Nuh (Haryana), Feb 20 : In a significant effort to promote financial independence and sustainable livelihoods for rural women, the American India Foundation (AIF), in partnership with the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) and the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), has successfully completed its “Women Empowerment” project in the aspirational districts of Nuh, Haryana, and Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
Through this initiative, 500 rural women have been trained in industrial sewing, equipping them to become self-employed tailors and micro-entrepreneurs. Beyond skill development, the project also facilitated their entry into the formal financial system through MeraBills, a fintech platform designed for small businesses. This platform helps them track transactions, manage customers, and expand their businesses with greater financial confidence.
Despite India’s economic growth, women’s participation in the workforce has declined, particularly in rural areas. Women currently contribute only 18% to the country’s GDP, facing challenges such as societal norms, unpaid caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to safe workplaces. Research suggests that if women participated in the workforce at the same rate as men, India’s GDP could increase by 43%. This highlights the importance of initiatives like this in driving inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony in Nuh, Rajan Sehgal, Managing Director of NBCFDC, underscored the broader impact of the program, stating, “This initiative goes beyond skill-building—it is about reshaping the future for women in rural India. By combining market-linked training with financial inclusion, we are not just supporting livelihoods; we are fostering financially independent women entrepreneurs. This aligns with the Government of India’s vision for ‘Make in India’ and rural economic development.”
The project has already shown tangible results, with trained women collectively securing and fulfilling orders worth INR 25 lakh. They have produced school uniforms, industrial garments, and other apparel for 10-12 industrial buyers and local markets. The success of these orders has boosted their confidence, reflected in an 80% average score improvement in external assessments. In addition to employment opportunities, the initiative has inspired entrepreneurship, with several women establishing home-based boutiques and creating jobs within their communities.
During the event, Manisha Tripathi, Regional Director, North, AIF, emphasized the transformative role of women in the economy, stating, “For too long, rural women have been viewed as beneficiaries rather than contributors. This project challenges that notion. When women receive the right skills, tools, and platforms, they do more than earn—they innovate, lead, and uplift entire communities. Our commitment to empowering women with sustainable income opportunities and digital integration reinforces rural development efforts across India.”
The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, garment manufacturers, representatives from state rural livelihood missions, and families of the empowered women, reflecting a shared commitment to bridging economic gaps and fostering long-term development.
Through this initiative, IRFC, NBCFDC, and AIF are not just creating employment opportunities—they are removing barriers, expanding financial independence, and ensuring women play a central role in shaping India’s economic future.
