Bhubaneswar, Jul 03: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has strengthened its commitment to empowering women with the launch of a new tailoring training batch under its flagship Project Sakhi. Since its inception in 2015, the project has been empowering rural women through skill development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities. Working with over 500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and impacting more than 5,000 women across nearby villages, the initiative has helped create over 1,900 income-generating enterprises in both farm and non-farm sectors.
Implemented in partnership with the Shaktimayee Foundation, the programme equips women with practical skills, financial awareness, and livelihood support, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to their families’ well-being. The newly launched tailoring batch aims to further strengthen these efforts by providing women with employable skills and opportunities for sustainable income generation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe that women’s empowerment begins with opportunity. Through Project Sakhi, we are equipping women with skills, confidence and the means to build sustainable livelihoods. It is inspiring to witness their transformation into entrepreneurs, contributors to household incomes, and role models within their communities. Their success reflects the true impact of empowering women through skill development.”
Sharing her experience, Ms. Namita Behera, member of Maa Khambeswari SHG, Pediguda, said “Before joining the tailoring training under Project Sakhi, I never imagined that I could learn a skill that would help me earn and support my family. The programme has taught me stitching and garment-making, strengthened my confidence, and given me greater independence. Today, I can contribute to my household income and explore new livelihood opportunities. I am grateful to Vedanta Aluminium for helping women like me build a better future for our families.”
More than a skill development programme, Project Sakhi is empowering women to transform aspirations into sustainable livelihoods, fostering confidence, financial independence, and social inclusion. Through targeted interventions in entrepreneurship, skill development, financial literacy, and livelihood enhancement, the initiative is enabling women to emerge as catalysts of change within their families and communities.
