Usha Silai Schools are more than just sewing schools-they are a lifeline for women to learn new skills, gain confidence, and take charge of their lives. These schools help women like Sakuben, Jyoti Rani, and Arzoo overcome challenges and become role models in their communities. By teaching them to earn and lead, Usha Silai Schools are giving these women a chance to break free from struggles and build a better future, not just for themselves but for those around them.
Arzoo (name changed) lost her husband to HIV, 15 years ago, who unknowingly passed the infection on to her as well. The Native Medicare Charitable Trust (NMCT) had put her on medication, and they were the ones who introduced her to the Usha Silai School programme. Today, she teaches women around her village, how to sew.
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.
The USHA Silai School Program empowers women across India with sewing skills, transforming them into trainers and fostering community growth and independence
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