Manual scavenging entails cleaning sewers and clearing human excreta from open-pit toilets. It remains the burden of certain poor, disadvantaged communities, who have been bound to this debasing work due to the traditional caste system. It continues to exist despite being illegal, because large parts of India still use primitive 'insanitary latrines'. Over 12,000 manual scavengers have been identified across India, of them 82% are in Uttar Pradesh. Activists say, these official figures are under-stated. Gujarat, for instance, admits to having no more than two manual scavengers, according to government data. To date, Jan Sahas NGO has liberated 15,000 women manual scavengers from this unsafe profession, which is illegal under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. Jan Sahas has joined hands with Usha International to rehabilitate the liberated women and provide them with an alternative means of livelihood. Like Bhagwanta Bai who has cleaned manholes and dry latrines for many years. But has now turned an entrepreneur. She has faced it all from social retaliation to boycott. Know more about the Kushalta Ke Kadam Initiative.

Rebari girls grow up learning traditional embroidery, which along with their new found sewing skills developed at Usha Silai Schools, is helping them earn a living.

Usha Silai School has empowered many rural women to support their family and send their children to school.

The Usha Silai School, established in a small nondescript village that goes by the name of Kottai, is helping empower people from varied communities.

The all-inclusive Usha Silai School Programme covers the entire nation from hamlets tucked between hills to villages cast by the sea.

Vegetables farmers from the Mizoram hills earn very little given the topography of the area. Usha Silai Schools have played an important part in this region by skilling women to financially contribute towards their households.

Usha Silai School learner Lucy has trained seven other women in her community, helping them to become financially independent.

Women like Kaviben from the nomadic Rebari community are finally laying down their roots as they begin to gain financial independence and thereby stability through Usha Silai School.

Usha Silai School, located in the Gujarat's Bhuj village, is enabling rural women to earn as much as Rs. 2,500-4,000 each month.

Usha Silai School, in association with a Gujarat based NGO called Kala Raksha, is trying to bring about a Silai revolution in Bhuj.

Besides training other women from their community, many Usha Silai School learners have become entrepreneurs in their own right.

With sewing becoming easily accessible and lucrative, the silai schools are also helping revive traditional motifs and designs.
USHAs Silai School Programme empowers women across India by turning sewing into independence. Women become trainers and leaders, transforming their lives and communities through skills, confidence, and income
USHA Silai School is empowering women across India by turning sewing skills into leadership and income. Women like Lalita, Yashira, and Pushpakala have become mentors, reviving traditions and building stronger communities. Their stories show how one skill can weave a brighter future.
From homemaker to celebrated teacher, Lakhi Debnath transformed her life via Usha Silai School, funding her daughters' education and buying land through tailoring
In Takkar Birpur village, Jammu and Kashmir, Kanta Devi escaped domestic violence and poverty through the Usha Silai School's tailoring training. Earning ₹10,00020,000 monthly, she now teaches women in border areas while inspiring her daughter Tanya to dream of a bourtique
The USHA Silai School Program empowers women across India by teaching sewing skills, enabling them to earn an income, achieve financial independence, and build better futures for themselves and their families.
The USHA Silai School Program empowers women across India with sewing skills, transforming them into trainers and fostering community growth and independence