IRFC, NBCFDC & AIF Team Up to Empower 500 Rural Women in Nuh & Haridwar

By: WE staff | Friday, 21 February 2025

• The "Women Empowerment" project was collaboration between AIF, IRFC, and NBCFDC.
• The project successfully concluded in the aspirational districts of Nuh, Haryana, and Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
• The initiative aimed to empower rural women with sustainable livelihoods and financial independence.

The "Women Empowerment" project, collaboration between the American India Foundation (AIF), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), and National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), has successfully concluded in the aspirational districts of Nuh, Haryana, and Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The initiative aimed to empower rural women with sustainable livelihoods and financial independence.

500 rural women were trained in industrial sewing machine skills, enabling them to become self-employed tailors and micro entrepreneurs. The initiative partnered with MeraBills, a fintech platform, to onboard these women into the formal financial ecosystem. Women can now track transactions, manage customers, and scale their businesses confidently.

Despite India's economic growth, women’s workforce participation has declined, particularly in rural areas. Women contribute only 18% to India's GDP, with barriers like social norms, unpaid care responsibilities, and unsafe workplaces hindering their participation. Research shows if women participated in the workforce at the same rate as men, India’s GDP could rise by 43%. This highlights the urgent need for transformative programs like this initiative.

At the valedictory ceremony in Nuh, Shri Rajan Sehgal, Managing Director of NBCFDC, highlighted the project's profound impact, stating:

"This initiative goes beyond skill-building; it’s about reshaping the future for women in rural India. By combining market-driven training with financial inclusion, we are not only creating livelihoods but also empowering a generation of financially independent women entrepreneurs. This model represents genuine, inclusive economic growth, aligned with the Government of India's vision for 'Make in India' and rural development."

Women in the program have earned INR 25 lakh by producing garments for buyers and local markets. This success boosted their confidence; with an 80% average score gain. Many have also started home-run boutiques, creating jobs in their communities. The model blends skills training with income generation, helping women balance work and caregiving.

At the event, Manisha Tripathi, Regional Director, North, AIF, spoke about the power of female entrepreneurship, stated:

"This project proves that when women in rural India are given the right skills, they innovate, lead, and uplift their communities. Empowering women is key to unlocking India's economic potential. The success in these districts shows our commitment to providing sustainable income and digital opportunities to support rural development."

The event saw participation from government officials, industry leaders, garment manufacturers, state rural livelihood missions, and the families of the empowered women, underscoring a shared commitment to closing economic gaps and promoting sustainable development.

Through this initiative, IRFC, NBCFDC, and AIF are not only creating employment opportunities but also removing barriers, enhancing financial independence, and ensuring that women take a central role in shaping India’s economic future.