Empowering Rural Artisans: Digital Upskilling Initiative by Nasscom Foundation and L&T Technology Services

900 Women Artisans Become Tech-Savvy, Boosting Earnings and Independence

Women artisans in rural India often struggle to receive fair compensation due to a lack of technical knowledge. A new digital upskilling initiative by the Nasscom Foundation and L&T Technology Services is changing this by helping these artisans expand their businesses online, leading to increased earnings and financial independence.

India is renowned for its rich traditional art forms, with seven million artisans contributing to its handicraft and handloom industries. Of these artisans, 56.13% are women. Despite their significant presence, rural women artisans often face challenges in achieving fair and steady income due to informal business structures and limited technological know-how.

Take Muthulakshmi from Anbu Nagar in Aruppukottai, Tamil Nadu, for instance. Specializing in weaving the famous Aruppukottai saree on a power loom, she was initially reliant on local vendors for orders, producing at least ten sarees monthly. Inspired by her children’s adept use of smartphones, the 40-year-old saw an opportunity to expand her business using digital tools. Through the 10-day training program by the Nasscom Foundation, she learned about online payments, social media, and e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Now, she anticipates a 30% boost in her earnings, which currently stand at Rs 8,000 per month, by taking her products to a broader market.

The Digital Upskilling of Rural Women Artisans project, launched by the Nasscom Foundation in collaboration with L&T Technology Services, focuses on preserving traditional arts while fostering a brighter future for women through skill development. This initiative aims to digitally upskill 900 women artisans across Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka, teaching them digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and awareness of government schemes.

K N Prabhakaran, Chief of CSR at L&T Technology Services, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "Enhancing digital literacy and expanding access to digital technologies are crucial steps in addressing the digital divide and empowering women from all backgrounds. Our collaboration with Nasscom Foundation aims to promote art while fostering digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and proficiency with technological tools and platforms. By skilling and integrating social commerce solutions for artisans, this initiative significantly enhances livelihood opportunities and supports economic growth in rural communities."

The 10-day training program covered various topics, including internet usage, digital devices, social media, banking, investments, cyber safety, market access, business planning, and government schemes. Eramma from Raichur, Karnataka, who runs a woollen work business, described the training as a turning point. Utilizing social commerce like Facebook and WhatsApp, she plans to set up product catalogs and engage directly with customers, expecting a significant boost in sales.

Nidhi Bhasin, CEO of Nasscom Foundation, emphasized the impact of the project, saying, "The project has digitally upskilled 900 rural women artisans in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, empowering them to participate in the digital economy. By providing training in digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills, we strive to create a lasting impact. Our ongoing collaboration with L&T Technology Services aims to strengthen this initiative further by offering exclusive mentoring and guidance to select women artisans, with a vision to extend this transformative support to women entrepreneurs across other districts and states."

In its second phase, the project aims to provide handholding support to 450 select beneficiaries from phase one, with 150 receiving exclusive mentoring, platform onboarding, and network enhancement. Additionally, 90 selected beneficiaries will gain 'Access to Finance' through collaboration with financial institutions, ensuring rural women artisans can thrive in the digital economy and achieve long-term success.

Reference:

www.thebetterindia.com