Empowering Women: From Trainees To Trainers In USHA Silai School

For over twelve years, the USHA Silai School Program has been a powerful catalyst of change, empowering women across India by providing essential sewing skills through various innovative models. These include the Homepreneur model, Training Cum Production Centers, and the Train the Trainer model. Each of these avenues has opened doors for countless women, enabling them to transform their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

As the program evolved, the increasing demand for skilled trainers became apparent. To meet this need, USHA took an innovative step by investing in their existing Silai School entrepreneurs, turning them into Master Trainers to share their knowledge and skills. This dynamic approach has led to not only personal empowerment for these women but also a ripple effect, impacting the broader community as they train the next generation.

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Among the inspiring stories emerging from this initiative is that of Sangeeta Paswan from Alipurduar district in West Bengal. She has been a teacher at the USHA Silai School for one year and expresses her enthusiasm about the transformative role the program has played in her life and the lives of her students.

Sangeeta shares,

“After receiving my training, I felt ready to teach others.”

Similarly, Jyoti Mehra from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been associated with USHA for the past eight years. Having completed her master training five years ago, she has expanded her efforts to train women across different districts.

Jyoti said,

“We used to work for others, but now we are strong enough to create jobs for others.”

Anwara Begum from Chandabali in Odisha recalls her journey from basic stitching to becoming a Master Trainer after joining the USHA Silai School.

She said,

“This training has empowered me to work for myself and even travel to provide training to others.”

Sunita Devi, hailing from Munger district in Bihar, joined USHA in 2021 and credits the program for significantly increasing her value and confidence.

She shares,

“My family was financially weak, but through this training, I have progressed enough to educate my children independently.”

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Similarly, Gulab Jhan from Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh reflects on how the program has changed her life.

Gulab said,

“I joined USHA in 2019, and by 2021, I completed my Master Trainer training. After my initial training, I started my own school, which has been running successfully.”

The recent advanced training program held in Arrah, Bihar, marks another milestone in USHA's journey, bringing together women entrepreneurs who have built their own businesses and are now being trained to become Master Trainers. With a network of over 500 Master Trainers who are experts in their craft and fluent in local languages, the aim is to expand the program's reach and create more opportunities for women to thrive.

This advanced training goes beyond mere sewing techniques. Participants learn about sewing machine repair and maintenance, financial literacy, design principles, life skills, and health education. This comprehensive training approach ensures that women aren't just honing a craft; they are preparing to navigate the complexities of running a business in today's world.

The long-term impacts are not just financial. Women like Sangeeta, Jyoti, and Sunita also talk about the changes in their self-perception and community involvement.

Sunita said,

“Through this training, I've gained the confidence to step outside and work independently.”

Looking to the future, these women have ambitious plans. Sangeeta aims to refine her skills in making jeans and other garments and train more women.

She said,

“Learning body measurement techniques and pattern-making has equipped me to start my own business.”

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On the other hand, Jyoti wants to expand her small production center from 15 to at least 20-25 employees, reflecting her commitment to uplifting more women in her community.

Ultimately, the USHA Silai School's impact extends far beyond sewing machines. It represents dreams realized, futures reimagined, and the emergence of a new generation of women entrepreneurs leading the way toward empowerment and economic independence.

The program is not merely about learning a skill; it's about reshaping mindsets, breaking barriers, and inspiring others in their communities. Through the USHA Silai School, women are not just sewing garments; they are stitching the fabric of their own self-reliance and bright futures.