Shakthi Sandhai Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Madurai

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 26 October 2026

A marketplace can do more than bring buyers and sellers together; it can also create opportunities for women to build independent livelihoods. Shakthi Sandhai, a women-focused exhibition held on 24 October 2026, brought this vision to life by providing grassroots entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase and sell their products directly to customers.

Key Highlights:

• Women entrepreneurs showcased food, organic products, cosmetics, and eco-friendly goods
• Shakthi Sandhai helps grassroots women reach customers and generate income
• VAPS provides entrepreneurship training, financial counselling and guidance on government schemes

The expo took place at the Mahatma Schools Baba Campus in Surveyor Colony, Madurai, and featured 125 stalls operated by members of Green Fem Producer Company and other women entrepreneurs. The initiative aimed to improve market access, create income opportunities, and strengthen women's economic independence through entrepreneurship.

Green Fem Producer Company, associated with the Voluntary Association for People's Service (VAPS), organised the event in collaboration with Soroptimist International-Madurai and the Mahatma Group of Schools as part of a community-driven women empowerment initiative.

The stalls displayed a diverse range of products, including homemade masalas, millets, value-added food products, organic vegetables and greens, natural and organic cosmetics, honey and biodegradable bags. The exhibition also featured silk cotton pillows made by women associated with Thensudar Pengal Iyakkam, a women's movement supported by Arogya Agam in Aundipatty, Theni district.

Tanoo Singh, IPS, Assistant Superintendent of Police for the Oomachikulam sub-division in Madurai district, attended as the chief guest. She appreciated the organisers for creating a platform that enables women to showcase their products, generate income and work towards financial self-reliance.

R. Elamathi, Director of Green Fem Producer Company, said the initiative began around 18 months ago as Arogya Sandhai. It has since developed into a local marketplace where grassroots women can sell directly to consumers, helping them improve product visibility and strengthen their earning potential.

Premalatha Panneerselvam, founder of the Mahatma Group of Schools, highlighted the importance of providing women with opportunities to expand their businesses and reach customers. Hosting the exhibition on the school campus supported this objective by connecting local entrepreneurs with potential buyers.

S. Arul, Secretary of VAPS, emphasised that appropriate training and guidance play a crucial role in building successful enterprises. VAPS supports aspiring women entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship training, financial counselling and confidence-building programmes. It also provides information about Central and State government subsidies and credit schemes, helping women understand the financial support available to establish and grow their businesses.

Mehroon Ismail, President of Soroptimist International-Madurai, welcomed the gathering, while Anita Rajarajan, the organisation's founder-president, attended the inaugural event alongside its office-bearers and members. Elamathi delivered the vote of thanks.

Shakthi Sandhai demonstrates how collaboration between educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and women's groups can create practical opportunities for small businesses. By combining direct market access with entrepreneurship guidance and financial awareness, the initiative supports women in moving beyond small-scale livelihood activities towards sustainable businesses and greater economic autonomy.