KHONSA, SEP 4:
A one-day programme on “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Development and Market Linkages in Tirap District” was organised in Khonsa on Friday to promote women-led enterprises, self-reliance and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The programme was organised by the DBT-APSCS&T Centre of Excellence for Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Kimin, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission (ArSRLM).
The event was conducted under a Science for Equality Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India-funded project aimed at building the capacity of rural women in processing and value addition of millet and underutilised crops through technology adoption and awareness for nutritional security in Dadam village of Tirap district.
Dadam Block Zilla Parishad Member Chasom Hakhun attended the programme as the chief guest. Assistant Commissioner Khonsa Anya Yowa, Consultant Arunachal Pradesh Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (APIIP) Kaushik Khanikar, ArSRLM representatives Kamtui Lowang (BMM), Khoda Racho (BCLF) and Abhinav Kumar (BCLF), and entrepreneur Chalang Hakhun also participated.
Addressing the gathering, Chasom Hakhun underscored the importance of women’s empowerment through self-reliance, confidence and economic independence. She encouraged women to develop their skills, establish enterprises and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for themselves and their families.
Anya Yowa stressed that women’s empowerment should go beyond education and include financial independence and economic self-reliance, enabling women to contribute meaningfully to their families and society.
As the technical expert, Kaushik Khanikar highlighted the importance of effective marketing and urged women entrepreneurs to showcase the story, effort and uniqueness behind their products. He also encouraged self-help groups (SHGs) to collaborate with APIIP for establishing and developing enterprises.
Entrepreneur Chalang Hakhun shared her experience of starting a pickle business from her kitchen with limited resources. She said subsidy support from APIIP helped her expand and develop the enterprise despite initial challenges.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology Director-cum-Member Secretary Er. CD Mungyak and Joint Director and Project Director DBT-APSCS&T Centre of Excellence for Bioresources and Sustainable Development Dr. Debajit Mahanta. Scientist-B Dr. Joram Aku provided guidance and leadership for the programme.
The collaboration with ArSRLM also seeks to strengthen linkages between SHG members, enterprise development opportunities and markets, thereby promoting women-led businesses and sustainable livelihoods.
The programme concluded with a photo session, marking a step towards strengthening women’s participation in entrepreneurship, enterprise development and market-oriented livelihood activities.
