The Chhattisgarh Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation (CMFPF) and Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have been recognized for their efforts in promoting sustainable development and empowering women. The CMFPF focuses on trading and developing minor forest produce (MFP) to enhance the income of MFP gatherers and provide better infrastructure. SHGs play a crucial role in empowering women and promoting thrift.
In recognition of their sustainable development efforts, the CMFPF and SHGs were awarded the ESG GRIT Awards in Singapore. CorpStage worked as a mediator and proposed a cooperation with City Development Limited Singapore, a prominent global real estate company, for a program for skill development among the women SHG members. The program aimed to equip them with IT skills to enhance decision-making, efficiency, and marketability of their products, ultimately contributing to their economic empowerment and global recognition.
The program involved the distribution of laptops and training sessions on MS Office tools and IT technology for financial management and product marketing. CorpStage plans to continue the program by sourcing more laptops and training additional batches of women SHG members, aiming for ongoing skill development and empowerment.
The initiative has made a profound impact on the CMFPF and the women SHGs, bridging the digital divide and empowering women with the digital skills necessary for sustainable development. This initiative not only aligns with the SDGs but also paves the way for long-term sustainable development and economic empowerment in rural communities.