Mumbai University’s Skill Development Fair 2025: Women Artisans Showcase Handmade Products, Promote Financial Independence

Mumbai: Women from 50 self-help groups gathered at the University of Mumbai’s (MU) Kalina campus on Thursday to sell a range of handmade, home-use products. The two-day Women's Skill Development Fair has been organised by the university’s Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension in collaboration with the Innovation, Research and Incubation Board. The initiative aims to support income-generating efforts and promote financial self-reliance among women through entrepreneurship.

The event was inaugurated at the Firozeshah Mehta Bhavan in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Ajay Bhamre, Registrar Dr Prasad Karande, Director of Lifelong Learning and Extension Prof Baliram Gaikwad, Director of the Innovation, Research and Incubation Board Dr Sachin Laddha, and University Senate member Ruchi Mane.

The fair showcases a wide array of products crafted by the participating women, including jewellery, cloth bags, quilts, artwork, purses, office-use handbags, decorative items, khadi fabric jewellery, mouth fresheners, soaps, oils, biscuits, fancy footwear, and other homemade food items. All items on display have been prepared with care, skill, and self-motivation by women from the Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s registered self-help groups.

The university said that the fair is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about various central and state government schemes available to support women-led businesses. MU hopes that the event will inspire more women to start their own ventures and explore opportunities for financial independence.