Women To The Fore: 1 Crore Face Masks Made By Self-Help Groups In India

New Delhi: The Union government has saluted the efforts of several self-help groups (SHGs) across the country for having stitched over one crore face masks to help India’s fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

“It shows relentless effort, positive energy and united resolve of SHGs to fight Covid-19 under DAY-NULM flagship scheme of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MHUA),” a PIB release stated.

The MHUA made special mention of women. “At the core of this proud moment is a strong face of female entrepreneurs supported by the mission. Their resilience is motivating others to multiply the efforts with more energy and determination. It is women empowerment safeguarding lives in true sense,” the ministry noted.

Samrudhhi Area Level Federation (ALF) president Shubhangi Chandrakant Dhaygude says collects orders through phone and stitches masks at her home in Titwala, Maharashtra. She, and her team of 45 women have made 50,000 masks already.

Meenu Jha, member of Savarni SHG in Kota, confesses that she did not imagine this small step can inspire so many others.

Runjhun SHG member Rashmi, from Nagaon, has been busy preparing masks using gamocha, Assam’s traditional cloth. She is proud that gamocha has today  become a symbol of health, safety and hygiene in the country.