Saluting women power
Lower middle class women get financial aid from government. Kudumbasree Mission is an example for that.However,middle class and upper middle class women get no such support from any agency.
This thought prompted Priya Menon to organise, women entrepreneurs to come into one single platform and market their products.’Sankalp’ is born at Palakakd. Its mission is to invite marginalised women in middle class to come forward and communicate their ideas. In the beginning,many were hesitant to come out in front and market their products in exhibitions. Many were uncomfortable to speak to public and sell their product.Gradually,things changed.
Small start-ups by women in textiles,ready to wear and handmade jewellery, footwear, bags and accessories, home furnishing, plants, and homemade food making ,joined hands with Sankalp to introduce their products in various cities.It was a beginning of a new chap
ter in women empowerment.Shy women ,who have immense creative talents start to speak to many customers.Their confidence level increased.
The name itself has a great meaning.The Sanskrit word Sankalp means determination.
“I wanted to do something creative. Sankalp is an initiative on that way.”
We have a well-defined mission and we are moving on right track,without any sponsors.”-says Priya Menon.
Her son and his friends are also supporting to organise exhibitions at different cities.
The beginning was very humble.She remembers that there were only 8 stalls took part in the first exhibition held at her home town,Palakkad.
45 women entrepreneurs in different parts of Kerala took part in the 18 th edition of Sankalp exhibition,held at CSI Hall in Kozhikode.
Now,we are unable to provide space to all applicants since we have to limit stalls ,according to the capacity of exhibition halls.40 pc of these are regular participants.
“Sankalp is proud to say some of our members already launched boutiques and shops to sell their products.We are just providing a platform for aspiring business women.It is a first step.But,if they have a calibre,they take up next level.”
“I am very much satisfied to see women who have come out confident through Sankalp. Some of them have already started some small business firms and opened opportunity for few women.”-says Priya Menon.
