Within 7 years, with 17,000 schools, spanning over 9000 Indian villages, the USHA Silai School has trained over 3.5 lakh rural women. In 2018, the garments made by the women from these schools, under the guidance of four designers were showcased at the Lakme Fashion Week. Since then their life has been transformed with the clothes now selling under the Silai Label at multi-brand outlet in Delhi.
Before starting her own sewing school in 2016, 35-year-old Sunita Devi Kumavat, worked as daily wage laborer with RIICO in Jaipur. Through her dedication, hard work and passion for stitching she earned the opportunity to produce a clothing line that was launched at the Lakme Fashion Week 2018. From making simple blouses to now venturing into making fancy palazzos, Sunita has come a long way and now teaches new things to her students.
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.
USHA International and Rourkela Steel Plant empower rural Odisha women through sewing training, fostering financial independence, sustainable livelihoods and boosting local economies
USHA Silai School and NTPC's Jharkhand initiative builds skills and fosters financial freedom for woman like Jasinta Devi
USHA partners with Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and Gram Utthan to empower women in Odisha through the USHA Silai School, transforming skills into livelihoods and fostering a brighter future
USHA Silai School empowers rural Odisha women through sewing skills & entrepreneurship. Transforming lives with training, income & community growth
In the remote region of Kargil, women like Mansura Bano are weaving threads of change and empowerment through the USHA Silai School program. By learning practical skills, these women are transforming their lives and communities
USHA Silai Schools empower women entrepreneurs like Nazima, who are transforming their communities. By providing skills, resources, and a vision for independence, these initiatives create a ripple effect of empowerment and economic growth for future generations