Hyderabad:Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated the Indira Mahila Shakti Bazaar at Shilparamam on Thursday, showcasing handicrafts and handlooms from 106 stalls set up by women's self-help groups (SHGs) across the state. The event, graced by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma aimed to provide a platform for women to market their products and boost their financial independence.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “The goal is to transform one crore women into crorepatis. Since Madhapur is an expensive area, and a hub for IT companies, we have allocated this place for you to place good employment opportunities in your hands.”
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma lauded the SHG movement as a crucial force for women's empowerment, emphasising that "Revolution doesn't happen by merely raising a flag; it happens through grassroots efforts.”
"We are ready to go to any extent to empower our women despite many financial constraints in the state," deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka explained. He further expressed his wish to see 65 lakh SHGs in the state growing up to one crore SHGs.
The bazaar, established with an investment of `9 crore under the Indira Mahila Shakti Scheme, offered a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs.
Women SHG leaders expressed their gratitude to the government for providing platforms to showcase their skills and generate income. "Previously, everyone used to see women as ‘Vantinti kundelu’ (household rabbit), now through these facilities, we have proved that we also can do something," said Akula Krishna Kumari, an SHG member from Medchal District."Women take time until they find their power, but once they get that power, they can do anything.”
The bazaar included a wide range of products, from traditional handlooms to unique handicrafts and even diverse varieties of rice. "We have a lot of unique products here in the bazaar," said Vijayalakshmi, Project Manager, SERP. "If we go to Gadwal, Pochampally to buy handlooms, they quote high prices, but here they're quoting the same products for less price, which is a plus point to all the consumers."
The Indira Mahila Shakti Bazaar aims to provide continuous opportunities for women entrepreneurs. "There will be a rotation every six months, so that women from every district get an opportunity to showcase their products," said Hameed, Project Executive, SERP.
However, some SHG members expressed their confusion regarding the continuity of stalls and stressed the need for travel facilities by the government. "If we could put up our stalls everyday, the income source will increase," said Srikanth, a farmer who has cultivated 185 varieties of rice.
