ICECD has trained over 13,000 widows in the state of Gujarat to become entrepreneurs. A scheme for the Economic Rehabilitation of Widows was launched by the Department of Women and Child Development, and the Department of Social Security in Gujarat. Under this scheme, ICECD facilitated sustainable economic, and social empowerment of these widows who used to survive on government pension of mere Rs.600 - 650 per month.
These 13000 widows are from over 22 districts of Gujarat, mainly Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Valsad, Patan, Baroda, Surendranagar, Bharuch, Surat, Anand, Kheda, Navsari, Jamnagar, Panchmahal, Kutchch, Rajkot, Mehsana, Amreli, Banaskantha & Sabarkantha.
The range of products and services of the businesses run by these widows :
These widows, between the age group of 18 – 40 years, are either illiterate or semi literate. Today, they are economically independent and live with self respect in society. Their earning vary between Rs.2000/- to Rs.40,000/- per month.
