The PepsiCo Foundation organizes ‘Holi color making’ workshop for women waste workers
Mathura : The PepsiCo Foundation and Recity Network Private Limited administered a festival special ‘Organic Holi Color making’ workshop for women waste workers, as an extension of Project Purna in Mathura-Vrindavan. The workshop was organized with the aim to support women SHGs to become self-reliant and economically independent. As part of the initiative, ten women waste workers were provided training in making Holi colors made of organic products and temple flower waste which are safe for skin and environment.
‘Project Purna’ has been focused on exploring alternate sources of livelihood and empowering women with various vocational skill building training programs. Ahead of the Holi workshop, the women waste workers received an overwhelming support from across the city, receiving orders beyond production capacity. The colors were being prepared using organic and natural substances like cornflour, beetroot, spinach, marigold flowers, camphor, food color, etc. A total order of 150 kg so far has helped the women workers achieve a 4X jump to their income this Holi season.
“I am an old widow. I get tired after my day’s work. I have responsibilities of two grown up girls. I had no money to enroll them in any course. I feel blessed to be a part of the Purna project by PepsiCo Foundation and Recity. With the support they have given me through training and other activities I am able to support my family. Today, my daughters are learning new skills. I am happy they won’t need to do what I do.” Sunita Didi, 55 years old, a waste worker
During the workshop, ten women waste workers of SHGs across Mathura city were provided training to make organic holi colors, further empowering them and bringing them additional income opportunities. The long-term partnership between PepsiCo Foundation and Recity for ‘Project Purna’ has been focused on transforming waste workers into waste professionals by developing a circular, equitable and inclusive model of solid and plastic waste management across Indian cities.