Rise Up Grant Empowers Women’s Knitting Groups in Thunag, Mandi: Boosting Earnings and Livelihoods with New Knitting Machine

A group of women belonging to self-help groups (SHGs) in Thunag, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, have received a knitting machine as a grant from Rise Up. The SHGs consist of 20 groups with a total of 144 members, benefiting approximately 1,400 individuals. Knitting is a primary activity for these women, serving as both a livelihood option and a significant source of income for many.
The knitting machine has proven to be of great assistance to the women, significantly increasing their work efficiency and subsequently boosting their earnings. While only a few members initially knew how to operate the machine, most of them have become proficient in its usage after receiving training. The women have embraced the machine, and their success stories are listed in Table 1.
Before the introduction of the machine, the women earned a monthly income ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. However, since acquiring the knitting machine, their profits have substantially increased. They now earn around Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 per month. The women utilize the machine to create a variety of products such as baby

sets, socks, caps, mufflers, sweaters for both men and women, gloves, and girl frocks, as mentioned in Table 2.
To sell their products, the women make use of different platforms. They participate in the “Rural Mart” located in Thunag and attend fairs and festivals in nearby localities. These avenues provide them with opportunities to showcase and sell their knitting creations to a wider customer base.
Overall, the grant of a knitting machine from Rise Up has had a transformative effect on the lives of the women in the SHGs of Thunag, Mandi. With increased work efficiency and higher earnings, they have been able to improve their financial situations and secure a better livelihood for themselves and their families. The machine has empowered these women to expand their knitting business and reach out to more customers through various selling platforms, enabling them to contribute significantly to their community’s economic development.