Solidaridad and LSSC partner to empower women through skill development in Kanpur-Unnao leather cluster

Solidaridad and the Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at empowering women in the leather industry. Signed by LSSC Chairman Mukhtarul Amin and Solidaridad-India Country Manager Monika Khanna, the agreement is seen as a pivotal moment for the sector, promising substantial benefits for women workers and advancing the vision of a more inclusive and sustainable industry. The MoU, signed in Kanpur, will focus on enhancing skill-based training for women, particularly those working from home in the Kanpur-Unnao leather cluster.

Women in the leather industry face significant challenges, including limited access to formal training, poor working conditions, low wages, and minimal opportunities for advancement. The new MoU between Solidaridad and the Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) aims to address these issues by providing specialized training and resources to home-based women workers, helping them transition from low-wage roles to more skilled and higher-paying positions. This initiative is expected to boost their productivity and economic prospects.

Earlier, the ‘Solidaridad Resource Center’ was inaugurated by several industry leaders, including RK Jalan, Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), and Mukhtarul Amin, Chairman of LSSC. The center, equipped with modern machinery and better working conditions, will provide training to women in the leather industry, empowering them to become independent. Certificates will be awarded upon completion, aligning their skills with industry demands.

Monika Khanna, Country Manager of Solidaridad India, expressed her happiness, stating that the MoU marks a critical moment in empowering women in the leather sector, promoting economic independence and job security.

Tatheer Zaidi, Head of Pollution Management in MSMEs at Solidaridad Asia, emphasized the integration of sustainable practices into the training programs, while Aditya Kumar Singh, Programme Manager in Kanpur, highlighted the initiative's role in promoting gender equity and industry productivity.

During the event, a sustainability toolkit for the Kanpur and Unnao leather clusters was launched by R.K. Jalan, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable leather production. The event saw strong support from industry leaders like Anwarul Haq, President of the Uttar Pradesh Leather Industries Association (UPLIA), and H. Rahman, President of the Small Tanneries Association (STA), who stressed the importance of collaboration and empowering small tanneries.

Prof. Samsher, Vice Chancellor of Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) Kanpur, introduced a Training Module focused on pollution prevention, furthering Solidaridad’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Asad Iraqi, Regional Chairman of CLE, concluded by underscoring the significance of such partnerships in fostering sustainable growth and empowering women to lead and innovate within the industry.

The event was attended by key representatives, including Sanjay Kumar, Executive Director of LSSC, and Pallavi Dubey, Regional Director of CLE, marking a significant step toward transforming the leather industry and advancing environmental sustainability.