These women are undergoing training at the Pambakkuda Block Panchayat headquarters following the recognition by the Panchayat that there is lack of skilled labour for these activities in the traditionally farm-oriented job-need of the area. This combined with lack of employment among women and the influx of labourers from Tamil Nadu, prompted the Panchayat to train the women to take up the jobs in masonry and carpentry.

According to Jacob Daniel, the trainer in carpentry, the strong desire and willingness of the women have helped in the success of the training programme. Knowing well that they may not be welcomed to big construction sites, the women trainees have opted to do fabrication and carving of small furniture.

The trainees of masonry also had a chance to exhibit their craftwomenship at the Panchayat premises in the form of pathways, public benches etc. The 16 trainees from both streams together plan to form a cooperative venture.

The venture of these confident rural women into areas of traditional male areas is sure to bring about self sufficiency of workforce in this agrarian mileu.