From Traditional Skill to Sustainable Livelihood: Sikki Mauni Refresher Training

14–16 May 2026 | Sewa Kendra, Bettiah

A three-day Sikki Mauni Refresher Training Programme was organized at Sewa Kendra, Bettiah, from 14 to 16 May 2026, bringing together 45 widowed mothers from eight villages of Bairia Block. The training was designed not simply as a craft-learning activity, but as a step towards economic independence, renewed confidence, and dignified livelihoods for women who often face financial hardship and social exclusion.

The programme was inaugurated by Ratnesh Sir, who encouraged the participants to recognize the value of their traditional skills and explore new opportunities for income generation. The sessions were facilitated by experienced trainers Mrs. Babita Devi and Mrs. Rita Devi, who guided the women in refining their existing Sikki Mauni skills and adapting them to changing consumer preferences.

A key focus of the refresher training was to move beyond traditional Sikki products and introduce participants to contemporary, attractive, and market-oriented decorative items. During the three days, the women learned to prepare products such as pen stands, flower pots, cup holders, trays, and other utility and decorative articles. This approach helped connect their traditional craftsmanship with products that have greater potential for use in modern households, exhibitions, fairs, and local markets.

The training also became a space for women to share experiences, learn from one another, and celebrate their achievements. Several participants recalled their previous experiences of displaying and selling Sikki products at local exhibitions and melas. These experiences demonstrated that when women receive appropriate skills and opportunities to access markets, their traditional craftsmanship can become more than a household activity—it can become a source of income, recognition, and self-confidence.

For many participants, the value of the programme extended beyond learning new designs. The three days provided an opportunity to step outside the isolation of routine household responsibilities, interact with other women, share their experiences, and rediscover their own abilities. The atmosphere of collective learning and mutual encouragement helped strengthen their confidence and sense of belonging.

The programme concluded with a practical evaluation of the products prepared during the training. Participants received guidance on quality improvement, pricing, marketing, and future sales opportunities. Particular emphasis was placed on linking the finished products with Jeevika-linked grocery outlets and other local market channels, while local youth volunteers were encouraged to support the women through digital promotion and online visibility of their products.

This market-oriented approach is an important step in helping the women move from skill development to actual livelihood opportunities. Rather than limiting the training to production, the programme focused on creating pathways through which their products could reach customers and generate sustainable income.

The reflections shared by the participants highlighted the deeper impact of the initiative. The women expressed sincere gratitude to BDSSS, noting that the programme had helped them regain confidence, recognize their own capabilities, and challenge the stigma associated with widowhood. For them, learning a skill was not merely about making a product—it was about rebuilding a sense of identity and hope for the future.

The Sikki Mauni refresher training therefore represents an important step in the broader Widow Empowerment Project. It demonstrates how traditional knowledge, when strengthened through new skills, market exposure, and continued mentoring, can become a pathway towards self-employment and economic self-reliance.

Most importantly, the programme reinforced a powerful message: widowhood should never be a barrier to dignity, opportunity, or economic independence. With the right support and a platform to showcase their abilities, these women are increasingly moving from dependence towards self-reliance—from being viewed through the lens of vulnerability to being recognized as skilled artisans, earners, and contributors to their families and communities.

The three-day training was therefore not just a refresher in Sikki craftsmanship; it was a renewed beginning for 45 women—strengthening their skills, rebuilding their confidence, connecting them to markets, and opening new possibilities for a more dignified and economically secure future.