‘Nutrition and skill enhancement strategies should be the baseline of every women welfare initiative’

Harpreet Singh from Apparel Training and Design Centre,Ludhiana,discussed the role of training programmes for increasing employability of women by creating a skillful workforce for the industry. Dr Mary Andrew,former associate dean,M S University,USA,said home scientists should take up the role of a facilitator in the empowerment process of rural women. She stressed upon the need to train local women in entrepreneurial skills so that they could act as agents of change for fellow village women. Kamaldeep Singh Sangha,joint registrar,Co-operative Societies,Jalandhar,highlighted the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in empowering women. Founder and Director,Mann Deshi Mahila Bank Ltd,Chetna Gala Sinha,pointed out that development programmes for women must be formulated with their participation and involvement.