Women Workforce Development (WFD) Program

1. Program\r\nOverview

During the\r\nreporting period 2024–2025, Ghoghardiha Prakhand Swarajya Vikas Sangh\r\n(GPSVS) successfully implemented the Women Workforce Development (WFD)\r\nProgram in selected blocks of Madhubani District, Bihar, with the\r\nobjective of enabling women to access safe, dignified, and sustainable\r\nlivelihood opportunities. The program responds to persistent challenges of\r\npoverty, gender inequality, distress migration, and heightened vulnerability of\r\nwomen to unsafe work conditions and exploitation.

The WFD Program\r\nadopts a rights-based and empowerment-oriented approach, positioning\r\nwomen not merely as beneficiaries but as active economic agents capable\r\nof shaping their own futures. By strengthening life skills, vocational\r\ncompetencies, and entrepreneurial capacities, the program contributes to\r\nbreaking intergenerational cycles of vulnerability and economic dependence.

2. Geographic\r\nCoverage and Target Communities

The intervention\r\nwas implemented across two high-need clusters in Madhubani District—Phulparas\r\nBlock and Ghoghardiha Block. These areas are characterized by\r\nlimited local employment opportunities for women, high male out-migration, and\r\nconstrained access to formal skill development systems.

The program\r\ncovered the following villages:

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• Phulparas Block: Jagatpur, Hasanpur, Amouja,\r\n Dharamdiha, Bacchauni, and Baika
\r\n
• Ghoghardiha Block: Bishnupur and Nathopur
\r\n

GPSVS’s\r\nlong-standing presence and community trust in these areas enabled effective\r\nmobilization, participant retention, and smooth implementation of program\r\nactivities.

3. Target\r\nGroup

The WFD Program\r\nprimarily targeted women aged 18 years and above who:

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• Have limited or no access to safe employment
\r\n
• Belong to economically marginalized households
\r\n
• Are affected by male migration for work
\r\n
• Are at risk of unsafe labor practices, trafficking,\r\n or exploitation
\r\n

Special emphasis\r\nwas placed on reaching women with minimal education, low asset ownership, and\r\nrestricted mobility, ensuring equitable access to program benefits.

4. Program\r\nDesign and Implementation Approach

The WFD Program\r\nwas implemented through a structured three-phase model, ensuring\r\nprogressive capacity building and sustainable livelihood outcomes.

Phase I: Life\r\nSkills and Job Readiness

Participants\r\nunderwent foundational training focused on:

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• Self-confidence, communication, and leadership
\r\n
• Workplace ethics and labor rights awareness
\r\n
• Financial literacy and basic planning skills
\r\n
• Informed decision-making and goal setting
\r\n

This phase\r\nplayed a critical role in preparing women for safe workforce participation and\r\nstrengthening their agency at household and community levels.

Phase II:\r\nVocational Skills Development

Women received introductory\r\nvocational training, with a focus on sewing and other market-relevant\r\nskills. Training modules emphasized productivity, quality standards, and\r\nemployability. Where applicable, participants were supported to access advanced\r\nor certified training through recognized institutions, strengthening their\r\nprospects for income generation.

Phase III:\r\nMicro-Entrepreneurship and Economic Integration

Women interested\r\nin self-employment received:

\r\n
• Individual and group-based business coaching
\r\n
• Support in developing small enterprise plans
\r\n
• Access to start-up inputs such as tools, equipment,\r\n or raw materials through program-facilitated mechanisms
\r\n

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This phase\r\nenabled women to establish home-based or community-based enterprises,\r\nparticularly suited to local contexts and caregiving responsibilities.