Foundation for Advancement of Micro Enterprises- Our Canvas
TheProblem:Howtoempowerthemicroandsmallbusinessesinasustainedandcomprehensivemanner
Job creation in India is the key to unlocking the demographic dividend that its billions are capable of. India must create about 10mnnon-farmjobseveryyeartoengageouryoungworkforce.
There are many routes to solving this and the route that FAME has chosen is to amplify and harness the capabilities ofthe70mnmicroandunorganizedbusinesses.
These micro scale businesses have so far contributed over 90% of the non-farm jobs and if we can improve their competitivenessandscaleitmayalsopavethewaytotheUSD5tneconomythatwedreamof.
The Obstacles: Enduring value creation in the economy requires the right mix of the factors of production. This has been the wisdom of centuries and was postulated by Adam Smith as far back as in 1776 in his book 'TheWealthofNations'.
In the current environment, for the unorganized micro businesses , their sustained well-being can be ensured by improving thefollowingfactorsofproduction
· AccesstoFunds
· MarketandSupply-ChainInfrastructure
· ImprovedTechnicalKnowhow
· Enhancedbusinessskills
Our Mission: We are focused on building the capabilities of the unorganized micro businesses to scale up andbecomecompetitive.Thisisachievedthroughnon-financialsupportintheareasof:
Skilling to increase e ciency
Market Development
Product knowhow
Enhancing their business and financial management skills
Programs Under Implementation
DAIRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Enhance dairy farmers' knowledge of dairy management, reduce expenses on cattle healthcare and dairy inputs, and boost farmers' income by securing better milk prices through the elimination of middlemen.
SPORTS CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Focus on upskilling women sports manufacturers and improve livelihood opportunities for them eliminating gender disparity in the sector.
SHOE ARTISANS PROGRAM
Provide livelihood opportunities to women from marginalised and minority communities through skilling in shoe making leading to financial independence and empowerment.
KIRANA EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Build the capabilities of small kirana store owners in semi urban and rural areas on running their stores e ciently. Grants program to provide financial support to women kirana stores owners from marginalised communities who want to grow their businesses.
DIWA ( Development Initiative for Women Association)
DIWA is FAME’s Entrepreneurship Development Project that is focussed towards supporting women from marginalised communities in urban and semi-urban areas to set up their own business of savouries.
How FAME Creates Impact
Theory of Change
FAMEusesTheory of Change Modeltomeasuretheimpactofitsprograms.TheTOCisusedasablueprintforevaluation for each of our programs with measurable indicators for the impact we want to create in each cluster. This model allows for a clearandtestablehypothesisabouthowFAMEwillbringachangeintheclustersattachingmorecredibilitytotheimpactas theyarepredictedtooccurinacertainway.
Theory of Change
THE CHALLENGE
Limited access to credible knowledge and lack of e cient business skills, minimum livelihood opportunities and weak market linkages restricts the growth of grassroots businesses in rural areas
Credible advisory on cattle healthcare Free livestock healthcare services
Skilling
Infrastructure and machinery setup
Product improvement training
Market linkages
Availability of credible knowledge on cattle healthcare
Enhanced healthcare facilities for cattle in rural areas
Skill development opportunities to women & vulnerable communities
Improved livelihood opportunities
Higher productivity
Increased income Active women participation
Community well-being
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Improved lives of under-served sector and their communities
Increased confidence & respect of women in communities
All of FAME’s customized interventions are contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Developments Goals(SDGs).
What Sets FAME Apart: Uniquely Creating Impact
FAME addresses the unique challenges faced by micro businesses by implementing its programs through its own implementation teams. FAME does not rely on 3rd party agents and has its own dedicated team of field sta , volunteers, certifiedveterinarydoctors,AItechniciansandin-housetrainersthatworkwiththebeneficiariesontheground.
This direct approach allows FAME to maintain high standards of program execution, build strong relationships with the communities it serves, and deliver impactful, sustainable results that are closely aligned with the needs of microentrepreneursandtheirbusinesses.
This has helped the Foundation build a strong community connect which has led to improve the quality of outcomes and enhancetheimpactofitsprogram.
FAME runs its own in-house skilling centre, providing skilling at no cost to its beneficiaries removing financialbarriersandensuringthatmorebeneficiariescanaccessvaluableskillsandknowledge.
FAME believes skilling is not the end but a means to an end. The end being creating livelihood opportunities for its beneficiaries. The Foundation runs multiple programs that are helping women, young people & vulnerable groups build and hone their skills. Post the training FAME has created job opportunities for them allowing them to use the skills they have learnt to earn regular incomes along with completing the care giving responsibilities.
The Impact Study: A Seal of Excellence
FAME completed 5 years of operations and it was the right time for the Foundation to gauge the impact it hadcreatedthroughitsinterventionsforitsbeneficiariesandthecommunities.
FAME partnered with IPSOS Research Private Limited to evaluate the socio-economic e ects of FAME's interventions i.e., Dairy Development Program, Shoe Artisans Program, and Sports Cluster Development Program on its beneficiaries. It focused on assessing the impact of FAME's programs on the beneficiaries' businesses and livelihoods, with the goal of understanding how e ectively FAME is bridging the gap between micro-entrepreneurs' aspirations and available opportunities. The findings provide insights to informandoptimizeFAME'sfuturestrategyandoperations.
The study employed a cross-sectional design without a counterfactual, utilising both quantitative and qualitativeresearchmethods.Atotalof276beneficiariesweresurveyedacrossthethreeprogramsusinga structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Additionally, 10 qualitative activities (6 In-Depth Interviews and 4 Focus Group Discussions) were conducted to gather more nuanced insightsintobeneficiaries'experiences.
Objective of the Study 03
States
were selected among 04 states where the Foundation operates for the study ensuring adequate geographical representation.
Profile of Beneficiaries
Methodology
The survey focuses on the self-perception of beneficiaries and provides valuable insights through collaborative e orts between IPSOS and FAME. This impact assessment study employed a cross-sectional design without counterfactual, utilising both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather comprehensive insights into the e ectiveness of FAME'sCSRprograms.
The primary target groups for this study were the beneficiaries of the Dairy Development Program, Shoe Artisan Program, andSportsClusterDevelopmentProgram.
03 States
were selected among 04 states where Foundation for Advancement of Micro Enterprises (FAME) operates for the study ensuring adequate geographical representation.
Haryana
Hisar
Data Collection Method
1. Quantitative Survey
A structured questionnaire was designed to capture demographic information, program reach, benefits received, impact on income and livelihood, and overall feedback on the initiatives.
The questionnaire was converted into a Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) script and translated into regional language (Hindi). The translated CAPI script questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews with program beneficiaries, with an average interview duration of around 20 minutes.
Country
Population size
Interviews Completed
Response Rate
Languages
Average Survey Length
Confidence Level
Margin of Error
Uttar Pradesh
Mathura
Modinagar
Hapur
Meerut
Agra
India
Alwar
Rajasthan
Sample Size and Statistical Justification
A total of 276 beneficiaries were covered in the study sample across the three programs. This sample size was determined basedonthefollowingstatisticalconsiderations:
1.ConfidenceLevel:Thestudyaimedfora90%confidencelevel,whichisanacceptablestandardinsocialresearch.
2. Margin of Error: A margin of error of ±5% was deemed acceptable for this study, balancing the need for precision with the availableresourcesandtimeconstraints.
3. Population Size: The total number of beneficiaries across the three programs was estimated to be around 10,000 based on FAME'srecords.
Using these parameters and assuming a population proportion of 0.5 (which provides the most conservative estimate of sample size), the required sample size was calculated using the following formula:
where:
n=samplesize
Z = Z-score for the desired confidence level (1.645for90%confidence)
p=populationproportion(0.5)
e=marginoferror(0.05)
Since the population size was known (approximately 10,000), the sample size was adjusted using the finite population correction factor:
where:
n_adjusted=adjustedsamplesize
n = sample size from the previous calculation
N=populationsize
To ensure a proportionate distribution, a sample size of 276 was determined. This sample size was su cient to provide the desired level of precision and confidence in the study results, given the population size and the confidence level and margin oferror.
Sample Size and Statistical Justification cont...
The sample was distributed proportionately across the three programs based on the number of beneficiaries in each program. Within each program, beneficiaries were selected using a purposive sampling technique, using the contact information as per FAME’s records and their availability It was ensured that representation from di erent districts, age groups,andgenderwasmaintained.
2. Qualitative Research
In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a subset of program beneficiaries to gather more nuanced insights into their experiences, challenges faced, and perceived impact of FAME's interventions on their lives and businesses.
Appointments were sought with the beneficiaries using the contact information within the records of FAME. Activities were scheduled at the convenience of the respondents. The duration of interviews and discussions averaged 30 minutes. These interviews and discussions were audio-recorded with the consent of the respondents. These recordings were transcribed into English and prepared for further analysis.
A total of 10 qualitative activities were conducted in combination of IDIs and FGDs. The distribution of the qualitative activities conducted is given in the table below.
Table 1 Distribution of Quantitative Sample
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Perception of Empowerment
FAME interventions are focussed towards creating equality and inclusion and we actively engage in addressing and creating solutions to the challenges faced by the micro enterprises as well as the communities they operate in. FAME has delivered tangible results in the form of higher income, reduced expenses healthcare and more productive dairy farms with increased support to women and vulnerable groups. FAME has designed holistic interventions addressingsocial,economicandhealthbarrierstoempowervulnerablegroupsandwomen.
Through this survey we wanted to gauge the degree to which we have changed the quality of life of our beneficiaries & how empoweredtheyarefeelingpostattendingFAMEprograms.
79% of beneficiaries felt empowered after joining FAME’s program
Economic Empowerment of Women
Why Do We Support Women?
Empowering women entrepreneurs is essential for achieving the goals of sustainable development, but they continue to face challenges that are of di erent dimensions and magnitudes than that faced by their male counterparts. This prevents them from realizing their potential as entrepreneurs and creating a transformative change in the economy despite there being over20%ofgrassrootsbusinessesthatarewomen-ledinIndia.
While access to a ordable finance tops the list of obstacles, factors like gender discrimination, inaccessibility to information, training opportunities, risk aversion by women, lack of confidence, lack of vision, etc. also make the entrepreneurialjourneymorearduousforwomen.
FAME, cognisant of the hidden entrepreneurial potential of women and the challenges they face in realizing them, has designed its interventions that work toward breaking down these hurdles and becoming their partners in growth, Since our inception we have developed a strong women-focused interventions and launched specialized training programs and workshops that build their business skills as well as soft skills. Women-only capacitybuilding programs were organized for dairy entrepreneurs, sports manufacturers, and shoe manufacturing who were not comfortable attending the sessions with men. FAME has also encouraged the women beneficiaries to form their groups and take the benefit of collective purchasing and selling which improves theirtopandbottomlines.
WomenentrepreneursarestrongagentsofchangeandFAMEwillcontinuetobuildtheirskillsaswellasthe confidencetopowertheirgrowth
Impact Created on Women
Saw an increase in leadership roles after joining FAME’s programs
Gained confidence and social recognition after joining FAME’s programs
Saw an increase in responsibilities and decision making power in their households
Saw more recognition and appreciation for their contribution to household income
Impact Story- Economic Empowerment of Women
From Homemaker to Shoemaker
Rubina, a 32-year-old homemaker from Agra, struggled to make ends meet with her husband's meagre earnings as a daily wage labourer. Determined to secure her children's future, Rubina joined F
At the F pasting, and assembling shoes. With dedica and access to necessary machines and ma the craft.
Her income grew from ₹1000-1500 to ₹3000-4000 per month within two years. The financial independence enabled her to invest in her children's education and gain a newfound respect within her family and community. Initially, she faced resistance from her in-laws who considered shoe-making an inappropria job for women. Ho FAME's counselling helped change their mindset.
To further enhance the program, Rubina sug salaries to Rs. 6000/month and providing more machines to accommoda number of trainees.
“I learned about FAME’s Shoe Artisans Program at an eye camp in our village, organised by FAME to address eyes issues. The girl’s previous work with anklet bells had harmed their vision, so when the free camp was announced, I attended and met the madam there.”
-Rubina, Shoe Artisans Program
Impact Created on Community
The survey findings, along with the focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs), provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of FAME's CSR initiatives on the communities as well. Beneficiaries shared stories of how FAME's interventions have played a role in the improving their lives, fromenhancingtechnicalskillsandincomestoboostingself-confidenceandsocialstatus. The FGDs also highlighted the ripple e ects of FAME's initiatives on community development, with successfulparticipantsinspiringandsupportingotherstojoin.
Changes in the Community Post FAME Interventions
Believe that FAME has brought a social change and unity in the community
Believe that FAME has created positive impact on the society
88% 88% 88% 44% 31% 22%
Believe that living standard improved
Believe economic activity increased
Reported that community welfare has led to an increase in the income in the society
Believe that social cohesion improved
Impact Story- Community well-being
Churning Profits
Ramesh, a 25-year-old B.A. student from Alwar, turned to dairy farming to support his education. He joined FAME a year ago and has since seen a significant improvement in his cattle's health and productivity. Through FAME's program, Ramesh learned about the importance of quality cattle feed and preventive healthcare. He started providing a balanced diet and regular deworming to his cattle, resulting in a 1-2 liter increase in daily milk yield per animal.
FAME connected Ramesh to a local milk collection centre, ensuring a steady demand for his milk at competitive prices. His monthly income has increased by ₹4000-5000, which he is investing in his education and scaling his dairy business. Ramesh's success has inspired other villagers to adopt better cattle management practices. He actively shares his knowledge and experiences with his community, becoming a local champion for dairy development. To make the program even more impactful, Ramesh suggests providing subsidized cattle loans and insurance to help farmers mitigate risks. He also recommends setting up a local cattle feed mill to ensure consistent quality and availability of feed.
"Yes, money is always useful. We are able to save money because earlier where we used to spend ₹1000, now we spend only ₹800 so we have managed to save ₹200 for good number of times. So we are saving money... The money that we are able to save we think of buying another animal from it."
-Ramesh, Dairy Development Program
Overall Program Benefits & Impact
Responses from the structural questionnaires and the thematic analysis of the qualitative findings from FGDs and IDIs certifytheimpactFAMEhascreatedthroughitsprograms.
Builds Skills and Enhance Knowledge
Reported that FAME’s programs enhanced their skills and knowledge in their respective fields 87%
Lead to Increase in Income
70% of beneficiaries who joined FAME’s programs reported an increase in their income
Resulting in Better Quality of Life
More income has led to improved consumption & a ordability level of basic things for our beneficiaries
Impact story- Overall program benefits & impact
Breeding Success through Science
Sudha, a 35-year-old dairy farmer from Modinagar, joined FAMES’s program 3 years ago.
Through FAME’s training, Sudha learned about the importance of cattle nutrition, hygiene and breed management. She started providing a balanced diet with mineral mixture and silage to her cattle. Regular health checkups by FAME vets helped her prevent diseases and ensure timely treatment. The improved dairy management practices resulted in a 2-3 liter increase in dairy milk yield per animal. The milk quality also improved fetching Sudha Rs. 2-3/liter higher rates from the dairy.
With the additional income of Rs. 4000-5000/month, Sudha has purchased 2 new cattle and upgraded her farm infrastructure.
Her family, once skeptical, now appreciates the value of scientific cattle management.
To further enhance the program, Sudha advices conducting monthly farmer meetings to discuss best practices and troubleshoot issues. She also suggests facilitating market linkages for selling milk products to increase revenue streams.
“After FAME came into picture, our animals health as well as milk production improved... at least 2-3 kgs extra"
-Sudha, Dairy Development Program
Dairy Development Program
Why Do We Support Dairy Farmers?
India is the largest producer of milk in the world, contributing 23% to global milk production. The dairy sector plays a major contributor to the growth of the rural economy in India. It is the single largestagricultural product that contributes 5% to the country's economy and provides direct employment to over 80 crore farmers. The dairy sector also promoteswomenempowermentwithmajorityofthemilkingworkbeingdonebywomenofthehouseholds.
Challenges the Sector Faces
Despite the exponential growth of the dairy industry and it being the lifeline of the rural economy in India, this sector has becomeoneofthemostvulnerablesectors
Ÿ PoorHealthManagement
Ÿ LackofTrainingManagement
Ÿ FeedManagement
Ÿ Low
Research Findings of FAME
Dairy Development Program
Free of Cost Doorstep Veterinary Service
67% of beneficiaries received healthcare services for their cattle
Availing weekly doorstep veterinary services Availing fortnightly doorstep veterinary services
Lead to a Healthy Cattle
Availing monthly doorstep veterinary services
Reported disease reduction in their cattle after joining FAME’s program 89%
The FGDs revealed that the free doctor visits every 15 days, cattle health camps, and doorstep medicine delivery significantly improved cattle health and productivity.
The In-depth interviews (IDIs) revealed that the reported rate of utilisation of healthcare services for cattle was an average of 23 times per beneficiary in the previous 6 months.
Reduced Dairy Input Expenses
in dairy input
after joining FAME
Reported experiencing a positive change in income and access to dairy inputs 76%
The In-depth Interviews (IDIs) validated that the monthly savings of dairy farmer members increased by Rs. 5,000-Rs. 6,000
Enhanced Milk Productivity
73% of beneficiaries reported increase in milk yield after joining FAME
81% reported that their milk yield increased by 10 to over 50%
The In-depth Interviews (IDIs) validated that the milk yield increased by 2-3 litres per day per cattle of each beneficiary
Higher Price of Milk
63%
Agreed that they got higher price for their milk after joining FAME compared to earlier prices
75%
Agreed that their dependence on middlemen was reduced
Higher price has Resulted to Higher Income
74% of beneficiaries reported increase in the income after joining FAME
Increase in income of dairy farmer after joining FAME
82% of beneficiaries reported that their income increased by 10 to over 50% Less than 10% 10-25% 25-50% More than 50%
45% reported to be more confident of expanding their dairy business further
79% women dairy farmers reported receiving support from their husbands in running the business
The In-depth Interviews (IDIs) validated that 100% of beneficiaries in Mathura mentioned using FAME’s Milk Collection Centre daily
The In-depth Interviews (IDIs) validated that the beneficiaries got an average increase of 2-3 liters milk/animal/day, fetching Rs.10-12 higher prices/liter
The In-depth Interviews (IDIs) validated that the monthly income of dairy beneficiaries reported to be increased by Rs. 4,500-12,000. It was reinforced from qualitative findings that increased profits are being reinvested in expanding dairy businesses and purchasing more cattle.
Impact Story- Dairy Development Program
Milking Profits, Fulfilling Dreams
Vakil, a 40-year-old farmer from Meerut, joined the FAME dairy program an year ago. Through FAME's monthly training camps and vet visits, Vakil learned about essential cattle care practices. He started providing mineral mixtures, green fodder, timely medications and deworming to his cattle. Consequently, his cattle's health improved, and average daily milk production increased from 8 to 10 liters per animal. With FAME's linkages, Vakil now directly sells to a dairy at ₹45/liter, compared to the earlier ₹35/liter rate. His monthly profits have increased by ₹10,000-12,000, which he is investing in his children's education and better cattle shed facilities. The increased income has instilled a sense of financial security in Vakil. He no longer needs to take loans for emergency expenses and can instead rely on his savings. Vakil suggests that FAME should create more awareness about cattle health management in villages through camps. He also recommends providing subsidized cattle loans to help marginal farmers grow their business.
"After their explanation, a bu alo that was giving us 8kg of milk, they gave us Calcium and other medicines which we used so our animals became strong and started giving more milk... The bu alo that was giving 8kg, started producing approximately 10kgs of milk."
-Vakil, Dairy Development Program
Shoe Artisans Program
Why Do We Support Women Shoe Artisans?
India is the 2nd largest producer of footwear in the world with Agra shoe industry being one of the largest leather-footwear clusters. Nearly 60 percent of the population of Agra relies on footwear trade. The sector hires approximately 2 millionworkersdirectlyandsimilarlyinindirectjobs.
Challenges the Sector Faces
Despite being a thriving and lucrative industry, the shoe manufacturing sector faces significant challenges. Women's participationremainsminimal,withlimitedresourcesandopportunitiesavailabletothem.
Ÿ Lowskilledlabour
Ÿ Noopportunitiestobuildskill
Ÿ MinimumParticipationofwomen
Ÿ Lackofknow-howtostarttheirownenterprise
Interventions
1. In-house Training Centre
Theoretical & hands-on training in shoe making
2. Industrial Exposure
Industrial visits for practical knowledge and market linkage
3. Product Display stores
Setting up display stalls to showcase shoes created 4. Income Generation Program
Creates livelihood opportunities for trained women artisans
Research Findings of Shoe Artisans Program
100%
100%
Received shoe-making training for 4 or more weeks Reported that the program enhanced their skills and knowledge in shoe-making
Increase in Income
Support
100%
Confirmed they were able to earn a livelihood after the training
Provides Regular Source of Income
70% of women beneficiaries confirmed they were able to make a regular income of Rs. 2000-3000 per month
Income ranges of shoe artisans program’s beneficiaries after joining FAME (N=276)
Rs.1001-2000
Rs. 2000-2500
Rs. 2501-3000
The In-depth Interviews (IDIs) validated that women beneficiaries are now earning Rs. 3000-5000/momth compared to just Rs. 500 earlier
Women beneficiaries are now better able to cater to children’s education and household needs
The Focus group discussions (FGDs) validated that beyond income, the program has boosted women’s confidence, lifestyle and status in their families and society
Impact Story- Shoe Artisans Program
Breaking Barriers
Rajshree, a woman from the small village of “Mullah ki Pyayu” in Agra is the epitome of resilience and determination. She joined FAME’s Shoe Artisans Program when it was launched in 2022 as she wanted to contribute to her family income but she had neither the skill nor the confidence to step out of her home. When she started coming to the Centre, she faced a lot of resistance from her family, specifically from her husband.
It has been over an year now and with her hard work and relentless support from FAME she can now manufacture a good quality shoe and earns over Rs,3000/month. FAME’s Shoe Artisans Program has transformed Rajshree’s life, empowering her to break free from the cycle of poverty. With the value she now adds to the family, her husband who used to stop her from coming to the Centre now comes to drop her there. She has become an inspiration not only to her family but also to others in the community, demonstrating the transformative power of Skill Development and Financial Independence
Sports Cluster Development Program
Why Do We Support Women Sports Manufacturers?
Indian sports goods market is estimated to grow to 6.6 bn by 2027 with Meerut accounting for nearly 20% of India’s total sports goods output export. Over 50,000 people are employed in sports goods manufacturing. Meerut city accountsfornearly70%ofthetotaldomesticproduce. Thecity’ssportsindustryturnoverisaround Rs7,500croreandsportsgoodsproducedinthecity aresuppliedtoover130countries
Challenges the Sector Faces
Despite meeting 70% of India's domestic demand for sports goods, Meerut's sports industry faces challenges that limit its growthinthecompetitiveglobalmarket andGenderdisparityinthesectorcontinuestobearisingproblem
Ÿ Skilledlabourshortage
Ÿ Noopportunitiestobuildskill
Ÿ Nostandardisationofproductquality
Ÿ Unfairwagestowomensportsmanufacturers
Our Interventions
1. Skill Enhancement
On-boarded specialists in sports manufacturing to provide comprehensive skills to women sports manufacturers on creating good quality footballs
2. Livelihood Opportunities
Partnership with sports goods manufacturing units in Meerut to provide regular job work opportunities for skilled women
Research Findings of Sports Cluster Development Program
97% of women beneficiaries received skill training in making sports goods
Perception of sports program beneficiaries on the usefulness of the training (N=58)
87% women beneficiaries found the training useful in enhancing their knowledge and skills in the sport manufacturing
Increase in Income
95% of women beneficiaries reported increased income after joining FAME’s program
Increase in income of sports beneficiaries after joining FAME
68% women beneficiaries saw 10-25% increase in their income
The Focus group discussions (FGDs) validated that women beneficiaries reported gaining football stitching skills through training which increased their incomes to Rs. 3,500-4,000/month, as piece rates ranges from Rs. 15-20 to Rs. 30-35/ball.
Women are using the knowledge gained to train large groups and travel independently. While facing some family resistance, they have inspired other women to join the program.
Impact Story- Sports Cluster Development
Progr
Farheen, a 24-year-old graduate from Meerut, discovered her passion for football early on. When representative from FAME approached her to become a football making trainer, she jumped at the chance. FAME honed Farheen's football stitching skills and equipped her to train other women. She now travels to a nearby village thrice a week to teach football making techniques to a group of 20 women.
Her monthly earnings have increased from ₹2000 to ₹4000 as piece rates rose from ₹15 to ₹35 per ball. Farheen herself makes 5-6 footballs daily, while guiding other women to improve their output and quality. The experience has been transformative, boosting Farheen's confidence and communication skills. She has become a community mobilizer, spreading awareness about skill development. Her family, though initially resistant, now supports her work.
To enhance the program, Farheen suggests providing football making machines to women's groups for end-to-end production. She also recommends increasing trainer stipends and raw material support to widen the program's reach.
Earlier our income used to be low but now our income has increased... Earlier a woman used to earn Rs. 2000, but now she earns around Rs. 3500-4000... Its because of the footballs. Now we get good footballs at good price... Earlier, we used to get Rs. 15, Rs. 16, or Rs. 20 for a ball."
-Farheen, Sports Cluster Development Program
