Sakhi Cafe: A Beacon of Empowerment

In a groundbreaking step towards fostering financial independence for women, the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), in collaboration with the District Administration of Ganderbal, has established the pioneering 'Sakhi Cafe' at the Mini Secretariat.

This remarkable initiative, managed by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), aims to promote women's entrepreneurship, endorse nutritious eating choices, and foster economic growth.

The Sakhi Cafe, nestled within the premises of the Mini Secretariat, is more than just a spot for a coffee fix. It serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for rural women in the district.

Operated by Self-Help Groups under the aegis of JKRLM, the cafe provides a platform for women's culinary dreams to take flight.

The initiative not only promotes women's entrepreneurship but also endorses nutritious eating choices, fostering economic growth in the region.

The women running the Sakhi Cafe have undergone training from the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, equipping them with the necessary skills to serve up delectable culinary delights. In a remarkable opportunity, 10 SHGs have been granted the golden ticket to achieve financial independence by running the cafe on a rotational basis. This initiative extends this opportunity to all SHGs in the district, with a special focus on the tribal community.

The Sakhi Cafe was recently inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ganderbal, Shyambir, who was keen to establish such a cafe that would provide opportunities for women to earn a livelihood and become independent.

Situated within the premises of the Mini Secretariat, the Sakhi Cafe is managed by women SHGs associated with JKRLM. It aims to provide services to the employees of the Mini Secretariat and create livelihood opportunities for women through the operation of the canteen. These women from SHGs have undergone formal training provided by the Institute of Hotel Management under the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission.

District Programme Manager of JKRLM Ganderbal Zahida Rashid revealed that members from 10 Self Help Groups in the district, particularly from the tribal community, have been motivated and trained to run the Cafe. JKRLM continues to implement diverse initiatives for the upliftment of rural women, encouraging Women SHGs to earn a dignified livelihood.

"Due to the support of the department particularly MD JKRLM and the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal this initiative has been possible and it will help others to come forward and earn a dignified livelihood," she said.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir commended the efforts of the JKRLM team, recognising it as an exemplary platform for rural women to achieve financial independence. He expressed satisfaction with JKRLM's collaborative initiatives with various departments, providing SHG members with opportunities to showcase their skills.