Empowering Women Through Skill and Opportunity: The Inspiring Journey of Kaneez Fatima

From humble beginnings to bold aspirations, the USHA Silai School program has become a transformative force for women across India, enabling them to turn their skills into thriving ventures. Among the countless success stories is Kaneez Fatima, a young entrepreneur whose journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, hard work, and vision.

For Kaneez Fatima, the journey began with a simple sewing machine. An ordinary household object for many became a tool of transformation in her hands. After studying craft and design at the Government Degree College, Kaneez was eager to expand her knowledge. She joined a 15-day sewing course organized by USHA International in collaboration with SIDBI, where expert instructors taught her not just stitching but also embroidery, block printing, and creating innovative products like carry bags.

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Reflecting on her experience, Kaneez said,

I learned a lot of things there, beyond regular kurta pajamas. The training gave me exposure to new skills and ideas.

Javed Iqbal, Coordinator at the Ladakh Skill Development Centre said,

The idea was not just skill development but also creating a bridge to connect young artisans like Kaneez with institutions and organizations that could help them achieve their dreams.

This support system proved invaluable. Kaneez's dream gained momentum when she participated in the Delhi Trade Fair with the USHA Silai School. This exposure opened up a world of possibilities, inspiring her to start her own label, Rinchen Craft—“Rinchen” meaning ‘precious.'

Trained and equipped by USHA, Kaneez began crafting products from her living room. With her family's support and her teachers' guidance, her home became a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Kaneez shared,

I do all this work from home. Earlier, I didn't have a machine. When I received training from Usha, they gave me a machine. I use this machine to create all my products.

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Usha's initiatives have given women like Kaneez the chance to step out of their comfort zones, gain exposure, and build connections.

Kaneez said,

Since joining the USHA Silai School, I've met many people, gained new ideas, and learned effective communication and marketing skills. Their reputation opened doors for me, including the chance to showcase my work at trade fairs in Delhi and other exhibitions.

Her time in Delhi and her interactions with peers and mentors have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Today, Kaneez manages her finances meticulously, calculating expenses for fabric, embroidery thread, and block printing materials to ensure profitability. Orders pour in through Instagram, WhatsApp Business, and exhibitions, ranging from bags to shawls and framed designs.

Kaneez's entrepreneurial success has enabled her to support her brother's education and invest in her own future.

She proudly shared,

Now, if I want to study further or do any course, I can do it on my own because I'm an entrepreneur.

Shaista Ayoub, Program Coordinator at USHA Social Services said,

Our program includes life skills, machine installation and repair, and sewing. We train women in customer interaction, time management, aspiration building, and menstrual health and hygiene. We also showcase inspiring stories from other Silai School teachers to motivate participants.

Kaneez Fatima's story is not just about learning to sew. It's about rewriting possibilities, fueled by self-belief and ambition. USHA is empowering women to think bigger and act bolder, transforming skills into ventures and aspirations into achievements.

She has built more than a brand; she has created a legacy of resilience and self-reliance. Her journey reflects the extraordinary impact of programs like the USHA Silai School proving that with the right tools and support, dreams can become reality.