Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP)

Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP): Empowering Women through Skill Development

The Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) is a vital initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development aimed at equipping women with essential skills for economic independence. By providing training across diverse sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming, and more, STEP empowers women to participate in economic activities and achieve self-reliance.

Since its inception in 1986-87, STEP has played a significant role in enhancing the skill sets of women, particularly those from economically weaker sections of society, enabling them to generate sustainable livelihoods.

Objectives of the STEP Programme

1. Skill Enhancement: Provide sector-specific training to women, enabling them to excel in their chosen fields.
   
   

2. Economic Independence: Facilitate the creation of self-reliant women by linking training with employment opportunities.
   
   

3. Empowerment through Education: Educate women about financial management, market access, and entrepreneurial skills.
   
   

4. Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Prioritize women from disadvantaged communities, ensuring inclusive development.
   
   

Key Features of the STEP Programme

1. Sectoral Training: Offers training in multiple sectors, including:

   • Agriculture and Horticulture: Imparts skills for modern farming techniques, organic cultivation, and agri-businesses.

   • Dairy Farming: Teaches animal husbandry, milk production, and value-added dairy product creation.

   • Handicrafts and Weaving: Preserves traditional crafts while providing modern marketing skills.

   • Health and Wellness: Prepares women for roles in community health, nutrition, and childcare services.
     
     

2. Employment Linkage: Ensures training outcomes are tied to employability, either through self-employment or job placements.
   
   

3. Financial Literacy: Educates women on budgeting, savings, and accessing financial schemes or loans.
   
   

4. Collaboration with NGOs: Works in partnership with non-governmental organizations and community-based entities for implementation.
   
   

Benefits of the STEP Programme

1. Skill Acquisition: Equips women with industry-relevant skills, enhancing their employability.
   
   

2. Income Generation: Provides a pathway to economic independence by fostering self-employment or job placements.
   
   

3. Community Development: Strengthens rural and urban communities by creating skilled labor and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
   
   

4. Focus on Inclusivity: Supports women from marginalized and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
   
   

Eligibility for the Programme

The STEP initiative is open to women from all sections of society, with a special focus on:

• Economically weaker sections.

• Women from rural and semi-urban areas.

• Women interested in learning a trade or expanding their skillsets for better livelihood opportunities.
  
  

How to Apply for STEP Training

1. Locate Training Centers: Identify NGOs or training institutions implementing the STEP program in your area. These organizations are often listed on the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s website or local government portals.
   
   

2. Submit Application: Provide basic details such as identity proof, income certificate, and interest in a specific sector (if required).
   
   

3. Attend Training: Once selected, participate in the comprehensive training sessions provided under the program.
   
   

4. Leverage Post-Training Support: Utilize employment or self-employment assistance provided by the program to establish a stable livelihood.

Success Stories: Women Empowered by STEP

STEP has changed the lives of countless women across India by equipping them with skills and confidence. For instance:

• Savitri Devi from a small village in Uttar Pradesh learned advanced dairy farming techniques through STEP training. Today, she owns a dairy cooperative with several women, supplying milk to nearby towns and generating steady income.
  
  

• Rekha Nair, a STEP beneficiary in Kerala, received horticulture training and now runs a successful organic farming business, providing fresh produce to local markets while mentoring other women.
  
  

Impact of the STEP Programme

• Economic Inclusion: The program has uplifted thousands of women, integrating them into mainstream economic activities.
  
  

• Skill Development Across Sectors: By covering diverse sectors, STEP caters to the varied interests and strengths of women, ensuring holistic development.
  
  

• Community Empowerment: The ripple effect of skilled women within families and communities promotes social and economic well-being.
  
  

Aligning with Cultural and Scriptural Wisdom

The STEP program aligns with India’s ancient ethos of Stree Shakti (women’s empowerment) as described in Vedic texts. By emphasizing skill acquisition and financial independence, STEP echoes the principle that empowered women are the foundation of a prosperous and harmonious society.

Collaboration with Initiatives like RisingWoman®

Complementing programs like STEP, initiatives such as RisingWoman® by RisingIndia ThinkTank provide mentorship, funding, and market access to women entrepreneurs. Together, these initiatives create a robust ecosystem for empowering women at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) is a cornerstone initiative that bridges the gap between women’s aspirations and opportunities. By offering skill development training across multiple sectors, STEP ensures that women not only acquire valuable knowledge but also leverage it for sustainable economic growth.

Such programs underline the transformative power of education and empowerment, building a future where every woman, regardless of her socio-economic background, can thrive and lead a life of dignity and independence