In 2012, USHA launched first Silai School in West Bengal, India's fourth-most populous state and by 2017 the program's success caught the attention of the West Bengal Scheduled Caste And Tribe Development Finance Corporation, which led to the life-changing initiative for thousands of women.
Today, around 20 per cent people of West Bengal live below the poverty line, with the majority located in rural regions. Only one out of 5 women in West Bengal completes her secondary education, which is lower than most states of the country. Yet, in the rural regions of this matriarchal state, women self-employment is 22 per cent ahead of men.
'I am independent now. I and my husband work to provide for our family and I am happy that I can support my husband financially. I have also earned a lot of respect in the society because of my work. Usha is starting another 3,500 schools in West Bengal and I am happy to get one to run', says 27-year-old Sampa Rai, of Dhapganj village that lies 100 kms south of Siliguri.
'People throw away the empty rice sacks or burn these, I buy it for Rs. 2 and make a bag from it. I sell the small bag for Rs. 10 and the bigger one for Rs. 20. After my training from USHA, I earn a lot more compared to what I was earning earlier. I want to keep learning and hope to earn even more in the future. I want to start more schools and make more profits. I have so many dreams', says Geetika.
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.
Celebrating women entrepreneurs and their handmade crafts, empowering communities through creativity at the 5th Meghalaya Aajivika Saras Mela
USHA Silai School in Ramanathapuram empowers local women through tailoring education, enabling them to build businesses and achieve financial independence
Mamata Devi's inspiring journey from hardship to empowerment through sewing training, uplifting her community and transforming lives
Women in rural India, like Geetaben and Leelaben, are transforming lives through Silai Schools and Training Cum Production Centres, fostering empowerment, skill development, and community resilience
Anwara Begum's journey with USHA Silai School in Odisha showcases her transformation into a successful entrepreneur, empowering her community and inspiring young girls toward financial independence
Prabha turned her life around through the USHA Silai School, empowering herself and other women with sewing skills and financial independence