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.
Since 2011, the Usha Silai School initiative has trained over 14 lakh rural women through 36,000 schools across India, with 108 partner NGOs nationwide
In Rajasthans rural villages, once limited by few opportunities, women are now leading change through strategic partnerships with grassroots organisations like Unnayan Samiti
Empowering Rural Women: How Usha Silai Schools are transforming communities and NGOs
Usha Silai Schools transform lives by providing marginalized women with skills, confidence, and independence
After losing her husband, Jyoti Rani fought all odds, learned sewing, and built a new life for her family
From immobility to independence, Sakuben Ahir's journey showcases resilience. Through Usha Silai School, she empowered herself and uplifted her community