For many women and girls in Kolkata, India, poverty and cultural expectations limit their access to education and job opportunities.

Recognising these challenges, Cathedral Relief Service is working to break these barriers by equipping women with practical skills and empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods.

Through programs in textiles, sewing, and beauty therapy, women are gaining valuable business knowledge, financial guidance, and hands-on skills that help them start their own micro-businesses.

By engaging families and overcoming cultural resistance with empathy and compassion, Cathedral Relief Service is creating a supportive environment where education and empowerment go hand in hand.

A Micro Business with Macro Benefits

Kanika’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of the Cathedral Relief Service programs. After losing her husband, Kanika’s world was turned upside down. To support her children, she worked as a maid, but the inconsistency of the work often left her struggling to make ends meet.

When Kanika heard about a tailoring class run by CRS, she saw an opportunity to turn her life around. This year-long course equips women with sewing, embroidery, and knitting skills, empowering them to run their own micro-businesses. Beyond technical training, the program offers business management support, financial guidance, and even helps participants set up individual bank accounts.

Kanika (featured above) reflects on the transformation:

“I am so happy that I joined the sewing training and now can earn some money to sustain myself and my children. I am grateful to all who support this initiative and to the Cathedral Relief Service for providing this opportunity and giving us the liberty to use the sewing machines for our work.”

Her story represents the resilience and determination of countless women who are rewriting their futures through the support of programs like this one.

Program Highlights

• 161 women and girls provided with skills training to increase their economic independence.
• 62 men equipped with gender-inclusive education, emphasising their roles as fathers and advocates in their families.

The CRS program’s impact goes beyond individual participants, fostering a ripple effect across entire communities. By equipping women with essential skills and breaking down cultural barriers, the program is building a future where economic stability and gender equality can thrive.

Stories like Kanika’s show clearly that education and empowerment are powerful tools for change. Programs like CRS are not just changing lives—they are laying the foundation for stronger, more inclusive communities.