A free tailoring training programme for Dalit and Adivasi Irular women was inaugurated on 28 September 2026 at the Community Centre in Poondhandalam Village, Uthiramerur Taluk, Kancheepuram District. The programme was jointly organised by Makkal Vilipunarvu Kalvi Sangam (MVKS), M3M Foundation and DoCC.
The programme was organised with the objective of improving the livelihoods of rural women through skill development and promoting self-employment opportunities through an integrated women’s livelihood collective.
The inaugural programme was attended by Anbarasan, Secretary of Makkal Vilipunarvu Kalvi Sangam; Kanimozhi, Staff Member of MVKS; Father David Nesan; Paulraj, Tailoring Trainer; A. Vasu, Village President; P.K. Perumal, Vice President; J. Samanasu, Secretary; J. Selvaraj, Ward Member; and village leaders Babu Stanley and Raja. The guests participated in the programme and shared their views on the importance of skill development and livelihood opportunities for women.
During the programme, Mr. Anbarasan explained that the tailoring training would begin from the basic level and gradually provide participants with practical skills required to undertake tailoring as a livelihood activity.
The training programme will cover the following areas:
1. Sewing Machine Operation: Learning how to operate the sewing machine, use the foot pedal and change the needle.
2. Threading the Machine: Learning how to correctly insert and thread the upper thread and lower bobbin thread.
3. Basic Stitching Techniques: Practising straight stitching, stitching along curves and basic hand-stitching techniques.
4. Measurement and Cutting: Learning how to use a measuring tape, take accurate measurements and cut fabric accordingly.
5. Garment Making: Participants will learn to stitch garments such as shirts, jackets, skirts and churidars.
The training is intended to help women develop the skills required to start their own tailoring businesses and generate an income of approximately ₹200–₹350 per day, depending on the volume of work and sales. In addition to tailoring skills, participants will also be trained in income-generation and profit-making methods, enabling them to understand how to manage tailoring as a sustainable livelihood activity.
Upon successful completion of the training, certificates will be provided to all participants.
The programme is expected to benefit approximately 50 women from the community. The training aims to strengthen women’s economic independence, enhance their vocational skills and create sustainable self-employment opportunities.
The participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Makkal Vilipunarvu Kalvi Sangam, M3M Foundation and DoCC for bringing this livelihood training programme to their Panchayat and providing women with an opportunity to acquire practical skills for improving their livelihoods.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Kanimozhi, Staff Member of Makkal Vilipunarvu Kalvi Sangam.