood are also receiving instruction in Badi manufacturing, mushroom and vegetable farming, and phenyl production as part of the initiative. Aside from vocational training, the Lok Vikas Kendra also holds awareness workshops and seminars for the beneficiaries on issues like as microinsurance, family counselling, child marriage, domestic abuse, positive thinking, education, and so on.

The Lok Vikas Kendra (LVK) has been instrumental in helping women change their lives. This training programme has already benefitted more than 1500 women. Several of the taught ladies have begun mushroom and vegetable gardening and have set up food processing units. This has enabled them to become self-sufficient while also providing money for their families. By supporting market connections and value chain development for the products generated by the communities, AMNS India wants to take a long-term approach to such efforts.

According to Dr. Vikas Yadvendu, Head, CSR, AM/NS India, “This is just a beginning, we will continue to grow along with community and bring best practices and innovative solutions for socio – economic development of the communities where we operate”.

At the 8th Greentech CSR summit 2021 in Mahabalipuram, Chennai, AM/NS India was awarded the Greentech CSR Award 2021 for its outstanding achievement in the field of "Gender Equality and Women Empowerment."