Hyderabad, July 1 (RAHNUMA): In a major rehabilitation initiative, the Telangana Prisons & Correctional Services department on Wednesday launched REHAI (Rehabilitation and Empowerment initiative for Women Inmates) at the Special Prison for Women in Hyderabad to transform skilled women inmates into professional fashion artisans with access to national and global markets.
The programme was launched under the leadership of Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, in collaboration with Her Rights Foundation, represented by Ms. Divya Reddy and Bobby Kandhari, today launched REHAI (Rehabilitation and Empowerment Initiative for Women Inmates) at the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad.
REHAI aims to upgrade the tailoring and embroidery skills of women inmates by introducing advanced design techniques, product development, branding and market linkages, enabling them to create premium handcrafted garments and fashion products. The initiative builds on the inmates’ earlier 100-day skill development programme conducted by the Prisons Department in association with NAC.
Products made under REHAI will be marketed through the Telangana Prisons department’s Upscale and High society market, with plans to expand across South India and eventually into national and international markets.
Fashion professional Divya Reddy, who has worked with leading designers and at Lakme fashion week, will mentor the inmates in contemporary fashion, quality standards and product finishing to help them meet premium market expectations.
As part of its long-term vision, the department and Her Rights Foundation also plan to organise a designer fashion show in London, showcasing exclusive collections created by women inmates before an international audience.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Soumya Mishra said rehabilitation should go beyond vocational training by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through advanced skills, professional mentorship and market access, enabling women inmates to rebuild their lives with dignity and financial independence.
The launch programme was attended by Dr. D. Srinivas, DIG Prisons; N. Shiva Kumar Goud, Superintendent, Central Prison, Hyderabad; T Venkata Lakshmi Srinath, Superintendent, Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad; B Amaravathi, DSP Jails, Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad; representatives of Her Rights Foundation; prison officials, staff members and women inmates.
