Silikhaguri Women Empowerment Project (SiWEP)
A Sustainable Initiative for Social Welfare
The Silikhaguri Women Empowerment Project (SiWEP) is an initiative aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods to women from the marginalized tribal community of Silikhaguri in Assam. By fostering economic independence, SiWEP seeks to uplift not just the women, but their entire community by improving access to better health, sanitation, education, and living standards.
Addressing the Challenges of Silikhaguri:
During her flood relief efforts in Assam in 2020, Tuhina Chatterjee encountered the hardships faced by Silikhaguri, a small village in Lakhimpur district home to around 40 tribal families. The community struggled with limited access to basic amenities like clean drinking water, sanitation, and sustainable income. Recognizing the resilience and potential of the women in the village, Tuhina initiated efforts to empower them economically, believing in the transformative impact of women-led development.
Reviving a Cultural Legacy:
Through surveys and discussions with the community, the idea of reviving traditional hand-weaving was identified as a pathway to economic empowerment. Weaving, especially the creation of gamosas, a culturally significant handwoven cloth integral to Assamese tradition, has been a skill practiced by tribal women for generations. This art form represents both craftsmanship and cultural identity.
Under SiWEP, handlooms and necessary weaving materials were provided to the women. The project included a month-long training program conducted by an expert weaver to refine their skills and enable them to produce high-quality traditional garments. To ensure the sustainability of their efforts, the project also facilitated the marketing and sale of their products, creating a steady income stream for the participants.
Alignment with International Social Welfare Standards:
The Silikhaguri Women Empowerment Project is rooted in global frameworks for social welfare, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNICEF standards, and broader principles of social work:
1. SDG 1: No Poverty
SiWEP provides sustainable livelihoods, helping women and their families break free from cycles of deprivation.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
By empowering women economically, SiWEP challenges traditional societal norms and fosters gender equality in a marginalized community.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The project ensures fair wages and dignified work for women, contributing to long-term community development.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
By uplifting a tribal community, SiWEP reduces disparities in income and opportunity, fostering social inclusion.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The project promotes eco-friendly and sustainable practices by reviving traditional handweaving, an environmentally conscious alternative to mass production.
Promoting Dignity and Cultural Heritage:
SiWEP not only provides women with a source of income but also allows them to reclaim and preserve their cultural heritage. By revitalizing the craft of hand-weaving, the project reinforces a sense of pride and identity within the community while creating products that resonate with Assamese cultural traditions.
A Model for Grassroots Empowerment
The Silikhaguri Women Empowerment Project exemplifies how grassroots initiatives can align with international standards of social welfare to create meaningful and lasting change. By addressing economic challenges through culturally rooted and sustainable solutions, SiWEP has enabled the women of Silikhaguri to transform their lives and their community.
SiWEP stands as a testament to the resilience of traditional skills and the potential of community-driven initiatives to promote equity, dignity, and sustainability for marginalized populations.
