Mumbai, March 10, 2026: Tata Power has highlighted the growing impact of its women-focused livelihood initiative Anokha Dhaaga, which is helping women from underserved communities build sustainable incomes and strengthen community leadership. What began as a small stitching centre in Maval, Maharashtra, has evolved into a wider network of women collectives across India.
In Mumbai, the initiative connects a network of home-based artisans and makers, enabling women to contribute to production while managing household responsibilities. Participants receive skill training, production materials and market linkages, allowing them to work flexibly from their homes while remaining part of a supportive learning and income-generating ecosystem.
Over time, Anokha Dhaaga has expanded beyond traditional stitching into diverse skill areas such as embroidery, handicrafts, culinary products including chocolates and cookies, and home décor items. Women are trained across the value chain, including design, sampling, production, packaging, pricing and market engagement, helping them participate more confidently in livelihood opportunities.
Market partnerships have played a key role in strengthening the initiative. Through collaborations with organisations within and outside the Tata ecosystem, including Trent, TajSATS, Tata Sons, Amazon, HDFC and ICICI Lombard, women associated with Anokha Dhaaga have contributed to large-scale corporate orders and gifting requirements.
Members of the initiative have also participated in major events such as the Tata Mumbai Marathon, producing haversack bags made from recycled plastic for runners, and the Westside Wellness Run, where participants created customised upcycled merchandise celebrating women’s empowerment.
Continuous training and upskilling remain central to the initiative. Through masterclasses and an online Learning Management System, women are able to enhance their skills from home and explore tools related to design thinking and product development. Participants from Anokha Dhaaga centres also attended the Tata AI Sakhi Immersion Program at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, where they gained exposure to emerging AI tools and digital applications for product ideation.
A Tata Power spokesperson said, “At Tata Power, we believe that empowerment goes beyond livelihood creation. Through Anokha Dhaaga, we are building an ecosystem where women gain confidence, strengthen their skills and support one another through collective growth. Their journeys demonstrate how the right opportunities, partnerships and continuous learning can create lasting social and economic transformation.”
Individual success stories highlight the initiative’s impact. Shabnam Shaikh, who joined Anokha Dhaaga seeking stable work, has developed skills in embroidery, stitching and painting and now also works as a trainer, travelling to locations such as Nagpur and Gujarat to train other women. Similarly, Anjali Bai, associated with the Chembur centre since the pandemic, now trains women in bag and garment making while supporting her daughter’s education.
Launched in 2016 with just ten women, Anokha Dhaaga has grown into a network connecting over 30,000 women across 25 centres in nine states, while also supporting women-led MSMEs and community collectives.
Today, the initiative continues to promote financial independence and social empowerment by enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods and support one another through collective growth.
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