A Platform for Knowledge, Skills and Economic Empowerment
Ranchi, September 18, 2026: The Department of Management Studies, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra, Ranchi, organized a one-day workshop on “Rural Women Empowerment and Knowledge Dissemination”, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The workshop focused on strengthening the social and economic participation of rural women through knowledge sharing, capacity building, financial awareness, livelihood development and entrepreneurship.
The programme brought together faculty members, development professionals, master trainers, government representatives and rural women participants. Discussions during the workshop focused on financial autonomy, banking facilities, Self-Help Groups, livelihood opportunities, entrepreneurship, capacity building and women’s participation in decision-making. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Workshop Convened by Dr. Sujata Priyambada Dash
The workshop was convened by Dr. Sujata Priyambada Dash, Department of Management Studies, BIT Mesra. The programme was organized with the support of Dr. Rajeshwari Chatterjee, Department of Chemical Engineering, BIT Mesra, who served as the Organizing Secretary.
The programme began with the traditional ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The inaugural session reflected the academic and community-oriented character of the workshop, bringing together representatives from educational institutions, development organizations and rural livelihood programmes. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Dignitaries Felicitated During the Inaugural Session
During the inaugural programme, Mr. Abhishek Chand, District Program Manager, Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), Ranchi; Mr. Amarendra Kumar Singh, Secretary, DEVNET NGO, Ranchi; and Mr. Nadeem Ahmad, Block Program Manager, Ormanjhi, Ranchi, were felicitated with mementos for their association with the programme.
Their participation provided an important link between academic knowledge and field-level experience in rural development, livelihood promotion and women’s empowerment.
Rural Women’s Contribution to Community Development
In her welcome address, Convenor Dr. Sujata Priyambada Dash highlighted the significant contribution of rural women to agriculture, community development and small-scale enterprises. She also drew attention to challenges related to education, access to economic resources and participation in decision-making.
She emphasized that the workshop was designed as an interactive platform where participants could learn through expert sessions, practical experiences and knowledge sharing. The focus was on helping rural women understand available opportunities and develop the confidence and skills required to participate more actively in economic activities. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Prof. Kumar Sanjay Sawarni Highlights the Role of Rural Women
Prof. Kumar Sanjay Sawarni, Professor and Head, Department of Management Studies, BIT Mesra, addressed the participants and appreciated their commitment to the month-long training programme and the workshop.
He emphasized that rural women can play an important role not only in improving their own economic circumstances but also in creating opportunities for other women in their communities. Sharing knowledge and experience among women can help strengthen community-level initiatives and encourage collective participation in livelihood activities. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Women’s Empowerment Linked to Family and Social Development
The Chief Guest, Prof. Sandeep Singh Solanki, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, BIT Mesra, appreciated the initiative and highlighted the relationship between women’s empowerment, family development and social development.
He encouraged the participants to share the knowledge gained during the workshop with their families and communities. According to the programme’s approach, knowledge becomes more meaningful when it reaches beyond the individual participant and contributes to wider community awareness and participation.
ICSSR Support for Rural Women Empowerment Initiative
The inaugural session also acknowledged the support provided by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education, Government of India, through funding and guidance for the programme.
The ICSSR-supported workshop provided an opportunity to bring together academic perspectives and practical development experiences. The discussions addressed issues that directly affect the ability of rural women to access financial services, develop livelihoods and participate in economic and social decision-making. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
JSLPS Session Focuses on Self-Help Groups and Rural Livelihoods
One of the key technical sessions was conducted by Mr. Abhishek Chand, District Program Manager, JSLPS, Ranchi. Drawing upon his experience in development and livelihood programmes, he explained the role of the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society in strengthening rural livelihoods and women’s community institutions.
The session focused extensively on Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organizations (VOs) and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs). Mr. Chand explained how these community institutions can facilitate collective action, improve access to financial services, provide training opportunities and support livelihood development among rural women. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Goat Rearing, Poultry, Dairy and Agriculture Discussed
The technical session also explored several livelihood activities that can be developed at the rural level. These included goat rearing, backyard poultry, piggery, dairy, agriculture and egg production.
Mr. Chand encouraged participants to develop livelihood activities gradually according to their practical experience, available resources and local circumstances. The emphasis was on understanding the feasibility of different activities and building them progressively rather than attempting to expand without adequate experience or resources. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Financial Support and Credit Linkages Explained
Financial inclusion was another important theme of the workshop. Participants were introduced to financial support mechanisms, credit linkages and government schemes associated with livelihood and enterprise development.
Access to banking and financial services can play an important role in helping rural women manage savings, access institutional credit and develop small livelihood activities. The workshop therefore connected financial awareness with entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Lakhpati Didi Goal Discussed
The broader objective of enabling rural women to progress towards the “Lakhpati Didi” goal was also discussed during the programme. The discussion focused on the importance of developing sustainable livelihood activities that can help women increase their income and move towards greater economic independence.
The workshop highlighted that income enhancement can involve strengthening existing activities as well as exploring additional livelihood opportunities according to local resources, skills and market conditions.
DEVNET NGO Connects Knowledge with Livelihood Opportunities
Mr. Amarendra Kumar Singh, Secretary, DEVNET NGO, Ranchi, was among the key dignitaries associated with the workshop. His participation contributed to the broader discussion on connecting knowledge dissemination with practical livelihood opportunities.
The workshop placed emphasis on capacity building, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, women’s leadership and sustainable economic empowerment. The discussions also highlighted the importance of continued knowledge sharing, institutional support and collective participation in strengthening the economic and social participation of rural women. “Rural Women Empowerment Workshop”
Guidance for SHG Members from Ormanjhi Block
Mr. Nadeem Ahmad, Block Program Manager, Ormanjhi, Ranchi, was also associated with the programme as a resource person. He provided guidance to SHG members and encouraged them to participate in activities and events conducted by the block office.
Such participation can help SHG members become more familiar with available institutional opportunities and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their economic and community development activities.
Certificates Presented to Master Trainers
The workshop also included a certificate distribution ceremony during which Certificates of Participation were presented to all the Master Trainers associated with the programme. The certificates formally acknowledged their participation and contribution to the workshop.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rajeshwari Chatterjee, Department of Chemical Engineering, BIT Mesra, Ranchi. She expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty members, resource persons, master trainers, participants and organizations associated with the successful conduct of the programme.
Academic Institution and Development Sector Come Together
The workshop served as a platform connecting academic knowledge, government livelihood programmes, development organizations and rural women. The interaction provided participants with an opportunity to understand how education, financial awareness, institutional support and livelihood development can work together to strengthen women’s economic participation.
The programme also underlined the importance of empowering rural women with practical knowledge rather than limiting empowerment to awareness alone. Access to training, financial services, entrepreneurship opportunities and community institutions can provide women with additional pathways towards economic independence.
A Focus on Sustainable Rural Women Empowerment
The one-day workshop at BIT Mesra highlighted several interconnected dimensions of Rural Women Empowerment, including financial inclusion, Self-Help Groups, livelihood development, entrepreneurship, leadership and knowledge dissemination.
Organized by the Department of Management Studies, BIT Mesra, Ranchi, and sponsored by ICSSR, the programme brought together people with academic, administrative and field-level experience. The initiative emphasized that sustained knowledge sharing, institutional support and collective participation can contribute to strengthening the economic and social participation of rural women.
