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
Bharti Kohade from MP overcame the financial hardships that her family was facing by learning the skill of stitching with help of USHA Silai School and has now become a saviour for other women and girls in her community
USHA Silai School is helping the survivors of rape and trafficking carve out their own destinies through stitching and sewing
Hailing from a family of manual scavengers, Bhagwanta Bai and Anusuya were also forced to join the practice. However both the women decided to opt out of the family's profession and create a legacy of their own
Madhya Pradesh's Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the most popular national parks attracting many tourists buy at home does not have too many alternative sources of income available. Phuliya Bai and Rekha Rahangdale joined the Usha Silai programme and soon they turned entrepreneurs and started their own training schools to teach stitching to other women.
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.