For women in Kalahandi, access to the right skills can create new opportunities to earn, build confidence and support their families. Vocational training is helping women explore employment options and prepare for careers in different sectors.
At Vedanta Aluminium Lanjigarh, women make up 55% of the participants in the company’s skill development programme. Overall, the programme has trained more than 1,000 youths, with over 75% securing employment opportunities in Odisha.
The training is offered through residential and non-residential centres in Lanjigarh and Bhawanipatna. Participants can choose from courses such as Food & Beverage Associate, Sewing Machine Operator and Assistant Electrician. The programme also includes soft skills, IT and workplace-readiness training, along with placement support.
From Training to a New Career
Bignashwini Bisi from Badguda village is one of the participants who turned her training into an employment opportunity.
Before joining the programme, Bignashwini had limited employment options because she did not have vocational skills. She enrolled in a two-month Food & Beverage Service course, where she learned the basics of the sector along with soft skills and IT.
The training helped her secure a job with a leading pan-India restaurant chain. It has also given her the opportunity to work independently and support her family.
“The training helped me improve my communication skills and gain confidence. Today, I am able to work independently, support my family, and look ahead with confidence,” said Bignashwini.
Creating More Opportunities for Women
Bignashwini’s experience shows how access to skill development in Kalahandi can help women move towards greater economic independence. Practical training can give women the skills they need to enter the workforce and explore careers beyond traditional opportunities.
Through its work around Lanjigarh, Vedanta Aluminium is supporting access to vocational training and employment opportunities for local communities. The participation of women in these programmes also creates opportunities for them to contribute to their families while building their own careers.
As more women gain access to job-oriented training, initiatives such as these can help create a stronger connection between skills, employment and financial independence for women in Kalahandi.
