Stitching A Future: How USHA And ISC Are Empowering Women Entrepreneurs In Pune

For many women, sewing is more than a creative outlet, it's a path to financial independence and self-reliance. In Pune, a remarkable collaboration between the India Sponsorship Committee (ISC) and USHA is transforming lives through entrepreneurship and skill-building.

The USHA-ISC Training Cum Production Center is an empowering space where women from underprivileged backgrounds gain sewing skills, enabling them to start their own businesses. The center doesn't just offer training, it builds confidence, nurtures aspirations, and fosters a sense of community.

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With USHA's expertise and ISC's dedication, the center has created a supportive ecosystem for women.

Kranti Salve, Project Head, ISC, shared,

“USHA has supported us from the beginning teaching techniques, providing tools, and even offering post-training hand-holding for over a year. This ongoing support has been invaluable.”

The program caters to women with varying skill levels, offering an intensive 25-day training that covers sewing basics and specialized techniques like stitching school uniforms. This not only equips the women with marketable skills but also addresses local needs for affordable uniforms.

For women like Rizwana Mahat, the program has been life-changing.

She said,

“After the training, I got an order for 500 uniforms and earned Rs 10,000. For the first time, I felt valued at home. Today, I feel like a teacher and a professional."

 The center also features a boutique, ISC Saksham, where products made by the women are sold. This not only provides them with a steady income but also generates revenue for ISC, creating a sustainable model.

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Yasmin Nadaf Khan, another trainee, reflected on her journey,

“Before this, I never worked outside my home. Now, I earn Rs 8,000-9,000 a month. USHA's support has not just increased my income but also my confidence. I hope to teach others and help them become self-sufficient too.”

The Impact of the Program at The USHA-ISC Training Cum Production Center has not just changed lives, it's built a community of women who are confident, skilled, and entrepreneurial. By combining high-quality training with the spirit of entrepreneurship, these women are not only supporting their families but contributing to the local economy.

According to Paresh Nagpure, Program Coordinator, USHA Social Services,

“Our training starts from the basics, focusing on product quality, fabric identification, and cost calculation. We've completed three quarterly support programs to ensure continuous learning.”

As the USHA-ISC Training Cum Production Center continues to thrive, there are even bigger plans on the horizon. The center aims to expand its reach, offering more training programs, empowering more women, and perhaps opening additional boutiques in other regions.

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Santosh Chavan, Head of Finance and Admin, ISC Saksham, explained the broader vision,

“We started with 50 women and have grown from there. To ensure a livelihood, we established our own production center and boutique. This model has been thriving for three years, and we aim to expand further.”

With a shared vision of empowerment, USHA and ISC are not only transforming lives but building a future of hope, opportunity, and success for many women. Together, they are sewing the fabric of change, one stitch at a time.

From micro-enterprises to thriving brands, the women of the USHA Silai School program embody the spirit of empowerment and entrepreneurship. Their journeys inspire us all, proving that with the right support, dreams truly take flight.