New Delhi, 27th February 2025: Visva-Bharati University recently hosted a national seminar titled ‘Challenges for Women in India’s Informal Sector’ on February 11-12, 2025, bringing together leading academics and industry experts to address barriers to economic inclusion, gender wage disparity, and the need for stronger policy interventions.
A key focus was the role of traditional handicrafts—particularly Kantha embroidery in West Bengal—in empowering rural women. A seminar paper, ‘Kantha Work: A Pathway to Women’s Empowerment in Rural Bengal’, highlighted how skill-based training in artisanal crafts fosters financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. Experts emphasized the need for structured support, market linkages, and policy-driven initiatives to uplift women in the informal workforce.
Matix Fertilisers, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, champions women’s empowerment through its flagship program, ‘Project Shakti’. This initiative has trained rural women near its Panagarh plant in crafts such as applique and Kantha stitching, enabling them to become micro-entrepreneurs. By fostering financial independence and self-reliance, Project Shakti has transformed lives and strengthened local communities.
The seminar also explored broader issues, including informal labour rights, entrepreneurial opportunities for women artisans, and policy measures to enhance financial inclusion. The insights generated will contribute to ongoing efforts to create a more equitable economic landscape for women in India.
Speaking about the partnership, Nishant Kanodia, Chairman of Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, shared, “At Matix, empowerment means more than opportunity—it’s about confidence and expanding possibilities. Our collaboration with Visva Bharati University reaffirms our commitment to grassroots impact. As Principal Partner, we are proud to support a platform that amplifies the voices of Kantha stitch artisans and addresses broader challenges faced by women in the informal sector. Project Shakti reflects our core values, and witnessing its impact has been truly humbling. This seminar was a powerful testament to collective action in driving meaningful change.”
Dr. Paramita Roy, Head – Department of Social Work, Visva-Bharati states, “Women in India’s informal sector face persistent challenges, from wage disparity to limited market access. The seminar served as an essential platform to address these critical issues and explore sustainable solutions. Matix Fertilisers’ unwavering support has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and action. Their commitment through ‘Project Shakti’ is a testament to how corporate initiatives can empower rural women, particularly Kantha artisans, by providing skill development and economic opportunities. We deeply appreciate Matix’s partnership in driving meaningful change and strengthening the bridge between academia and industry for social impact.”
By championing this initiative, Matix Fertilisers reinforces its commitment to social responsibility, advancing the objectives of Vision Viksit Bharat@2047 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
