Ranchi: In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a two-day national workshop on Urban Livelihoods convened in Ranchi, Jharkhand, under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
With participation from about 150 delegates from across the country, the workshop served as a platform for high-level deliberations on emerging trends and opportunities in urban livelihoods, with a primary focus on bolstering resilience and empowerment for women across urban India. Participants included State Mission Directors of the State Urban Livelihoods Mission, senior officials from MoHUA and Jharkhand state government, senior officials from UNDP India, leading sector experts, and representatives from research institutions, start-ups, philanthropies, and donor organizations.
The event featured multiple panel discussions focusing on enabling strategies to foster women-led urban livelihoods and emerging sectors and types of enterprises in climate, services, retail, and manufacturing. It also explored other themes like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) and the role of philanthropies in addressing issues of urban poverty through identifying priority areas and innovative financial investments.
During the event, Shri Rahul Kapoor, Joint Secretary, MoHUA, introduced the concept of urban care models that provide care infrastructure and services for the urban poor, thereby enhancing their access to livelihood opportunities and fostering environments conducive to the well-being of young children and caregivers. He said, “Urban planning goes hand in hand with care planning. We need a holistic approach to tackling the problem of urban poverty. Care philosophy must be integrated into city design, fostering infrastructure that supports women, children, and the elderly, and ensures a safe city for all. Building a conducive environment for women at home and the workplace will also improve the participation of women in the labour force.”
Speaking at the event, Ms Isabelle Tschan, Resident Representative of UNDP India said, “As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities, recognizes the unique challenges cities face and emphasizes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development. National and State, Urban Livelihood Missions, are critical to advancing this goal by ensuring access to basic services, affordable housing, and improved living conditions for all urban residents, especially the marginalized and women. UNDP looks forward to working with DAY-NULM to address urban poverty through livelihood promotion strategies and tailored solutions for communities.”
The workshop served as a platform for states to share the best practices concerning women-led urban livelihoods and economic enhancement, facilitating peer learning and replication of successful models by other states.
