Empowering Women Towards Self-Reliance and Entrepreneurship
Empowering women through skill-building, enterprise, and collective action. Project Unnati fosters financial independence and community transformation.
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Self Help Groups Formed
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Women Mobilized in SHGs
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Women Engaged in Micro & Nano Enterprises
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Women Trained Under Entrepreneurship Units
Project Unnatti: Promoting Sustainable, Women Run SHGs for their Socio-economic Development and Empowerment
Women’s empowerment is defined as promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence socio-economic change for themselves and others. Keeping this in mind, Project Unnatti initiated with a focus to empower and mobilize women into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and develop their capacities and skills for entrepreneurship.
During FY’26, we worked with 561 SHGs (Self Help Groups), engaging over 6000 women members. We are strengthening these SHGs through regular meetings, bank linkages, connecting them to government schemes and thereby creating entrepreneurial opportunities.
The apex level body of women run businesses, “Unnatti Maha Sangh (UMS)” strengthened & continued its Microenterprises- UnaTex (Textile), Dekoratti (Art & Craft), Chhattisa (Food items), Cleanla (Cleaning Items), Mushroom Spawn Unit, Mushroom Production Unit, Black Maize (Restaurant) and Kosa Silk Unit, providing SHG’s a broader avenue of collective business opportunities. Actively engaged over 600 women, enabling them to gain financial independence and diversified income sources, over 20 women run small businesses viz. Tiffin service, Fancy store, Cosmetic, Stitching etc. were also supported to promote entrepreneurship.
Additionally, exposure visits have been organised, providing women with valuable insights into product (Art & Craft) development, sales, and marketing strategies, thereby honing their entrepreneurial acumen. Moreover, Unnati products have been showcased at prestigious platforms Pali Mahotsav, Rajyotsav, CII Women’s Mela, Investors meet Jharsuguda etc. highlighting the recognition garnered by its products. Organized “Unnati Utsav 2026” the annual women empowerment celebration, over 800 community women and employees participated. The programme also felicitated 15 community achievers for their transformative journeys, launched First ever women’s Magazine ‘Srishti’.
The project is currently being run in partnership with Social Revival Group of Urban Rural & Tribal (SROUT).
Kosakari: Weaving the Stories of Empowerment Through Craft
Kosakari is BALCO’s women empowerment initiative that blends traditional handloom craftsmanship with sustainable livelihood creation. Rooted in the rich heritage of Kosa silk weaving, the initiative works closely with women artisans and community-led groups, enabling them to build financial independence while preserving time-honoured skills. Through access to resources, continuous skill development, and a structured platform, Kosakari is creating opportunities that go beyond income—fostering confidence, dignity, and long-term resilience.
Every Kosakari saree is handwoven on traditional looms, where each thread is placed with precision and care. The process is deliberate and time-intensive, often taking weeks to complete a single piece. From preparing the loom to crafting intricate motifs, borders, and pallus, the saree evolves gradually—guided by the artisan’s expertise. Created only after an order is placed, this made-to-order approach ensures minimal waste and high quality.
More than a product, each Kosakari saree carries a story, of skill passed through generations, of women shaping their own futures, and of a conscious choice to value craft over mass production. Through this initiative, BALCO continues its commitment to inclusive growth, supporting women artisans as active contributors to their communities and custodians of cultural heritage.
To explore the collection and learn more about the initiative, visit the Kosakari website.
Showcasing Unnati Products
Unnati products gained recognition at prestigious national and international platforms.
Pali Mahotsav
Highlighted traditional crafts and skills at this renowned regional event.
Technex’24, IIT BHU
Showcased innovation-driven products at a premier tech festival.
Bhopal Minister's Meet
Displayed women-led businesses at the State Mining Minister’s conference.
Dilli Haat Festival
Featured at Vedanta Cultural Fest, celebrating art & entrepreneurship.
Celebrating Women’s Empowerment
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate “Unnati Utsav” with community women, adolescent girls, and employees. The event features stalls showcasing entrepreneurial skills, with women linked to various micro & nano-enterprises. During the celebration, we recognize community members who make significant contributions to entrepreneurship, social change, and community leadership, benefiting all.
This initiative is currently being run in partnership with GPR Strategies & Solutions (GPRSS).
