The Suruchi – Empowering Women: Trainer Training Programme was a two-day skill-development and capacity-building initiative conducted by FLO Bengaluru on 5th and 6th August 2026 at the Suruchi Tailoring Centre, Jayanagar, Bengaluru. The programme was designed to empower women with practical vocational skills while also preparing them to become trainers and change-makers within their own communities.
Led by Nagaratna, the Lead Trainer, the workshop followed a Trainer-of-Trainers (ToT) model. Unlike a conventional skill-training programme that focuses only on direct beneficiaries, this model equipped participants to pass on their knowledge to other women. A total of 26 women participated in the programme, representing Kadaba in Gubbi Taluk, Tumakuru district; Kodihalli in Kanakapura Taluk; and Hagare in Belur Taluk, Hassan district.
The training combined technical learning with teaching and entrepreneurship-focused capacity building. Participants received hands-on instruction in bag-making, including different bag styles, finishing techniques, pattern making, cutting, and industrial sewing machine handling. They also learned essential training skills such as classroom management, learner engagement, assessment methods, and effective delivery of practical sessions. This helped the women gain confidence not only in producing bags but also in teaching these skills to others.
The programme further introduced participants to entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities linked to tailoring and bag-making. By encouraging women to use these skills for home-based production, local training, and small enterprise development, the initiative sought to strengthen their potential for financial independence and sustained income generation.
A significant feature of the programme was its focus on continued learning. Participants were encouraged to explore relevant courses offered through the World University of Design (WUD) eCAMPUS, including free courses available in collaboration with FICCI FLO. The women were also encouraged to share these learning opportunities with the women they will train in their communities.
Through this initiative, FICCI FLO Bengaluru aims to create a multiplier effect. The 26 trained women are expected to return to their villages and train more women, expanding access to livelihood skills across rural communities. The programme therefore supports women’s empowerment not only through skill development, but also through peer-led learning, entrepreneurship, confidence building, and sustainable community-level livelihood creation.