Creating Sustainable Livelihoods Through Women-Led Enterprises As part of its commitment to sustainable livelihood generation and women’s economic empowerment, Bhaskara Foundation has established five Garment Manufacturing Units (GMUs) across India—one in Maharashtra, two in Madhya Pradesh, one in Karnataka, and one in Odisha. These units have been strategically established to provide gainful employment opportunities to women who have successfully completed skill development training at the Foundation’s training centres.
The initiative aims to create sustainable employment for 175 women, enabling them to achieve financial independence while contributing to the local economy through skilled garment production. The GMU model extends beyond employment generation. It is designed to foster long-term community ownership by gradually transforming each manufacturing unit into a Mutually Aided Cooperative Society (MACS). Under this model, the women beneficiaries collectively own, manage, and govern the enterprise promoting democratic decision-making, shared responsibility and equitable distribution of benefits.
By empowering women to become entrepreneurs and stakeholders rather than merely employees, the MACS framework ensures institutional sustainability, strengthens local economies and nurtures self-reliant communities. This innovative approach reflects Bhaskara Foundation’s vision of creating enduring livelihood ecosystems where skilled women evolve into confident business owners, leaders, and change-makers.
