Canossian Sisters Train Tribal Women in Soap-Making for Livelihood Opportunities

Shirpur, September 28, 2026: Around 40 tribal women participated in a two-day soap-making training programme organised by Jana Vikas Kendra, a unit of Anand Sadan Society run by the Canossian Sisters in Shirpur, Maharashtra, on September 26 and 27.

The programme aimed to equip women and young people from surrounding tribal villages with practical skills that could be developed into livelihood opportunities and contribute to greater economic self-reliance.

Resource person Amarsingh Pawra led the training, providing hands-on instruction in the preparation of different varieties of handmade soap. Participants learned to work with ingredients including goat milk, aloe vera, saffron, papaya, neem, moringa, sitafal and sandalwood.

Working in groups, the women prepared the soaps themselves, gaining practical experience in the production process. They were also able to take home the products they made during the training.

The initiative has already prompted the participants to explore ways of continuing the activity beyond the training. Three groups have been formed with plans to produce handmade soaps on a small scale, explore local markets and market their products.

The Canossian Sisters conduct skill-development programmes through Jana Vikas Kendra in areas including tailoring, beautician courses, soap-making and other livelihood activities. The programmes are aimed at helping tribal women and youth acquire practical skills that can be used within their communities.

The soap-making programme also encouraged collective enterprise and gave participants an opportunity to consider how a newly acquired skill could contribute to household income.

The formation of three groups following the training marks the participants’ first step towards turning the acquired skill into a small-scale livelihood activity. The organisers hope that continued effort, market access and further support will help the women develop the initiative sustainably.

By Urmila Rohidas Pawra

Jyoida Village, Shirpur