Chennai, October 6, 2026: Coromandel International Limited has launched the Skilling Transgender People for Employability Programme (STEP) in North Chennai to create livelihood opportunities for transgender women through vocational training and support for self-employment.

The initiative is being implemented under Coromandel’s CSR programme, CoroVikas, in partnership with Born2Win Social Welfare Trust. The eight-month programme will provide transgender women with structured tailoring training, covering practical skills that can support employment and self-employment opportunities in the garment and apparel sector.

Participants who maintain at least 80% attendance and successfully complete the final assessment will receive powered tailoring machines. The support is intended to help beneficiaries use their newly acquired skills to start tailoring ventures and develop sustainable sources of income.

The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Mr Jayagopal Chathur, Head – CSR; Mr M Vetrivel, Unit Head – Ennore Plant. Ms Shwetha Sudhakar, Founder and Trustee, Born2Win Social Welfare Trust, and Ms Grace Banu, activist for trans rights, also attended the event along with members of the transgender community, community representatives and other guests.

Mr. Jayagopal Chathur, Head CSR, Coromandel International, said: “Through the STEP programme, Coromandel is empowering members of the transgender community with market-relevant skills and the tools required to translate those skills into sustainable livelihoods. By combining vocational training with support for self-employment, we aim to foster greater economic independence, confidence and dignity, enabling participants to build a more secure and self-reliant future.”

Born2Win Social Welfare Trust, a transgender-led organisation established in 2013, works towards the social, educational and economic empowerment of transgender individuals across Tamil Nadu. Through the partnership, the organisation will support vocational training and post-training assistance for programme participants.

The initiative is part of Coromandel’s broader community development efforts under CoroVikas, with a focus on skill development, livelihood generation and inclusive community development. The company said the STEP programme is intended to create a pathway from vocational training to income generation and greater economic independence.