Women Ready to Make Their Mark in Another Male-Dominated Field

Women Learn Electrician Skills, Open New Pathways for Employment

20 Women Trained in Wiring, Switchboard Repair, and Electrical Equipment Maintenance at R-SETI

Raipur, May 2026: Women are once again preparing to establish themselves in another field traditionally dominated by men. By learning electrician skills — a profession that has largely remained untouched by women until now — they are stepping toward new employment opportunities and greater self-reliance.

In a significant initiative aimed at opening new livelihood avenues for rural women, 20 women from different villages have been trained in electrician work at the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (R-SETI) located in Koni, Bilaspur. After completing the training, these women are now ready to begin a new chapter of empowerment and professional growth.

The initiative marks a major step toward women’s empowerment at the Bilaspur R-SETI. Rural women are no longer limiting themselves to traditional occupations such as tailoring, weaving, or handicrafts. Instead, they are now confidently entering sectors that have long been regarded as male-dominated.

The 20 women trainees, associated with Bihan in Bilaspur district, are emerging as symbols of this social transformation. By learning electrician skills, they are moving strongly toward financial independence and self-employment.

For the first time this year, the Bilaspur Rural Self Employment Training Institute introduced a dedicated electrician training programme for women. The programme was launched to provide women with technical skills, strengthen their economic independence, and create access to new employment opportunities.

One of the trainees, Abida from Ratanpur, who is associated with the Bihan programme, said that she initially believed electrical work could only be performed by men. However, her perspective changed completely during the training.

She explained that skilled trainers taught the participants wiring, switchboard repair, maintenance of household electrical appliances, safety measures, and technical concepts in a simple and practical manner.

Abida said that she now confidently handles electrical work at home herself and plans to use these skills to increase her income in the future.

“Earlier, we had to depend on others even for small electrical repairs. Now I can solve problems at home on my own and also help people in my neighbourhood,” she said.

According to her, the training programme is opening a completely new path of self-reliance for rural women.

Another trainee, Tigmati Dahariya from Domgaon in Masturi block, shared that she had already been interested in electrical work and was working as an electrician in a private company even before joining the programme.

She said the training significantly improved both her technical knowledge and self-confidence.

Tigmati explained that the programme provided a better understanding of modern electrical techniques and safety standards. When asked about the risks associated with the profession, she confidently stated that if proper precautions, correct techniques, and safety protocols are followed, electrical work is completely safe for women as well.

Another trainee, Vimla, who completed the course at Bilaspur R-SETI, said that women are not behind men in any field and only need proper opportunities and training to succeed.

The women who participated in the programme also appreciated the arrangements made during the training period. They said proper accommodation and food facilities were provided, while experienced trainers offered hands-on practical instruction and detailed guidance about every aspect of the profession.

The trainees noted that the programme did not focus solely on technical education. It also helped build confidence, work discipline, and awareness about self-employment opportunities. According to them, the experience has inspired a new sense of confidence and self-belief.

The Rural Self Employment Training Institute is conducting various free training programmes for rural women and youth with the support of the Ministry of Rural Development and State Bank of India.

Every year, the institute traditionally conducts courses in tailoring, beauty parlour services, computer skills, incense stick manufacturing, and other conventional vocational trades. However, this year’s introduction of electrician training specifically for women has initiated a new mindset and positive social change in rural areas.

Officials associated with the initiative believe that the programme is not merely about vocational training but also about strengthening women’s participation, dignity, and status in society by making them financially independent.

The initiative is being viewed as an important step toward breaking gender stereotypes and encouraging women to confidently enter technical and skilled professions that were previously considered inaccessible to them.

Team Maverick.