Vocational training on garment construction: A pathway to economic empowerment

Background: Women in rural India face socio-economic constraints. This may lead to limited mobility, skill development and economic participation. Capacity building through skill-based training is an effective strategy to make these women self-reliant and achieve economic stability. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of garment construction training on gains in knowledge, perceived benefits, and adoption of entrepreneurial activity among rural women of Palwal district, Haryana. Methodology: This study was conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mandkola. 60 scheduled caste rural women were selected purposively based on prior tailoring exposure. A five-day intensive training program was conducted which comprised of motivational lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practice on garment construction, bag making, and embellishment techniques. Data were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule, before and after six months of training. Results: After getting training there was a significant improvement was observed across all activities in terms of technical knowledge gain. Ability to stitch pent and flared palazzo increased from 11.7% to 90%, designer suits from 3.33% to 71.7%, and jute bag making from 6.7% to 100%. Approximately 35% of women stitched garments at home to generate income. which was utilized mainly for family needs and children’s education. Major constraints in entrepreneurial activity included delayed payments, market competition, and short training duration. Conclusion: The study showed that there was an increase in knowledge of respondents regarding cutting and stitching of garments, making different designs of bags, cushion covers, and embellishment of clothes. Many women adopted tailoring as an income-generating activity.