A flag off program on skill development for rural women through Mobile Skill Morung (MSM) was held at the Village Council hall, Sechü Zubza on July 22. This was organised by Department of Employment, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship.
Minister, Women Resource Development &
Horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse highlighted that the initiative marks the beginning of a journey that will not only equip the women with the skills to create beautiful garments but which will ultimately become a source of their livelihood. Kruse advised the trainees that their dedication and passion will be key to their success and that they are very fortunate wherein the training has been brought to their doorsteps to equip and empower them.
Over the course of the training, the Minister expressed hope that they will be upskilled on various techniques. “Progress depends on your willingness to work hard and push your boundaries,$ said Kruse who encouraged the trainees to take advantage of every resource, ask questions, learn and practice diligently.
She further urged them to keep in mind that the skills they acquired in the training will not only enable them to create beautiful clothing but will also empower them through their work. In this regard, the Minister thanked the Department and the Advisor for this initiative towards empowering rural women.
Kovi Meyase, NGS, Secretary & Ex-Officio Director, ESDE in short speech highlighted that statistics on the International Labour Organization, where only 27 percent of rural women in developing countries participate in the labor force, compared to 56 percent of their urban counterparts. “This disparity is stark, and it highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge this gap,” said Meyase who also mentioned that in South Asia, 80 percent of economically active women reside in rural areas, yet only 20 percent are engaged in
Wage and salaried jobs.
For Meyase, these statistics underscore the challenges faced by rural women in accessing formal employment opportunities and the necessity of bringing skill training to their doorstep.
He also cited the 2011 Census In Nagaland, where the female workforce participation rate (wpr) is 44 percent, higher than the national average of 25.5 percent. However, this participation is predominantly in agriculture, with rural women constituting 65.2 percent of cultivators and 7.3 percent of agricultural laborers.
“Despite their significant contributions, barriers in training continue to limit their opportunities for more productive and remunerative work. It is against this backdrop that this Skill Development Program is launched, with the aim of transforming the lives of rural women. This skilling program represents the Department’s commitment towards inclusion as it embarks on a remarkable journey towards empowering rural women,” said Meyase.
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The core objective of the program is to provide skill training opportunities to rural women who face challenges in accessing such programs due to familial responsibilities and geographical constraints.
The Mobile Skill Morung, a mobile skill training van, is an innovative solution to these challenges. The MSM travels to different locations, setting up temporary training centers where women can conveniently access training in various skills, informs Meyase.
He also highlighted that the training program is starting simultaneously at Suruhuto, Zunheboto on July 22, where one more Mobile Skill Morung is stationed. Similarly, two Mobile Skill Morungs is said to be placed at Phomching, Mon and Wozhuro,
Wokha to provide skilling to the women. During the second phase of the training program, another 100 women shall be imparted skilling in Baking.
“Every woman trained under this program will receive a basic startup toolkit, enabling them to commence livelihood activities immediately upon completion of their training. This support is crucial in helping them transition from training to income generation,” said Meyase.
He added that to ensure sustainability, the Training Partner shall support in exploring self employment ventures to ensure the long-term impact of this program stating that this program is not just about imparting skills; it is about fostering self- reliance, economic empowerment, and community development.
“By empowering rural women with market-relevant skills, we are enabling them to enhance their livelihoods, contribute to their household income, and play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of their communities,” added Meyase.
Khriengulie Kuotsu, VCC, Sechü Zubza pronounced the vote of thanks while Khriezhakhonuo Medoze, Deaconess SZBC blessed the program with invocation. Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao, Joint Director, ESDE earlier pronounced the welcome address.
