UN Women appreciated the STDW project of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. It was described as an inspiring initiative towards women’s safety, skill development and self-reliance.
Taking forward Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s vision of women empowerment and security, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is running the ‘Safe Tourist Destination for Women (STDW)’ project in the state. In a special interactive program organized under this initiative, Ms. Shoko Ishikawa, Country Representative of UN Women India, met the trained girls and women associated with the project. During this, he heard their experiences and took information about the positive changes resulting from the project.
Special meeting of UN Women on Women’s Safe Tourism Project
During this dialogue program organized at MP Tourism Board, UN Women India’s Country Representative Shoko Ishikawa interacted in detail with the girls associated with the project. He appreciated the changes in their confidence, leadership abilities and various skills after the training.
He said that this initiative of Madhya Pradesh is emerging as an inspiring model towards creating a safe and inclusive tourism system for women. He also said that the biggest strength of this project is the active participation of the local communities, which is providing both a safe environment and new opportunities to the women.
Aim to make Madhya Pradesh the safest tourist state for women tourists
Additional Managing Director of MP Tourism Board, Mr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar said that the aim of the department is to make Madhya Pradesh the safest and most reliable tourist destination of the country for women tourists. He said that continuous work is being done in the state by combining women’s safety, skill development and community participation. Through these efforts, new employment and self-employment opportunities are being created for women, while the tourism sector is also becoming more inclusive and empowered.
Handmade products showed self-reliance of women
During the program, women and girls associated with the STDW project presented various handicrafts prepared with their own hands to the guests. These mainly included handmade souvenirs, fabric jewelery and Feng Shui based artefacts. These products showcased local art, creativity and the hard work of women. It was also clarified that this project is playing an effective role in making women economically self-reliant.
Skill development and community participation model appreciated
During the meeting, the UN Women delegation praised the skills training model developed under the project, community engagement and the positive changes witnessed among women. The delegation described this initiative as effective, inspiring and exemplary for other sectors as well. On this occasion, Country Deputy Representative of UN Women India Ms. Kanta Singh and State Representative Ms. Joyatri Rai were also present.