How Usha and Unnayan Samiti Are Empowering Women in Rural Rajasthan

In Rajasthan's villages, where opportunities were once scarce, women are now creating pathways for change. The Usha Silai School programme, in partnership with grassroots organisations like Unnayan Samiti, is transforming lives and redefining possibilities for communities. Founded in 2007, Unnayan Samiti focuses on skill-building and education for underserved communities. The NGO began its journey in Baran district, working with the tribal Sahariya community to improve their quality of life. In 2017, Unnayan Samiti partnered with Usha to empower women through the Silai School programme. This collaboration has since established Usha Silai Schools in approximately 460 villages across Rajasthan, equipping hundreds of women with practical sewing skills that generate income and foster independence. Highlighting the impact, Vijay Parashar, Secretary of Unnayan Samiti said,

Earlier, these women had almost no income. Today, they earn between Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 35,000. This has improved their financial standing and earned them respect and a voice in household decision-making.

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The collaboration, spanning 13 districts, leverages Usha's expertise in technical training and Unnayan Samiti's deep field connections. Together, they have created an enduring model for women's empowerment. Explaining the partnership's success, Mohan Lal, Regional Manager North, Usha Social Services said,

NGO partners like Unnayan Samiti excel in field mobilisation. They have a strong grasp on the field and their methods of working. They have specific areas in which they work. Usha implements its programmes through them because they bring the right candidates through their mobilisation efforts. Both have their own platforms, and when they come together, the impact and results will be greater because their work methods and areas are similar.

This partnership has strengthened Unnayan Samiti's position in the sector, helping them secure new collaborations and expand their programmes to more villages. Unnayan Samiti has secured multiple projects with other long-term partner organisations of Usha who have seen Unnayan Samiti work's at field level while implementing the Usha Silai School programme. Unnayan Samiti has also secured long-term projects for skilling large number of youths in trades other than sewing and stitching from Government organisations. For example, Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation Limited (RKCL) partnered with Unnayan Samiti on CSR initiatives, including the Silai School programme. Lauding the organisation, Madhu Rathi, Company Secretary of RKCL, said,

Over the past three years, we have collaborated with Unnayan Samiti on several CSR projects. The first was the Silai School programme, which involved Usha as a partner. The project was a resounding success, exceeding our expectations. Based on the success of our project, we are initiating another CSR partnership this year with Unnayan Samiti and Usha. Their exceptional work has set a benchmark for impactful implementation.

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This recognition has enabled Unnayan Samiti to expand their efforts, reaching new communities and tackling challenges they couldn't before. Vijay Parashar, Secretary, Unnayan Samiti said, “

he way Usha is supporting NGOs is truly excellent, simply outstanding. There are a couple of key aspects to this. Firstly, they cover monitoring costs which is a great thing. Second, the technical support provided by Usha is exceptional. Whether it's their stitching experts or their machine technicians, they are all highly qualified. Usha's training module is fantastic and is in high demand in many places.

By fostering partnerships rooted in trust and shared goals, Usha and Unnayan Samiti are creating a foundation for enduring progress. USS Personnel Mohan Lal said,

When Usha plans to work in a specific area, they begin with a thorough due diligence process. This involves researching and identifying organisations focused on women's empowerment in that region. They evaluate these organisations by reviewing their fieldwork, meeting their teams, assessing their financial stability, verifying compliance, and considering their years of operation. Based on these criteria, Usha selects the most suitable NGO partner.

The partnership between Unnayan Samiti and Usha International has significantly influenced civil society, especially in advancing women's empowerment and fostering community development. By working together, they have implemented initiatives that focus on skill development, especially in sewing and tailoring, which are crucial for enhancing the economic independence of women. The synergy between Unnayan Samiti and Usha International exemplifies how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change within communities.