A skill-based training programme focused on rag doll making concluded in Sri Vijaya Puram on January 13, with rural women and self-help group members being trained in creative production aimed at income generation and livelihood enhancement.
The programme was organised through a collaborative initiative between the Rural Development Department and INTACH, bringing together 34 rural women, including members from various self-help groups across the islands. The training placed emphasis on developing hands-on skills in rag doll making, with attention given to creativity, quality control and production techniques that could translate into sustainable economic activity.
Participants underwent structured sessions designed to familiarise them with the entire process of rag doll creation, from basic material selection to finishing and presentation. The initiative aligned with broader efforts to promote skill development among rural women and integrate traditional and craft-based activities into income-generating models.
The concluding session was attended by the Director of Rural Development, who reviewed the outcomes of the programme and interacted with the participants. The focus of the address remained on the importance of skill-based interventions in strengthening women’s economic participation, particularly through self-help group networks that already function as grassroots financial and social support systems.
The training also highlighted the potential for selected participants to scale up production and contribute meaningfully to household income. Officials pointed out that such initiatives create pathways for rural women to transition from informal activity to structured micro-enterprise models, especially when supported through SHGs and departmental linkages.
As part of the programme’s closure, certificates were distributed to the participants, formally recognising the skills acquired during the training period. The certification is expected to support participants in accessing future opportunities, including exhibitions, local markets and livelihood-linked schemes under rural development programmes.
The initiative reflects a continuing focus by the Rural Development Department on combining traditional skills with market-oriented approaches. By partnering with organisations such as INTACH, the department aims to preserve craft-based knowledge while ensuring it remains economically viable in contemporary settings.
Officials associated with the programme indicated that similar training initiatives are being explored to diversify livelihood options for rural women, particularly in island areas where employment opportunities remain limited and dependent on seasonal sectors.
The rag doll making programme was positioned not merely as a short-term skill workshop, but as part of a larger strategy to strengthen women-led economic activity through capacity building, creativity and institutional support.
