In today’s social environment in Hyderabad, India, underprivileged women in the lower strata of society are financially dependent. Families are going through hardships unable to sustain themselves and their children owing to illiteracy and lack of proper skills.
Cost of living in metropolitan cities has furthermore decreased the economic status of large families. The women are handicapped in generating an acceptable family income and girl-child education became a luxury. As generations are changing, the majority of the girls in these families are remaining without any education. This is accelerating the scarcity of women work force and results in more poverty and illiteracy rates.
what does Safa do?
Since three years Safa works in the Bhola Nagar locality. Safa is a social venture that is convinced that socio economic empowerment of women starts with generating an acceptable income and getting education. Safa introduces the urban illiterate women to sustainable livelihoods through an area based community model that respects the cultural and social identity of the women in the society. Also Safa supports them in educating their children.
training and income generation
Safa provides livelihood trainings such as tailoring and embroidery skills. But also educates the women in entrepreneurship opportunities and access to finance (micro savings). Besides of that Safa generates a source of income for the women by manufacturing and selling handmade products with unique ethnic like zardozi, shadow work, chain and crewel stitch work. These products range from multipurpose mats, to cell phone covers and gift bags.
As Safa women create products they are becoming agents of change – respected by community, family and themselves
school fees
The earned profit is invested in education for the community. By selling the products on the Hyderabad market, Safa is able to pay the school fee and school supplies for the girl child’s.
In this way Safa helps two generations. In the long term these girls are able to work and earn regular income so their family and also the community is able to develop on socio-economically way and, of course, this will improve their situation.
activities for women
- income generating /vocational training programs
- access to finance
- market orientation and value education
- counselling support
- Henna / Mehendi design teams available
- Arabic and Marwari designs for weddings / festivals etc.
activities for children
- school fee sponsorships
- peace & value education programs