Women are making remarkable strides across various fields, breaking barriers, and reshaping societal norms. From politics to entrepreneurship, they are proving their mettle and making significant contributions to their communities. In Madhya Pradesh, a new initiative is setting the stage for further empowerment of women, particularly in the tourism sector. The Handloom Café in Pranpur is Madhya Pradesh’s first craft-based café run by women, aimed at training and employing local women in hospitality roles while promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
A Vision for Empowerment
The establishment of Handloom Café aligns with the state’s “Safe Destination for Women” program, supported by the Nirbhaya Fund and the Ministry of Tourism. IAS Bidhisha Mukherjee, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, explains the vision behind this initiative. “We have selected 50 destinations to train 10,000 girls in various hospitality sectors, including roles such as cook, waiter, gypsy driver, guide, city facilitator, front desk manager, and receptionist. Our first goal was to engage these girls with organizations or institutions, and approximately 47% have already secured employment.”
The café is strategically located in Pranpur, an art and craft village renowned for its Chanderi saree artisans. Each house in this village resembles a vibrant marketplace, showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans. During the development of the art and craft village, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board decided to create significant assets, one of which is the Handloom Café. The café’s interior is uniquely designed with “palita” (threads used in looms), celebrating the village’s rich handloom heritage.
Training for a Brighter Future
To make this initiative successful, the women were organized into a group called the Sakhi Saheli Samooh. Ms. Mukherjee describes how they selected women trained in hospitality roles such as cooking, reception, security, and front desk management. They received training from the Indian Institute of Hotel Management and have now been registered as a society ready to operate the café. The board has established a tripartite agreement involving MP Tourism, the MP State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC), and the Sakhi Saheli group. The MPSTDC serves as a knowledge partner to support these women.
This program not only aims to boost local tourism but also significantly contributes to women’s empowerment. “This is our first initiative of its kind, but we plan to replicate it in other areas,” the officer told Indian Masterminds. Excitingly, another all-women-run hotel, Amaltas Hotel, is set to open in Pachmarhi later this year.
Financial Independence and Social Change
The impact of such initiatives on women’s financial independence cannot be overstated. Ms. Mukherjee emphasizes, “When women achieve economic independence, their role in family decision-making increases. With a voice in the family, they can also contribute to business decisions, leading to broader social change. It may take time in remote areas like Chanderi, but this initiative will undoubtedly help. With 10,000 women trained and 47% already employed, we are paving the way for positive social transformations.”
Ensuring Safety and Security
In a world where women’s safety is a growing concern, this initiative also prioritizes the security of its participants. The officer informed Indian Masterminds that they have trained around 5,000 women in self-defense techniques, including judo and taekwondo. Additionally, they are preparing women to serve as gypsy drivers. “For instance, if we receive a booking from a solo women’s group or a female traveler at one of our national parks, we can provide a woman gypsy driver, a woman guide, and a woman city facilitator. This ensures a safe and comfortable environment for our guests.”
Growing Popularity and Community Engagement
Although the café was launched just days ago, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the café is located along a busy highway, it has attracted considerable attention. “Travellers visiting Chanderi are now coming to Pranpur specifically to visit the café. We have also created an auditorium where we plan to hold symposiums focusing on Baiju Bawra, a legendary figure from Chanderi. This initiative will provide economic opportunities for locals, who will be trained as actors for performances, further boosting tourism and contributing to the local economy.”
The establishment of Handloom Café in Pranpur represents a significant step toward empowering women through tourism and hospitality. By offering training and employment opportunities, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is not only enhancing the economic landscape of the region but also fostering social change.
