Women In Stitching: Crafting Careers Through USHA Silai School

Nestled in the heart of Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, USHA's mini Training cum Production Center stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for local women. Over the years, USHA has not only provided training but has fundamentally changed the lives of many, including Lakshmi—a woman whose story is a testament to the transformative power of skill development and hard work.

Lakshmi - a participant turned entrepreneur, shares,

"I learned about the USHA training program through a friend and attended it. The instructors taught me very well. I have established a tailoring center. Our Ramanathapuram district is very poor, and women here struggle to earn a living. My main aim is to provide employment to these women. To achieve this, I plan to take school uniform orders on a larger scale."

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Before USHA's program, she had some basic tailoring skills. However, the training equipped her with new techniques, allowing her to coach others. Lakshmi's path changed dramatically when she opened her own Silai School after undergoing USHA's training. With dreams of expanding her micro-enterprise, she received motivational support and the capacity to purchase a commercial sewing machine, leading to significant changes in her life.

Lakshmi said,

"My daughter helps me a lot. After completing her studies, she wants to take over this business. In our area, parents trust me to teach their daughters tailoring. I want to expand my business further."

USHA's Silai School is more than just a training center; it's a nurturing ground for dreams. Lakshmi was not alone on her journey; she received constant support and mentorship from the USHA team. Their efforts have played an instrumental role in the success of countless rural women across India.

Through USHA's Silai School, women like Lakshmi have gained more than just technical skills—they've achieved financial independence. Many women were able to purchase sewing machines with generous concessions, allowing them to scale their businesses. Thanks to USHA's guidance, Lakshmi transformed her financial struggles into a story of triumph, empowering others along the way.

The center also fosters collective entrepreneurship. Women collaborate to handle various responsibilities such as sourcing materials, marketing, quality control, and training others. This teamwork ensures the center remains self-sustaining.

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Lakshmi further added,

"I earn a good amount from tailoring, approximately ₹30,000 monthly. I also earn money through other training programs.Government institutions and NGOs call me to conduct training sessions. I conduct four or more such training sessions every year."

The impact of USHA Silai Schools extends far beyond sewing. Women like Lakshmi, Gitaben, Lilaben, and Mamata, empowered by their training, have opened their own centers and are bringing skilled self-reliance to their communities. When women come together to learn and work collaboratively, they generate empowerment that can uplift entire societies, paving the way for a brighter future for our country.