Stitching A Brighter Future: Enabling Women In Odisha Through The USHA Silai School

In the heart of Odisha, a state steadily rising on the tides of industrial and social progress, lies Jharsuguda, a district teeming with industrious women eager to shape their communities. Here, amidst the vibrant tapestry of opportunity, a unique initiative is weaving a thread of empowerment: the USHA Silai School. This program, spearheaded by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), in partnership with USHA and Gram Utthan, is transforming skills into livelihoods and fostering a brighter future for women in the region.

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a leading coal producer in India, is more than just a driver of energy. Their operations, vast mining facilities, fuel the nation's energy needs and serve as symbols of industrial progress. However, their vision extends beyond the mines to the upliftment of local communities. By supporting initiatives like the USHA Silai School, MCL is directly investing in women's empowerment and sustainable growth.

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Sanjay Kumar Jha, General Manager, MCL, Jharsuguda, Odisha said,

"Mahanadi Coalfields is a leading company, and MCL's motto and goal has always been the development and upliftment of especially those women who are economically backward. MCL conceptualised this idea with a view to increasing their earnings so that they can lead their lives properly. That is why MCL has taken the help of USHA and Gram Utthan. In this partnership, USHA's role is to provide special training, and Gram Utthan's role is to map the village and select those who are truly needy as beneficiaries. This is the joint effort that we have started."

This tripartite partnership, born from MCL's commitment to social responsibility, has already impacted 50 women across various villages in Jharsuguda. This initiative welcomes women from all sections of the villages, offering them training and a pathway to self-sufficiency.

The USHA Silai School provides women with comprehensive sewing training, equipping them with the skills to create their own businesses and earn a sustainable income. The program not only teaches technical skills but also fosters confidence and independence, empowering women to become agents of change in their communities.

Prabhasini Sahu, USHA Silai School teacher said,

"Initially nobody knew that we did stitching work. Now, ever since we have put up the board given by USHA, people know about us. It feels great that we have become trainers at the USHA Silai school and people have started recognizing us. Thanks to USHA's training our earnings have increased which has brought happiness to our homes."

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Another USHA Silai School teacher, Susmita Naik said,

"This 9-day training has brought many changes in my life. Initially I did not know much but Mona Lisa madam taught us very well. We took that training back to the village and further taught 10 more people. We also taught 35 women from Self Help Groups & Producer Groups. We stitched school uniforms, uniforms of primary and upper primary school students. We earn money from teaching sewing, and we also earn money from supplying uniforms. Now our financial situation has improved greatly."

Gram Utthan, an NGO with over 31 years of experience in Odisha, plays a crucial role in this initiative, connecting USHA with the local communities. Their expertise in mapping villages and identifying beneficiaries ensures that the program reaches those who need it most.

Guru Prasad Mohanty, Program Manager, Gram Utthan said,

"Gram Utthan is a social organization that is working for the empowerment of women in 28 districts. We have been associated with USHA for the last 11 years. We have successfully completed USHA's program in 30 districts and have trained 2,000 women through USHA so far."

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The success of the USHA Silai School is evident in the stories of the women it touches. Sukanti Khadia's journey, for example, exemplifies the program's empowering spirit. Mamta Saraf has similarly transformed her skills into a thriving enterprise, providing inspiration and hope to those around her.

The USHA Silai School initiative, in partnership with MCL and Gram Utthan, is more than just a program, it's a movement. It is a movement to empower women, uplift communities, and create a future where every woman has the tools to succeed. As these women stitch their way to success, they also weave a brighter, more inclusive future for Odisha, one thread at a time.