Empowerment
Project Empowerment, the third component under ShramA is focused on elevating the lives of construction workers by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to improve their socio-economic status. It draws in from the information built through ‘inclusion’ and ‘dignity’ components and designs programs for empowering the shramiks.
Through comprehensive training programs, financial literacy workshops, and skills development sessions, the project aims to empower workers to take control of their futures, ensuring that they are recognised for their contributions to the construction industry and equipped to thrive within it.
The workshops have been travelling all over covering 8 cities till January 2025. It is not only the lives of the shramiks that we nudge, but also inculcate empathy among students and professionals, through collaborating on the workshops.
This initiative is primarily supported by Saint-Gobain, with local partners joining hands in each city.
ShramA Empowerment
for suggestions, and if you are interested in hosting any workshops as partners, and contributing to bringing change to the lives of The Hands That Build.
Shramiks On Stage
Two Shramiks were invited to speak at a National Platform in Chennai
Ethos Foundation, under the ShramA Empowerment initiative, supperted by Saint-Gobain, facilitated a powerful session at the Transparence Grand Finale on March 4th at Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai. As part of the event, construction workers took center stage to share their experiences, challenges, and expertise with an audience of students and professionals.
Mr. Shanmugam, an experienced electrician from Thiruvottiyur, and Mr. Sudhagar, a skilled mud mason from Auroville, spoke about their journeys in the field, offering valuable insights into the realities of their work. Their stories sparked meaningful discussions and left a lasting impact, receiving positive feedback from attendees.
The session reinforced the importance of recognizing and learning from the Hands that Build, bridging the gap between workers, students, and professionals in the industry.
ShramA has spread to the South too
First Empowerment Workshop in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Feb 2025
Ethos Foundation, in collaboration with Saint-Gobain India, conducted the first Arcause ShramA Empowerment Workshop in Tamil Nadu on 28th February 2025 at Oragadam Community Hall, Panruti Panchayat, Chennai. With 43 local construction workers, the regional-language workshop featured a Financial Literacy session by Her-mony, a hands-on Drawing Literacy Workshop led by Ar. Viswanathan from In.sane Labs, and an engaging ShramA-Q quiz— all conducted in Tamil. This unique initiative created a space for meaningful dialogue, skill-building, and recognition of the Hands that Build.
ShramA Empowerment Sets Foot in Rajasthan
Workshop at VGU, Jaipur, Feb 2025
Ethos Foundation, in collaboration with Saint-Gobain India, hosted the first Arcause ShramA Empowerment Workshop in Rajasthan on 24th February 2025 at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. With the support of Saath Charitable Trust, Aajeevika Bureau, and Aalayam Design Studio, the workshop brought together 50 construction workers, students, and professionals. Sessions on financial literacy, BoCW welfare schemes, and drawing literacy, along with interactive discussions and an exhibition, created a meaningful platform to empower the Hands that Build.
Empowerment through Financial Literacy and Skill Development
Mumbai and Pune, 2025
The Arcause ShramA Empowerment Workshops continued in Mumbai on 21st January at Earth Enclave, Girgaon (supported by Mace Group and Access Architects) and in Pune on 22nd January at The Cliff Garden, Hinjewadi (hosted by TCG Real Estate and Sustainability Initiatives by VK Architects). Both workshops engaged 50 participants each in financial literacy and skill development sessions, fostering dialogue and empowering workers with actionable insights. 533 surveyed shramiks’ stories were showcased, sparking critical discussions and inspiring participants to build a more inclusive construction community.
ShramA is in Gujarat this year
Ahmedabad, January 2025
ShramA made its debut in Gujarat this year with an Empowerment Workshop in Ahmedabad on 3rd January 2025, hosted at SAL School of Architecture. This first-of-its-kind session in the state saw participation from over 50 construction workers, along with students, professionals, and representatives from IIA Ahmedabad Centre, SAL School of Architecture, and GICEA. The event featured Financial Literacy and Skill Development sessions, a ShramA-Q quiz for shramiks, and an exhibition of ShramA Fellowship insights. A short play by SAL students, depicting the lives of construction workers, moved many to tears. The guest shramiks applauded the students for capturing their experiences so accurately, expressing that they felt heard and seen.
Five Empowerment Sessions in Maharashtra
Cities in Maharashtra, November 2024 – January 2025
The Arcause ShramA Empowerment Workshops have successfully completed five impactful sessions across Maharashtra—Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, Mumbai, and Pune—with over 200 shramiks participating. The workshops featured Financial Literacy, CPR Training, Drawing Literacy, and Skill Development sessions, addressing critical aspects of workers’ well-being and professional growth. Each session saw enthusiastic collaboration from IIA Chapters, local architecture colleges, and faculty members, reinforcing ShramA’s vision of fostering empathy and connection between architects and the “Hands that Build.” The active participation of students and young professionals enabled future stakeholders to engage meaningfully with the realities of the construction workforce.
Skill Upgradation Workshop with Lucknow Architects Association
Lucknow, May 2024
This was followed by ShramA-Q, a lively quiz testing participants’ knowledge. The workshop concluded with shramiks and students nurturing a deeper appreciation for heritage conservation.
Empowerment Seminar with PSG-IAP and Ar Murali
Coimbatore, August 2024
Financial and Drawing Literacy Workshops
Mumbai and Pune, March 2024
An interactive display, informed by the Inclusion Survey, showcased vital data on migration patterns, access to amenities, working hours, gender disparity, accident awareness, income, and resource rights. These exhibits emphasized understanding and supporting the construction workforce.
The Financial Literacy workshop was facilitated by Mr Amogh Gothoskar- a Financial Literacy Evangelist, from Hermony, an organisation that helps people bridge the gap in financial management. The Drawing Literacy sessions were conducted by SJK Architects, Mumbai.
The events were hosted by our partner institutes – Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai and Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune. The successful participation of a diverse group of construction workers were ensured by our supporting partner organisation Jansahas.
for suggestions, and if you are interested in hosting any workshops as partners, and contributing to bringing change to the lives of The Hands That Build.
What the participants say
Om Prakash, Shramik
