In a remarkable stride toward supporting working mothers, the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (COWE) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have collaborated to establish affordable daycare centers across India, particularly in industrial corridors. These centers cater to the needs of women workers, offering affordable childcare solutions, especially for those in the industrial sector and underprivileged segments of society.
Aveksha Daycare Centers
The recently inaugurated daycare centers under the Aveksha initiative provide a crucial service, offering affordable daycare for the children of women workers. These centers aim to bridge the accessibility gap, ensuring that even those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can access quality childcare facilities while their mothers work.
Four Aveksha centers have been launched in Hyderabad, strategically located in Alkapuri, Santoshnagar, Durganagar, and Suraram. Partnering with SIDBI, COWE plans to extend this initiative further, with 20 daycare centers slated for Telangana alone. These centers not only enable mothers to work but also signify a step towards financial independence for women in these communities.
The Aveksha project is a national endeavor, with plans to expand beyond Telangana. SIDBI, as the principal financial institution for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), plays a pivotal role in supporting such initiatives.
Affordable Daycare Centers
Through Aveksha, COWE and SIDBI are addressing a crucial need. While affluent families often have access to daycare facilities, industrial workers and laborers face significant challenges in securing affordable childcare. With Aveksha, this gap is being filled, ensuring that all children receive quality care, regardless of their parents’ socio-economic status.
The impact of Aveksha centers has been profound. Financially empowering over 150 women and facilitating job opportunities for 60% of them, these centers have become catalysts for positive change. Additionally, children attending these centers have shown remarkable improvements in discipline and creativity.
Equipped with CCTV surveillance and staffed by trained professionals, each Aveksha center provides a safe and nurturing environment for children. With an investment of approximately two lakhs rupees per center, these facilities operate at a monthly cost of 40,000 rupees.
Empowering Women
COWE’s vision extends beyond daycare. By empowering women through skill-building initiatives and fostering entrepreneurship, they aim to create lasting change in communities. Aveksha Daycare Centers stand as a testament to this commitment, offering affordable childcare solutions to working mothers across India’s industrial landscape.
