Australia helping to build a strong social fabric in India

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Mr Patrick Suckling, will visit Varanasi to inaugurate an innovative Australian Government funded project tailored to help women gain financial independence.

It is one of a number of projects the Australian High Commission is supporting as part of International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8.

The Satyagyan Foundation's Stitch your Future initiative will establish eleven sewing centres, equipping more than 300 women in the area with tailoring skills.

During a six-month course women will be taught the basics of tailoring, including the petticoat, blouse, kurta, frock, salwar suit and churidar, enabling them to generate an income an income and lift their families out of poverty.

Stitch Your Future will be part funded by the Australian High Commission's Direct Aid Program and USHA International, with Satyagyan Foundation and Grameen Vikas Sansthan as implementing partners.

"The Australian Government believes that empowering women and girls is one of the most effective ways to achieve economic growth and lift living standards among millions of people. Stitch Your Future epitomises these values," Mr Suckling said.

"Investing in women is not just the right thing to do- it's the smart thing to do. I'm proud that the High Commission can play a role supporting outstanding NGOs which promote economic empowerment through projects like this."

The Direct Aid Program grant will provide the sewing centres' teaching materials, sewing materials, sewing machine maintenance costs, rent for workshop space, and the transportation of supplies.

To help women manage their extra income and savings upon graduation, Satyagyan will also establish Self Help Groups in Stitch your Future communities if there is demand by the graduates. Once an SHG has sufficient capital, the beneficiaries can begin taking micro-loans to start their own businesses.

"Increasing progress towards gender inequality is a key priority in Australia's foreign policy and aid program," Mr Suckling said.