Muslim women, who have long been confined to their homes under the joint family system in the past, are taking to fashion designing in a big way in Ongole.
Over 80 women who had undergone training in embroidery and Zardozi works and Mehndi designs floored Andhra Pradesh State Minorities Finance Corporation Chairman Md. Hitayat during an interaction with them here on Wednesday.
“We have a great artistic tradition of ours for centuries. With some training provided by the State Minorities Finance Corporation, we are able to market our embroidered garments in niche markets after adding value,” says Sk. Karimunnisa Begum their leader while talking to The Hindu .
Useful training“The training is useful in refining our ancient skills and the great tradition of embroidery to changing times”, says another woman Sk.Samina who has honed her skills in embroidery. We can sell a saree costing just Rs. 500 for Rs. 10,000 with our embroidery works'', she adds confidently.
“We get gainful employment in the area of Mehndi design also'', added yet another empowered woman Pathan Sharmila. Wedding and festival seasons are usually busy seasons according to them.
In all, 546 persons were provided training in Prakasam district during the last fiscal so that they could get gainful employment, added Mr. Sapthagiri, its Executive Director in the district.
