IIT Mandi helped rural women entrepreneurs to set up their services

IIT Mandi helped rural women entrepreneurs to set up their services

IIT Mandi has established an incubator which helps the rural women from Kamand valley to set up their services and become entrepreneurs. The incubator is called 'Enabling Women of Kamand' (EWOK). The incubator is a partner with four panchayats of Kamand, Kataula, Katindhi and Navlaya in Mandi district. The first batch was the batch of seven women which were certified in basic computer literacy, Spoken English and Personality Development in May 2018 and convocation program was held on June 28,2018 at the EWOK office, IIT Mandi. EWOk offers the following two certifications: Basic Computer Literacy which covers: MS OfficeIntroduction to the Internet (online ticket booking, banking, enrolling to open universities and looking up Aadhar card details etc.) Spoken English and Personality Development covers: Improving English conversation skillsDeveloping personality Speaking about the importance of this initiative and the commitment of IIT Mandi to development of the local community, Dr. Priscilla Gonsalves, Chief Advisor, EWOK, said, "Arriving at Kamand Valley for the first time in 2010, the director and I found a traditional, Himachal community. We realized that the growth of a new IIT in the valley would have a major impact on the lives of locals." Further, Dr. Priscilla Gonsalves said, "EWOK strives to ease the transition for local women by providing guidance, training and information. It has also helped bridge the gap between the largely urban, technologically oriented IIT community and the local agricultural community. Both sides have benefitted from the link. In future, we hope to have closer ties as we work together to build a new Kamand." Two women who graduated landed a paid internship and one has applied for the license to take up contractual work. Ms. Nirmla Devi, a 30-year-old resident of Baglidhar village, said, "I learnt how to use Computers to send messages and stay in touch. I also feel more comfortable in understanding English and have started speaking a few words myself which helps me in communicating with visitors here."

source https://www.brainbuxa.com/education-news/iit-mandi-helped-rural-women-entrepreneurs-to-set-up-their-services-8502