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- Meet The Entrepreneur - Lata Phale
Lata Phale belongs to village Nandgaon in the Pune district of Maharashtra. She is 35 years old and has 2 children. Her husband is a farmer and Lata also helps the family by working on the farm. However, it is difficult for her family to survive on agricultural income as it is very low.
Lata knew a little sewing and stitching before she was selected for the USHA Silai School program. For last one year Lata has been running the USHA Silai School from her home in the village. On account of the good quality of sewing and stitching Lata got selected as a Master Trainer and is earning through teaching girls and women sewing and stitching, doing job work and also conducting training during the silai school initiative. She is able to earn Rs. 200/- per day and aspire to augment her income through the USHA Silai School.
Her story in her own words: I am Lata Namdeo Phale. I am 32 years old. I live with my son, daughter, mother in-law and husband. We sow our own seeds in the field. But if the previous crop is ruined, we are forced to buy seeds from the market, which creates financial difficulties. Farming does not bring much income, which is why I started tailoring and stitching blouses. Then I was selected for the Usha Silai Programme and was trained for seven days. I came back and started training village girls. I began to earn. I have started saving money in two accounts, one in my name and one in my daughter’s name. I save Rs. 200 every month for my kids and I. I also save Rs. 300 every month in a post office account, for my kids.
My savings are Rs. 500 per month. When I started working, I had only one machine. With my savings, I have bought another, to hem and line saris. I earn Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 per sari. I have taught 15 girls so far. I wish to teach many more. I am totally dedicated to expanding my work. If I train five girls at a time, I earn Rs. 2,000. I am a confident person now. I used to sit at home. I never had to interact with too many people. Now I go out and hold conversations, and this is because of the Usha Silai Programme. I am not afraid anymore.
Do you want to be a part of the huge change that Usha Silai School is bringing about in the lives of millions of rural women? With just a simple click of a button, you can now contribute towards the opening of an Usha Silai School or support various other aspects of the school.
Kushalta Ke Kadam, an initiative by USHA Silai School and NDTV has entered its eighth season. The aim is to empower more women across rural India by teaching them sewing skills and helping them open new doors of opportunities for themselves. The initiative encourages rural women to become financially independent and entrepreneurs by taking up sewing and training others in their respective communities.
Since 2011, the USHA Silai School initiative has trained more than 12 lakh rural women through over 33,000 Silai schools, spanning over 20,751 villages across India.
The women earn Rs. 4,000 – 5,000 per month on an average, with the highest recorded monthly earning being Rs. 84,000 in a month. This earning works as a catalyst towards building their self-confidence, reducing gender inequities, and raising their stature within their families and in society at large.
Team NDTV | Wednesday April 24, 2024By the end of 2022, for every Rs. 100 invested in the training of women, the Usha Silai School generated an average of Rs. 8,300, reported IIT-Delhi study
- Team NDTV | Wednesday January 31, 2024
The partnership between Usha and the Sewaj Neesim Foundation is empowering women and giving old uniforms a new identity, a new purpose, and a new pride
- Team NDTV | Tuesday January 30, 2024
Among the aims and objectives of the CRPF Family Welfare Association is to skill the CRPF wives and give them a sense of accomplishment
- Team NDTV | Monday January 29, 2024
Renowned for its skill development program in sewing and tailoring, Usha's training cum production centre is enabling the wives of Army personnel at the village level to become financially independent
- Team NDTV | Saturday January 27, 2024
Used for both offense and defence, Karra Samu and Kathi Samu are incredibly dynamic and visually captivating martial art forms
- Team NDTV | Saturday January 27, 2024
Usha Play has teamed up with the Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust, Tulja Bhavani Mardani Khel, and Prashikshan va Sanskrutik Seva Sanstha, Pune to revive an old indigenous sport of Maharashtra - Mardani Khel
Usha Silai School Programme Stitching Together Empowerment And Economic Growth Across India: IIT Delhi Study
Empowering women across diverse backgrounds, the Usha Silai School programme not only offers sewing and stitching skills but also fosters inclusivity and economic independence. A recent independent study by IIT Delhi highlights its profound impact, showcasing how this initiative not only transforms individual lives but also contributes significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Take a look!
Skillful Collaboration: Usha Partners With Indian Armed Forces To Empower Women
The Indian Armed Forces have always been at the forefront when it comes to safeguarding the nation's security. Members of the Armed forces have dedicated their lives to the service of the people in more ways than one. Along with protecting the nation, the Indian Armed Forces are building empowered communities across the country. Let's take a glimpse into the collaboration between Usha Silai Schools and various centers, aimed at supporting Army wives and family members with skill development and vocational training.
Usha Silai Schools Reviving India's Traditional Sports For A Healthy Community Legacy
India's traditional sports like Adimurai, Mardani Khel, and Karra Samu and Kathi Samu, are now making a comeback, thanks to Usha. Here is how Usha is promoting a healthy and active lifestyle while strengthening the community's legacy tied to these sports, with the active participation of Usha Silai School women.
Usha Silai App Revolutionises The Art Of Sewing With Digital Learning
Women who may have limited access to traditional educational resources are now using smartphones to learn the art of sewing through Usha Silai Mobile App. The women are making the best use of platforms like Google Meet, Zoom and WhatsApp to discuss sewing content and community issues. Take a look!
From 'Gatka' To 'Turai Kar', Usha Champions Revival Of Traditional Sports Across India
From reintroducing ancient martial art forms like "Gatka" in Haryana to organising community games such as "Turai Kar" in Kashmir, USHA is not only promoting physical well-being but also reconnecting communities across India with their forgotten traditional sports. Take a look!
Usha's Partnerships With Government Bodies Help Unleash The Potential Of Rural Women
From North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) to Rourkela Steel Plant, the Usha Silai School Programme has collaborated with many government institutions and entities which has proven to be immensely significant in impacting the lives of rural women positively in many parts of India. Take a look.
Usha Sewing Centres Empowering Women In Remote Reaches Of India
From Shilpi Das to Mansoora Banoo, Usha Silai Schools are fostering financial independence among women, transforming them into self-reliant entrepreneurs. Take a look.
Meet The Super Achievers Of Usha Silai School, Fostering Financial Independence Among Women
In the past 12 years, over 33,000 Silai Schools have been opened. Some of the Silai School women have shown unmatched resilience and will to transform their lives. They have come a long way in the Silai School journey and are now looked up to as role models by other girls and women in their communities. Let's meet some of them.
How Usha Silai School Programme Is Collaborating With Different Organisations To Upskill Women
On one hand, Usha Silai School has collaborated with Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) to provide women with employment opportunities while also promoting environmental conservation, on the other hand, it has partnered with the Blind People's Association in Ahmedabad to upskill women with disabilities.
Usha Silai Schools Empowering Tribal Women Through Traditional Art Forms Across India
Usha Silai Schools are providing comprehensive training to tribal women across India, home to several indigenous tribes, by fusing their traditional art forms with embroidery. Take a look.
Rohit Bal
Sayantan Sarkar
Shaila Khubchandani
Sreejith Jeevan
Swati Vijaivargie
Rohit Bal
Sayantan Sarkar
Shaila Khubchandani
Sreejith Jeevan
Swati Vijaivargie