The Women’s Studies Centre, Thiagarajar College, Madurai – 09, organized a Skill Building Programme on “Mushroom Cultivation as a Livelihood Pathway” on 15.10.2025 at Sakkimangalam Village, Madurai in celebration of the International Day for Rural Women.

The programme aimed to empower rural women by promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities through mushroom cultivation. It focused on creating awareness about the economic and nutritional value of mushrooms and encouraging women to view it as a small-scale business opportunity.

Dr. R. Aruna, Director of the Women’s Studies Centre, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship among rural women. She demonstrated how to cultivate mushrooms at home — from preparation to usage. The participants were divided into small groups, where they actively engaged in the training process. The villagers showed great enthusiasm and interest throughout the practical session, learning every step attentively.

The participants expressed positive feedback, appreciated the training, and found it helpful in understanding the process and the potential of mushroom farming as a source of income. The session inspired many women to consider starting mushroom cultivation as a means of economic independence and self-sustainability.

The programme concluded with a sense of accomplishment as both the trainers and the participants recognized the value of empowering women through skill development. The Women’s Studies Centre reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing livelihood opportunities that support women’s growth and self-reliance in society.

Dr. G. Selvarakku, Coordinator, Gender Studies, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing her sincere appreciation to the village women for their interest, active participation, and enthusiastic involvement in the mushroom cultivation training. She thanked them for their warm cooperation and willingness to learn, which made the programme a meaningful and successful one.