Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading FMCG companies, successfully concluded the first phase of a tailoring training initiative in Thoothukudi. The event, which marked the culmination of a two-month training programme, was graced by Smt. P. Geetha Jeevan, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Government of Tamil Nadu, and attended by Vijayakumar S, Thoothukudi Corporation Councillor, Muthaihpuram, along with HCCB employees.
In partnership with the Y4D Foundation, over 40 women from the local community have successfully completed a two-month tailoring programme. As part of the culmination, each participant was equipped with a personal sewing machine, empowering them with the skills and tools needed for earning opportunities and entrepreneurial growth. In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Government of Tamil Nadu, extended support with materials and facilitated work orders, offering immediate employment opportunities to the trainees.
In her address at the event, Smt. P. Geetha Jeevan expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to witness such collaborative efforts that are designed to empower the women of Tamil Nadu. This programme had a transformative impact, enabling women to secure jobs in garment manufacturing or access entrepreneurial loans to establish small tailoring units.”
Commenting on the initiative, Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Officer, HCCB, said, “At HCCB, we believe that empowering women is essential to building stronger communities. By equipping them with valuable skills and providing the tools they need to succeed, we are fostering financial independence and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society. Our focus on women’s empowerment and youth skill development reflects our commitment to sustainable community development and Tamil Nadu’s economic and social progress.”
This tailoring training programme builds on HCCB’s extensive skill development initiatives in Tamil Nadu. Earlier this year, HCCB’s Financial and Digital Literacy Programme empowered 3,500+ women, equipping them with vital knowledge to manage finances, leverage digital tools, and enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities. Additionally, through its partnership with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC), HCCB has been equipping 10,500+ youth with industry-relevant sales and marketing skills as part of initiatives such as the Naan Mudhalvan scheme.
HCCB is actively enhancing digital learning infrastructure in schools through the installation of smartboards, while its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sessions aim to promote better hygiene practices among students across communities. The Company is also contributing to community development by building and upgrading schools, Anganwadi centres, and libraries, as well as constructing village information centres. These ongoing efforts underscore HCCB’s commitment to fostering financial independence, improving digital literacy, and building a skilled workforce in Tamil Nadu.