Madhya Pradesh has introduced its first women-run ‘Handloom Cafe’ in Pranpur, a village near the well-known tourist site of Chanderi in the Ashoknagar district. This initiative, launched by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, marks a significant step towards women’s empowerment while promoting the state as a safe and inclusive tourism destination. The cafe is notable for being entirely operated by women, from security personnel to chefs, cashiers, and front office managers, making it a trailblazing project in the region.
Bidisha Mukherjee, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, visited the cafe to assess its progress and motivate the staff. Mukherjee emphasized that the Handloom Cafe is a key initiative aimed at fostering women’s empowerment. She highlighted that every woman working in the cafe has undergone specialized training at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Bhopal to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
The management of the cafe is handled by a registered women’s group called ‘Sakhi Saheli Lok Kalyan Sangh,’ which further reinforces the project’s focus on providing employment, skill development, and financial independence to the women involved. Mukherjee added that this initiative not only aims to improve the quality of life for these women but also enhances Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as a progressive and culturally rich state.
This women-operated cafe offers visitors a unique experience by showcasing the state’s rich handloom traditions and the progressive vision for women’s empowerment. The project aligns with the state’s broader mission to create a safe and welcoming environment for women travelers, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
