Project Green Light

During the COVID-19 pandemic, women in Bhiwandi’s red-light area faced an acute livelihood crisis. With restrictions cutting off their already limited means of income, many were left vulnerable without financial security or alternative skills to sustain themselves or their families. The stigma of their environment further restricted opportunities for dignified work.

With the support of a local doctor working in the community, we set up a short-term Women Skill Eco Center in the heart of the area. In this small hall, 18 women were trained to craft handmade products using waste materials, equipping them with sustainable skills, exposure to upcycling practices, and a chance to earn an income with dignity.

The initiative gave these women a first step towards empowerment and self-reliance. A deeply movingmoment came when the very first product made was purchased by Dr. Binish, leading the woman to tears as she called it her “first honourable income.” This emotional breakthrough remains a guiding inspiration for NuoTerra. Though the project concluded with the lifting of lockdown restrictions, three women were able to pursue their dreams and move out of the red-light area, carrying forward the skills and confidence gained from the program.