Over 1,000 women entrepreneurs from self-help groups (SHGs) in Telangana are set to undergo training in capacity building, focusing on financial and digital literacy, sales, marketing and retail management, thanks to a memorandum of understanding between the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Department of Rural Development, Telangana, and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB).

Speaking after formalising the agreement at the SERP office here on Monday, its CEO Divya Devarajan said the partnership with HCCB will enable and empower women entrepreneurs to become self-reliant with necessary skills and training. “Mahila Shakti Canteens are symbols of economic empowerment and independence for women. Beyond serving nourishing meals, these canteens provide rural women opportunities for self-reliance, building their independence and fostering entrepreneurship,” she added.

Under the agreement, HCCB will plan, co-design and execute relevant corporate social responsibility initiatives in Mahila Shakti canteens by training self-help groups in collaboration with experienced NGOs and implementation partners. The programme aims to cover 100 Mahila Shakti Canteens and train over 1,000 women entrepreneurs associated with SHGs in Telangana.

SERP, Government of Telangana, will facilitate alignment with district development plans and schemes pertaining to Mahila Shakti Canteens, enabling convergence with State and Central government programmes. It will also support beneficiary selection, stakeholder coordination and community mobilisation.