|
New Delhi: In a bid to empower poor widows economically, a trust run by London-based businessman Raj Loomba yesterday launched an entrepreneurship programme that will train them in hair and beauty care and assist them in setting up their own enterprise.
An initiative of the 10-year-old Loomba Trust that works for the upliftment of widows across the world, this project ultimately aims to empower 100 widows in India in the first phase of the programme. "When a woman is economically empowered, she is also empowered socially. This programme, I am certain, will help the poor widows become self-reliant and educate their children which is what the Loomba Trust strives for," Loomba said at the launch of the programme at the India International Centre.
Widows in India, particularly of the Hindu faith, have traditionally been subjected to stringent social regulations and many of them find themselves without a support system.
The Loomba Trust Entrepreneurship Programme, which will be carried out in association with well-known beautician Blossom Kochhar, will ensure free education on hair and beauty care and then financial assistance for the widows to set up their own salons. "Why we chose the field of beauty care to empower these women is because it is a woman-oriented field. Therefore these women will not feel intimidated in front of others," Loomba said.
|
