What is ‘Faral Sakhi’ Initiative?

January 4, 2025

The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched an initiative called ‘Faral Sakhi’ to empower women entrepreneurs. This programme focuses on women involved in traditional snack production, specifically festive snacks known as ‘Faral’. The initiative aims to provide training and resources to help these women scale their businesses sustainably. MBMC has partnered with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog to implement this initiative under the Award to Reward programme.

Background of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

WEP was established in 2018 as an aggregator platform for women entrepreneurs. It transitioned to a public-private partnership in 2022. The platform aims to support women by addressing information gaps and offering a range of services. These services include access to finance, market linkages, training, mentoring, and legal assistance. WEP seeks to create a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs across India.

Objectives of the ‘Faral Sakhi’ Initiative

The primary goal of ‘Faral Sakhi’ is to create permanent employment opportunities for women. This initiative encourages women to engage in the production and sale of traditional snacks. A central kitchen has been established by MBMC to facilitate the professional preparation of these snacks. Women from self-help groups (SHGs) will benefit from this initiative by receiving training and support.

Training and Support for Entrepreneurs

MBMC will select 25 women for technical training in business operations. This training will be conducted by the Centre for Education, Governance, and Public Policy (CEGP Foundation). Participants will learn essential skills to establish sustainable businesses. The training will also focus on contributing to the local economy through entrepreneurship.

Success During the Diwali Season

The initiative saw success during the Diwali season, with over 3 tons of snacks sold. This achievement marks the quality and taste of the products prepared by the women. MBMC supports these entrepreneurs by providing sales spaces and promoting their products through municipal advertisements. This visibility helps increase sales and encourages more women to participate.

Collaboration and Ecosystem Development

WEP encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including government, business, and civil society. This partnership aims to create effective programmes for women entrepreneurs. The Award to Reward initiative facilitates the development of impactful programmes tailored to the specific needs of women. This collaboration enhances the potential for women-led businesses to succeed both domestically and internationally.

Guiding Principles of WEP

WEP operates on three guiding principles to empower women – Iccha Shakti, Gyaan Shakti, and Karma Shakti. Iccha Shakti represents the motivation to start and scale businesses. Gyaan Shakti signifies the knowledge needed to overcome information barriers. Karma Shakti embodies the action taken through support and mentorship. These principles are integral to encouraging self-reliance among women entrepreneurs.

‘Faral’ refers to traditional festive snacks in Maharashtra.
WEP has engaged over 30,000 women entrepreneurs since its inception.
The Award to Reward programme was launched in 2023 to support women entrepreneurs.
CEGP Foundation is responsible for the technical training in business operations.
Ms. Anna Roy is the Principal Economic Adviser at NITI Aayog.

Future Prospects for Women Entrepreneurs

The ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative represents step towards empowering women in Mira Bhayandar. This partnership with WEP aims to prepare women to lead sustainable industries. The initiative not only seeks to create businesses but also encourages societal transformation. Through these efforts, MBMC and WEP are setting the stage for a thriving ecosystem of women-led enterprises.

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