In the village of Shingod, near Jaipur, where opportunities are often limited, an inspiring story of transformation is unfolding. It's the story of Mamata Devi, a woman who has not only acquired new skills but also discovered the strength within herself to change her own life and uplift the lives of others in her community.
A few years ago, Mamata faced unimaginable hardship when she lost her husband, the sole breadwinner of their family. As a homemaker suddenly thrust into the responsibility of providing for her children, Mamata struggled to make ends meet. However, a glimmer of hope appeared when she learned about the USHA Silai School program, an initiative that empowers women through sewing training.
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Mamata said,
“I used to do a little bit of sewing at home, but I didn't have much knowledge about it. One day, people from the Anganwadi came to our village and asked if anyone was interested in sewing training.”
Though Mamata was initially hesitant to participate due to cultural customs surrounding mourning, her father-in-law and Dharmendra ji, the program organizer, encouraged her to seize this opportunity.
Having broken through societal norms, Mamata embarked on her training journey. She gained valuable skills, learning not just how to sew but also how to work as part of a team.
She shares,
“They taught us the basics, including how to repair the machines and how to cut and stitch. I started my work on October 14, 2021,marking the beginning of my Training Cum Production Centre.”
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Today, Mamata's centre is a thriving hub of activity. Mamata tracks the work of her employees meticulously, ensuring they get paid monthly.
She said,
“If they ever need an advance for education or other needs, I help them out.”
With her support, many women have begun to improve their financial situations, allowing them to contribute to family expenses.
Mamata's centre stands as a beacon of hope; in it, women learn, support each other, and contribute positively to their local economy. Thanks to Mamata's dedication and hard work, her children now have access to quality education at recognized schools in Rajasthan, paving the way for a brighter future.
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In the hands of women like Mamata, the sewing needle transcends its utility. It symbolizes resilience and boundless possibilities. Her journey is a testament to the power of community, courage, and the unwavering belief that every woman has the potential to transform not only her own life but also the lives of those around her. Mamata Devi is living proof that with the right support and determination, one can navigate the challenges of life and emerge victorious.
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
Prabha turned her life around through the USHA Silai School, empowering herself and other women with sewing skills and financial independence
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.
Rebari girls grow up learning traditional embroidery, which along with their new found sewing skills developed at Usha Silai Schools, is helping them earn a living.
Usha Silai School has empowered many rural women to support their family and send their children to school.
The Usha Silai School, established in a small nondescript village that goes by the name of Kottai, is helping empower people from varied communities.
The all-inclusive Usha Silai School Programme covers the entire nation from hamlets tucked between hills to villages cast by the sea.
Vegetables farmers from the Mizoram hills earn very little given the topography of the area. Usha Silai Schools have played an important part in this region by skilling women to financially contribute towards their households.
Usha Silai School learner Lucy has trained seven other women in her community, helping them to become financially independent.
Women like Kaviben from the nomadic Rebari community are finally laying down their roots as they begin to gain financial independence and thereby stability through Usha Silai School.
Usha Silai School, located in the Gujarat's Bhuj village, is enabling rural women to earn as much as Rs. 2,500-4,000 each month.
Usha Silai School, in association with a Gujarat based NGO called Kala Raksha, is trying to bring about a Silai revolution in Bhuj.
Besides training other women from their community, many Usha Silai School learners have become entrepreneurs in their own right.
With sewing becoming easily accessible and lucrative, the silai schools are also helping revive traditional motifs and designs.