How SMILE Began

A brainchild of former Mayor Vandana Chavan, Savitri Marketing Institute For Ladies Empowerment (SMILE) is a collaborative initiative with the Pune Municipal Corporation. SMILE's journey began with a literacy drive initiated at the instance of Ms. Chavan as Mayor of Pune in 1997-98 on the occasion of India's 50th year of Independence.

 

Recognizing that women, who constitute 50% of the population, need a strong voice, which could be achieved through their empowerment and inspired by Jawaharlal Nehru's Five-Year Plan, which shifted focus from welfare to development and further their empowerment, Adv. Vandana Chavan, as the Mayor of Pune, spearheaded an ambitious literacy drive during the 50th year of Independence. 

 

Despite Pune's reputation as the 'Oxford of the East,' and 'Vidyeche Maherghar' approximately 40% of the city comprised of slums. This drive targeted women living in the slums and successfully educated 44,000 women not only to read and write but to instill functional literacy and amongst those interested to provide vocational and skill training. Many women learnt stitching and craft to make various handmade goods, including food items like sauces, jams and pickles.

 

Believing that real empowerment of a woman starts with making her economically independent and capable and further rising to the challenge as to 'where could these goods be sold?' Adv. Vandana Chavan approached the Municipal Corporation, proposing the idea of dedicated shops for selling goods manufactured by women, and with the proactive support from the then Municipal Commissioner Shri. Ratnakar Gaikwad Pune witnessed the establishment of SMILE in 2000.

 

Today, SMILE has evolved into a renowned handicraft store supporting thousands of women to bring a 'smile' on their face and that of their families. Located at Lokmanyanagar, Vishrambaug Wada, and the Katraj Zoo, SMILE showcases indigenous and eco-friendly products crafted by women entrepreneurs, which are a sure hit amongst the Punekars and also overseas. 

 

At SMILE one not only buys a product, but supports a woman to stand tall.