CHENNAI: A micro-business expo titled Unnal Mudiyum Penne got off to a great start at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on Wednesday. The expo saw over 5,000 women from various self-help groups gather at the venue. Products ranging from a variety of flower saplings, hand printed dress materials to a wide array of food items and various herbal cosmetics were on display at the expo. Organised by Growing Opportunity, a micro-finance firm that works with Self Help Groups (SHG) for women across Tamil Nadu, the expo was aimed at providing a business platform for such groups and creating an awareness among women about the opportunities available. Self help groups from different parts of the city like Saidapet, Villivakkam and neighbouring districts like Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram too had their products displayed in 60 stalls. Mary, a gypsy woman from Tambaram, who showcased her bead ornaments, said she had been part of a self help group for over five years now. “There is a chance that all my works get sold at the fair,” said Mary, when asked why she wanted to participate in this expo. Kavitha, a transgender from Chengelpet, displayed her amla products including hair oil, deodorants and detergents. A diploma holder, she joined India, a self help groups a year back, and is involved in making different products. Apart from them, many other women from different walks of life were also a part of this two-day affair.Sam Chandar of Growing Opportunity said, “Even if we are only a micro-finance company, we work on the social, financial and health fronts as well to help the underprivileged realise their potential.” The entry was free of cost for participants and a different set of people will showcase their products on the second day. The fair was inaugurated by actress Anjali and she gave away prizes to women for their outstanding achievements.
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