Empowering Women and Children: Samadhan Abhiyan’s Mission , Bridging the Gap to Ensure Creche Facilities in Haryana’s Industries.
Initiated in October 2023, the “Ensure Creche Facility” (ECF) project by Samadhan Abhiyan in Panipat, Haryana, marks a significant step towards promoting the well-being of working mothers and fostering a conducive environment for children’s development. With a primary focus on sensitizing stakeholders for the effective implementation of creche facilities in textile industries, this project underscores the importance of supporting women workers and providing safe spaces for their children.
Designed to address the specific needs of the textile and supply chain industries, the ECF project adopts a participatory approach, engaging community organizations, labor groups, and individuals throughout its implementation. At its core, the project aims to ensure the effective implementation of labor laws such as the Factory Act and the Maternity Benefit Act, with a special emphasis on establishing compulsory creche facilities near workplaces.
During the initial phases of the project, extensive surveys were conducted across 50 supply chain factories in Panipat, reaching out to workers and owners to assess the existing landscape. The findings revealed a stark reality: none of the surveyed factories had creche facilities, particularly in smaller units within the supply chain. This absence not only poses challenges for working mothers but also raises broader concerns about child safety, development, and the overall work-life balance of female employees.
To address these pressing issues, Samadhan Abhiyan conducted awareness sessions, reaching thousands of workers and their families. By highlighting the importance of creche facilities in ensuring child safety, fostering women’s productivity, and enhancing workforce participation, the project aims to catalyze positive change within the industry.
A poignant example from Panipat district exemplifies the urgent need for creche facilities. In a small supply chain factory group, over 50 female workers and more than 20 children faced harsh living conditions due to the absence of a creche facility. Mothers were compelled to bring their children to the workplace, exposing them to inhospitable environments.
Samadhan Abhiyan’s initiative is positioned to create meaningful change by addressing the crucial issue of creche facility absence, particularly in small supply chain units. With the support of governmental initiatives such as the Haryana State Creche Policy-2022 and the National Creche Scheme, the project aims to bridge this critical gap and ensure the holistic welfare of working mothers and their children.
The notification of the Haryana State Creche Policy-2022, spearheaded by the Department of Women and Child Development, underscores the government’s commitment to supporting working women. With plans to open 500 new creches in the state, the policy reflects a concerted effort to provide modern facilities and operational support for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
In conclusion, Samadhan Abhiyan’s “Ensure Creche Facility” project stands as a beacon of hope for women workers in the textile industry.
Addressing the lack of childcare facilities for both organized and unorganized sector workers in factories, this project seeks to implement creche facilities and leverage governmental support. By doing so, it aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for working mothers and their children. The ultimate goal is to ensure the well-being of both mothers and children while fostering socio-economic development in the region.
