With her husband unable to work, Reena turned to ESAF Foundation’s Skill LEAP programme. She learned to make eco-friendly cleaning products and built a profitable business from home, inspiring others in her village to follow their own entrepreneurial dreams.
This feature explores how ESAF Foundation’s Skill LEAP and support for DDU-GKY equip women and youth to lead change in their households and communities. It outlines the design, reach, and outcomes of enterprise training for women and sector-specific skilling for rural youth.
Anju Sumesh turned a jaggery-making tradition into a thriving small business in rural Kerala. With training, peer support and vision, she now earns steadily, employs others, and dreams of forming a co-operative that shares success with her entire women’s group.