Empowering Women. Strengthening Communities.
Working with rural and tribal women in Jharkhand to build economic independence, practical skills, entrepreneurship and a stronger voice in decisions.
Empowered women build stronger communities
At Muskan Foundation, we believe that empowered women are the foundation of strong, inclusive, and self-reliant communities.
We work with rural and tribal women in Jharkhand to strengthen their economic independence, develop practical skills, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage participation in household and community decision-making.
From skills to self-reliance
Self-Help Groups, traditional crafts, micro-enterprise and awareness work that help women earn, lead and decide.
01
Self-Help Group (SHG) Formation & Strengthening
Muskan Foundation promotes women's participation in Self-Help Groups to encourage collective decision-making, community participation, and economic self-reliance.
- Mobilisation of rural women to participate in SHGs and collective activities.
- Encouragement of savings, mutual support, and financial awareness.
- Capacity-building activities to strengthen leadership and decision-making.
- Promotion of income-generating activities and small-scale enterprises.
- Encouragement of women's participation in local development initiatives.
SHGs provide a platform for women to build confidence, strengthen collective action, and explore opportunities for economic independence.
02
Guru-Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Programme (GSHHP)
Muskan Foundation implemented a 50-day traditional block-printing training programme for 30 women under the Guru-Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Programme.
- Provided hands-on training in traditional block-printing techniques under experienced master artisans.
- Trained participants in dye preparation, printing, finishing, and product presentation.
- Promoted the use of natural dyes, hand-carved wooden blocks, and environmentally conscious production practices.
- Encouraged participants to integrate traditional crafts with contemporary market requirements.
- Supported opportunities to showcase products through exhibitions, local markets, fairs, and online platforms.
- 30 women received training in traditional block printing.
- 24 of the 30 participants were reported to be engaged in self-employment.
- 18 women artisans gained income opportunities.
- Participants gained practical skills to develop handcrafted products and explore market opportunities.
03
Women’s Skill Development & Livelihood Promotion
Muskan Foundation works to strengthen women's livelihood opportunities through practical training, community mobilisation, and support for income-generating activities.
- Skill development for rural women and SHG members.
- Promotion of traditional crafts and handicraft-based livelihoods.
- Encouragement of small-scale entrepreneurship and home-based enterprises.
- Support for livelihood diversification through agriculture and allied activities.
- Awareness of market opportunities and available government support.
These initiatives aim to help women develop practical skills, identify income-generating opportunities, and contribute more actively to their household economies.
04Micro-Enterprise Development & Traditional Food Processing
Muskan Foundation promotes livelihood diversification by encouraging rural women to explore small-scale enterprises based on locally available resources and traditional knowledge.
Under the NABARD-supported Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP), training was provided in the preparation of Mahua-based products, including pickles, laddoos, and candy.
- Training in the preparation of traditional food products.
- Promotion of value addition using locally available forest produce.
- Encouragement of self-employment and micro-enterprise development.
- Promotion of traditional knowledge as a resource for livelihood generation.
The programme supports the development of practical enterprise skills and creates pathways for women and rural communities to explore value-added products.
05
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao & Gender Equality Awareness
Muskan Foundation has conducted awareness activities promoting girls' education, women's rights, and gender equality.
- Organised awareness sessions at local fairs on the importance of educating girls.
- Promoted gender equality and the value of equal opportunities for girls and women.
- Encouraged community participation in discussions on women's empowerment.
- Supported awareness initiatives aimed at challenging discriminatory attitudes and encouraging positive social change.
These activities sought to strengthen community awareness of girls' education, gender equality, and women's participation in social development.
06
Women’s Participation in Community Development
Muskan Foundation encourages women to participate actively in community-level development initiatives, particularly through SHGs, agricultural activities, and awareness programmes.
- Encouraging women to participate in community meetings and collective activities.
- Promoting women's involvement in agricultural and livelihood decisions.
- Strengthening awareness of welfare schemes and available support.
- Encouraging collaboration among women, community institutions, and local stakeholders.
The Foundation aims to strengthen women's voices in household and community decisions and encourage greater participation in local development.
Our Commitment
Muskan Foundation remains committed to creating an enabling environment where rural and tribal women can access skills, resources, livelihood opportunities, and platforms for leadership. By combining traditional knowledge with enterprise development and community participation, we aim to strengthen women's economic independence and contribute to inclusive, sustainable rural development.
Women leading change
Invest in a woman, uplift a family
Support skill training, SHGs and enterprise for rural and tribal women.
