Anita Bal, a resident of Churka Tola village in Madhya Pradesh, underwent a nine-day training programme where she learned not only different techniques of sewing and embroidery, but also acquired technical expertise in machine operation
The Usha Silai School initiative in Dholka, Gujarat, stands as a shining example of how environmental consciousness and women empowerment can go hand in hand
Inspired by the impact of its work, USHA plans to scale up its involvement with traditional indigenous sports
Despite being disabled herself and a wife of a mentally challenged husband, Rekhaben took charge of her family
39-year-old Raziabens disability made survival a struggle till she completed her training from Silai School and turned over a new leaf in her life
Two Rabari women of Gujarat overcame their respective physical disabilities and followed their passion of stitching and designing garments
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.