Creating opportunities for underprivileged women

Women have come a long way after battling against all odds but still there are women, who are yet to take their first step. Le Meridien, in association with Joining Hands (a non-profit organisation), has come up with a new initiative that will train underprivileged women from economically weaker sections in the national Capital, to become a part of hospitality sector. 

The women will be trained in various sections within the hospitality sector, which would enhance their chance of acquiring jobs for a better livelihood. 

The training will take place for six months where 25 women will learn the intricacies of different departments under the operational section of the hospitality sector. The sole aim is to help them transform into confident women, who can face all the challenges of life.

Nidhi Bhasin, trustee of Joining Hands said: “We are very excited about this initiative- the hospitality industry offers huge opportunities for employment. The sector is manpower intensive and people also good exposure to health, hygiene and general grooming. The women participating in this initiative will inspire other women in their communities and will be drivers of change towards cleaner and healthier communities.”

She added that these women will take back home the lessons taught in this profession and it will instill confidence in them to achieve their goals. Meneka Gandhi, Union minister for Women and Child Development was present at the launch and she emphasised on the need for encouragement.  She said: “The craftsmen of this country carry legacy of unique artworks that are very well known but they don’t know how to adapt to change. This is where we have to step in to help them improve their livelihood.” The course has been designed in such a manner that it will provide a hands-on experience to the women. The students will work in the hotel for experience and be later employed if they’re good at it. For others there will be a placement drive, which will give them opportunities to work in other hotels.

When Millennium Post asked about the fee structure, Nidhi Bhasin said: “We’re charging a nominal fee of Rs 300 per month so that the women, who’ve joined the course, do not take this lightly.”

Some of the students were present at the launch and they happily spoke about it. “I am excited about this course. Till now we have learnt the basics as the course started in January. We are being taught the basics of English language as well such as the usage of ‘has’ and ‘have,” said Samikhsha, a student of the pilot batch.

Talking more about the potential that this sector has, Meena Bhatia, vice president, Marketing and Operations, Le Meridien New Delhi said: “There is a growing need to include women in the organised sector and the hospitality industry offers great opportunities for women to join the work force. In my experience, women do exceedingly well in the key areas of housekeeping, food and beverage service, food and beverage production and the front office.