Amway India scales up Project "Nari Shakti" in Chennai, enhancing livelihood opportunities for underprivileged women

Chennai, 13th August 2022:  Following the success of the pilot phase of its social development project 'Nari Shakti, Amway India, one of the leading FMCG Direct Selling companies, announces the expansion of its skill development and livelihood program for underprivileged women in Chennai. The new phase of the programme was recently launched in Kannagi Nagar in Chennai, in association with its NGO partner SRF Foundation. Through this project, Amway continues to empower, educate, and encourage women from marginalized communities, upholding its commitment to helping women live better, healthier, and empowered lives. The programme will focus on developing capabilities and skills, leading women on a path of self-sufficiency through sustainable livelihood options.

Talking about the initiative, Gursharan Cheema, Senior Vice President– North & South region, Amway India, said, “Today, women truly are the change agents and custodians of a value system, which is key to the development of society. At Amway, we firmly believe that women are fundamental to both economic and social growth. Aligned with the thought, we have been focusing on woman empowerment with the projects such as Nari Shakti. Through the project, women are mentored and guided at every step, helping them improve their skill sets and thereby improving their employability quotient or empowering them to start their own business. Further building on the success of the programme, we are pleased to announce the expansion of our women’s livelihood project in Chennai, enabling us to assist more women in leading an independent life through sustainable livelihood opportunities."

Dr. Y. Suresh Reddy, Director, SRF Foundation, stated, "We sincerely appreciate our partnership with Amway India, which provides the underprivileged women with much-needed support to become self-sufficient and financially secure. I am delighted that this initiative will expand opportunities for women from underprivileged sections. This year, over 150 women have enrolled in the new batch, post the pilot phase of the Nari Shakti Project, and we are confident of helping them take their first steps towards entrepreneurship.” 

Amway India piloted the project Nari Shakti in Chennai in 2021 with the participation of over 100 women in various training and upskilling programs. These women from the first batch completed the program early this year, and some have started earning their livelihoods. Basis the response to the project's pilot phase, the program is extended by adding a new batch of 150 women this year. The 16-week classes provide 282 hours of skill development training in beauty & wellness or fashion designing along with other courses such as entrepreneurship and soft skills required to assist the women in starting their businesses. Over the years, the project has witnessed resounding success as it has brought a meaningful change in the lives of 25,000 people, including over 1,300 women. The company plans to strengthen the project by expanding its existing program and entering newer geographies with the target to support over 4500 women to become entrepreneurs or gain employment in the next couple of years.

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