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The Udyamini Program, an initiative by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), has revolutionised livelihoods by empowering rural women with digital skills, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Through training and ongoing support, rural women entrepreneurs (RWEs) in West Bengal have built thriving enterprises in handicrafts, silk weaving, and eco-friendly products, proving that dignity and prosperity go hand in hand.
In the quiet village of Dharmapur, Murshidabad, Sabana Azmin has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment. A RWE, Soochanapreneur, and leader of a Business Mitra Centre, she has not only carved a niche for herself but has also inspired 100 rural women entrepreneurs in her handicraft cluster. Balancing her role as a mother and business leader, her passion for innovation in handicrafts has ignited a movement of women embracing entrepreneurship.
Under the Udyamini Program, Sabana has empowered women with digital tools and financial literacy, enabling them to transition from manual labour to tech-enabled businesses. Today, these women confidently manage digital financial transactions, track beneficiaries, and market their products online, transforming their economic prospects.
Sabana’s leadership has been particularly impactful in breaking generational cycles of labour exploitation. In her community, bidi-making was once the primary occupation—offering low wages, discrimination, and little dignity. For generations, families remained trapped in this cycle, unable to envision a different future. However, everything changed with the Udyamini Program, which introduced women to entrepreneurship, sustainable business models, and financial independence.
Through rigorous training and capacity-building sessions, women who once spent their days rolling bidis are now engaged in handmade crafts, such as Bethi—beautiful, eco-friendly products made from recycled plastic. This shift has not only enhanced their incomes but also contributed to environmental sustainability. Beyond handicrafts, RWEs have expanded into silk weaving, livestock management, and cooperative businesses, ensuring diverse income streams and long-term resilience.
Sabana’s efforts through DEF have provided women with technical training, online marketing skills, and a collaborative support system. What was once a fragmented and struggling workforce has transformed into a cohesive network of empowered entrepreneurs. The Udyamini Program, anchored in the principles of People, Planet, and Economy, has proven that economic empowerment and environmental consciousness can work hand in hand.
Today, Sabana’s community is a shining example of resilience and innovation. No longer confined to exploitative labour, these women are entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and changemakers. Their handcrafted products are no longer limited to local markets—they now hold the potential to reach national and global platforms.
The success of Udyamini is a testament to the transformative power of inclusive development. By focusing on innovation, digital empowerment, and collective growth, the program has unlocked untapped potential, paving the way for sustainable progress. Sabana’s journey stands as proof that, with the right support and vision, even the most marginalised communities can rise to become leaders of change—demonstrating that success is not just about individual achievements, but about collective empowerment and lasting progress.
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