The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched ‘Faral Sakhi’, a programme aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs involved in the production of traditional festive snacks, or ‘Faral’. By providing training, resources, and business opportunities, the initiative supports women in scaling their ventures sustainably. Implemented in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) under the Award to Reward programme, this initiative is transforming women-led enterprises in Maharashtra.

Objectives of ‘Faral Sakhi’

• Create Employment Opportunities: Enable women to establish permanent livelihoods through snack production and sales.
• Central Kitchen Support: A professionally managed facility for preparing high-quality snacks.
• Empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Train women from SHGs in sustainable business practices.

Training and Capacity Building

• Technical Training: 25 women will receive business training through the CEGP Foundation, focusing on entrepreneurship, operations, and sustainability.
• Skill Development: Sessions include marketing, financial management, and scaling strategies to help women become self-reliant.

Early Success and Festive Sales

During Diwali, the initiative sold over 3 tons of snacks, highlighting the quality and appeal of the products. MBMC supported the women by providing sales spaces and municipal advertising, ensuring visibility and encouraging participation.

Role of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

Established in 2018, WEP bridges gaps for women entrepreneurs by offering:

• Access to Resources: Financing, market linkages, legal support, and mentoring.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Partnerships among government, businesses, and civil society to design impactful programmes.
• Guiding Principles:
  • Iccha Shakti (motivation): Encouraging women to start businesses.
  • Gyaan Shakti (knowledge): Providing essential skills to overcome challenges.
  • Karma Shakti (action): Facilitating mentorship and growth.

Since its inception, WEP has supported over 30,000 women entrepreneurs across India.

Future Prospects

The ‘Faral Sakhi’ programme marks a significant step toward empowering women in Mira Bhayandar. By fostering entrepreneurship and creating a supportive ecosystem, the initiative prepares women to lead sustainable industries. This collaboration between MBMC and WEP not only uplifts women entrepreneurs but also drives societal transformation, setting a strong foundation for a thriving economy driven by women-led businesses.