Socio-economic Empowerment Program
Socio-economic Empowerment Program is one of the key services RENEW provides to survivors of domestic, sexual and gender based violence to foster financial and economic independence. Financial dependence and economic in security are two of the biggest factors that contribute to gender-based violence and subordination of women and children. RENEW in-collaboration with FIDA inter national and with support from different national and international partners has taken livelihood to next level.
In the past decade, more than 3000 women, men, boys, people with disabilities and members of the LQBTQI have availed RENEW’s skilling program that is supported by FIDA international.
Skilling Program
- Tailoring Training
- Weaving Training
- Confectionary & Bakery
- Upcycle/recycle Training
- Floriculture Training
- Mushroom Training
- Felting Training
Basic & Advanced Training
The tailoring training program spans four months for basic tailoring and three months for advanced tailoring. During the basic course, participants will learn to stitch Kira, Tego, and Wonju. In the advanced course, they will focus on stitching the Gho. Throughout both programs, participants will be instructed in the use of sewing machines, hand tools, and other equipment, as well as in body measurements, pattern making, fabric selection, and various stitching techniques. The training is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in tailoring skills, preparing participants for both personal and professional garment creation and alteration projects.
Assam Loom & Back Strap Weaving
The training is for a duration of 2 months for both the weaving method. Trainees are expected to learn yarn dyeing methods and different weaving techniques, select and prepare weaving materials such as yarn and fibers, and create various weaving patterns and designs.
The training is for a duration of 1 month and trainees are expected to learn about ingredient selection, mixing techniques, baking temperatures, and decorating methods. Overall confectionery baking training provides a comprehensive overview of the art and science of making delicious desserts.
Paper & Textile Waste
The training is designed for a duration of 2 weeks and participants are expected to learn creative recycling techniques, knowledge on recycling and upcycling processes, and environmental awareness.
The training is designed for 2 weeks where participants are expected to learn about planting, watering, and pruning techniques and also basic plant nutrition and pest control methods.
- Oyster mushroom 1 week
- Shiitake mushroom 2 weeks
The mushroom training program spans for one week for Oyster mushroom and two weeks for Shiitake mushroom cultivation training. During the Oyster and Shiitake mushroom cultivation training, participants will learn substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, fruiting, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and pest and disease management. Participants will learn additional techniques specific to Shiitake, and unique characteristic of Shiitake mushroom.
The training is designed for two weeks and the training covers wet and needle felting. Participants are expected to learn how to turn raw wool fibers into sturdy textiles, learn techniques like wet felting with hot water and soap, and needle felting for sculpting designs. This hands-on experience explores wool types, felting methods, and enable participants to create unique felted artworks and products
RENEW Vocational Institute
RENEW initiated Livelihood skills as a Re-integration programme in 2008. Financial dependence and economic insecurity are two of the biggest factors that contribute to gender-based violence and subordination of women and children. Recognizing this, RENEW’s Livelihood and Social Enterprise services aims to sustainably address these emerging issues through livelihood skills enhancement and capacity development programs and projects. The mandates of our services ensures that these beneficiaries become holistically empowered and economically independent contributing to change in society at grassroot levels. With support from Fida international, our services have successfully empowered more than 3000 women, men, boys, people with disabilities and members of the LQBTQI over a decade’s time.
In 2020, RENEW successfully established a RENEW Vocational Institute at Wangsisina, Thimphu.
Way Forward
In the next five years RENEW will ensure improved economic security and well-being of survivors of SGBV, vulnerable communities through diverse livelihood skills training opportunities.