‘Chhoti si asha’ brings big hopes

Walmart is committed to empower women around the world by helping women-owned-businesses (WOB) to succeed and grow. It has dedicated women entrepreneurship development programme (WEDP) in India that enhances the capacity of women entrepreneurs.

Liza Chawla, who has received the Women Achievers’ Award from the Governor, runs an organisation, ‘chhoti si asha’. She has enrolled women from the economically weaker sections of society, who are engaged in making bags and home décor materials through ‘stitch a living’ programme. Standing at a value of Rs 25 lakh, the organisation currently supports 100 women, amongst whom 15 women earn an average of Rs 10,000 per month. The organisation has also started manufacturing fashion accessories and apparels.

“The Walmart women entrepreneurship development programme opened my eyes. I realised that the purpose of my work was to provide meaningful employment and dignified labour to underserved women,” said Liza.

500 customers get free shopping vouchers

Pavilion Mall celebrated its fourth anniversary here on Thursday. The celebrations began with the traditional ‘puja’ ritual in the morning. A live band performance enthralled the audience in the evening, which made visitors groove to its tunes and beats. The celebrations was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony where all mall retailers, customers and members of the mall management were invited.

A special shopping campaign was also organised. Under the initiative, around 500 customers were given free vouchers on shopping worth Rs 2,500 of various brands. Top spenders also received surprise gifts. —TNS