Mumbai NGO trains slum women in basic beauty course

Mumbai, Nov 28 (IANS) In an attempt to empower urban slum women, the Light of Life Trust Monday gave out passing certificates to 18 women after they successfully completed a basic beautician course.

'With a man being the sole breadwinner of the family in urban slums, we have made an effort to train these 18 women and girls in a basic beauty course,' Villy Doctor, founder trustee of the trust, told IANS.

'With this, they can step out of their homes for as many hours as they want and bring in some earning to help their husbands or fathers and also become financially independent,' she added.

Trained by aesthetician Vinu Kriplani, the women have also been offered opportunity to practise their skills.

'We will also help them find a job by absorbing them in our beauty salons or help them find the kind of job they desire,' Kriplani said.

'The basic course, which was provided free of cost will help them start earning. If they intend to take up advanced courses, we are open to making those arrangements,' she added.

Kriplani also appreciated the women and their enthusiasm to learn. 'Some of them were really quick in learning and very skilled,' she said.

Another Mumbai aesthetician Yasmin from the Nalini and Yasmin chain of salons was also present on the occasion. She gave useful tips to these women and also offered a platform at her salons.

'This section of our society is being neglected due to the common belief that they do not wish to change their lifestyle. Te fact is that the untapped skills of these women have not been explored and the trust has done just that,' Yasmin said.

Meena Bedekar, one of the women who successfully completed the eight-week course said that she will step out of the home for a few hours and offer her services to a nearby beauty salon to earn her own living.

'We are awed by the success of the pilot in this project and will come up with training session for another batches soon,' Doctor said.