In a world increasingly driven by collaboration and shared values, USHA's Silai School program stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the ideals of growth, upliftment, and self-reliance. Over the past decade, this initiative has empowered more than a million women across India, translating intention into impactful action by partnering with corporations and NGOs that share its vision.
The challenge lies not just in training women but in creating a community that supports resilience and hope. How do we aggregate and amplify our collective intent and purpose into something much larger than ourselves? The answer lies in the partnerships that USHA cultivates, turning seemingly impossible goals into sustainable successes.
USHA's collaborations with corporations - like Tata Power, have proven to be life-changing. These partnerships leverage the resources, connections, and technical expertise needed to uplift women from various regions, turning aspiration into reality.
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One of the USHA representative said,
“For more than ten years, USHA has been partnering with companies working at the grassroots level across the country. These partnerships are creating opportunities for the women of rural India, transforming communities and enhancing livelihoods."
One prime example of this impact is the Training cum Production Centre established in the village of Mal, just an hour away from Lucknow. Collaborating with Tata Power since 2021, USHA has established eight such centers, directly benefiting over 300 women in states like Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. These women, undeterred by the fog and cold, gather daily to work diligently on their sewing machines, focusing on skills that will change their lives forever.
USHA representative shares,
"The fog and the cold do not stop these women from getting to work on their sewing machines.They are focused on their tasks, nearing the culmination of their training.The Silai School model not only imparts sewing skills but also fosters a self-sustaining culture of learning that extends beyond the classroom.”
USHA's initiatives are further enhanced through partnerships with grassroots NGOs like Sarvodaya Ashram, which helps identify and enroll women into these transformative programs.
Urmila Srivastava, President of Sarvodaya Ashram said,
“I have been associated with USHA International for almost 10 years. All our programs are conducted jointly with them. Sarvodaya Ashram runs many developmental projects, and USHA provides us with technical assistance."
Breaking the stereotype surrounding women and machinery, Urmila emphasizes the capabilities of these trainees,
“There's this myth that women have machine phobia. But that is not the case with the women here. These women learn about the machine and handle it really well.”
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The personal stories of the trainees underscore the program's success.
Seema Devi, a trainee at the USHA Silai School, reflects on her journey,
"My father had a machine. He used to sew a long time ago. So, I brought that machine and started working. Once I completed the training, I started sewing well. There's been a big difference after the training.”
Renu Gupta, another trainee, echoes a similar sentiment,
“I talked to ma'am about how I can come here and learn. No job is too small, whether it is sewing or a government job. What is needed is the skill to do it.”
USHA's commitment extends beyond sewing, these training sessions include lessons on health, social issues, and navigating everyday life.
Niraj Kumar Verma, Assistant Manager at Indian Overseas Bank, highlights the financial aspect,
"We provide every kind of help from the bank. It is with the help of these groups that we know how these women are learning sewing for their development and that of their families."
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USHA's Silai School program demonstrates that when intent and commitment converge with the right support, a transformative path emerges for rural women. These social partnerships illuminate the vast possibilities achievable when communities come together, showcasing the immense power of collaboration for empowering women. As these women step into their newfound confidence and capabilities, a world of opportunities unfolds before them, marking the beginning of their journeys toward self-reliance.
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