Usha Silai School Programme Stitching Together Empowerment And Economic Growth Across India: IIT Delhi Study
Empowering women across diverse backgrounds, the Usha Silai School programme not only offers sewing and stitching skills but also fosters inclusivity and economic independence. A recent independent study by IIT Delhi highlights its profound impact, showcasing how this initiative not only transforms individual lives but also contributes significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Take a look!
For over 12 years, USHA has been empowering and transforming the lives of lakhs of Silai School women, offering sewing and stitching skills through its many programs and partnerships across India. To assess the impact of the Usha Silai School programme, IIT Delhi began an independent study in January 2023 in collaboration with Usha, its NGO partners, and the beneficiaries.
The study included going into the field and understanding how the project has impacted the individual beneficiaries and the community at large. It also evaluated the inclusiveness of the Usha Silai School program which attracts various women from different economic, and social backgrounds, and life circumstances.
The Usha Silai program goes beyond teaching sewing skills; it also leaves a mark in the world of fashion. The introduction of the USHA Silai label has helped many beneficiaries connect with markets, providing many women with opportunities to showcase their skills and collaborate with India's top fashion designers at the Lakme Fashion Week.
The IIT Delhi report shows a significant economic impact of the investment made by Usha Silai Schools in empowering and enabling women. As much as 59.41 per cent of Usha Silai School teachers surveyed reported a monthly income of Rs 5,000; 32.82 per cent earned between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 per month, 4.65 per cent reported monthly incomes between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, 1.01 per cent between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per month, and 2.11 per cent said their earnings are over Rs 20,000 per month.
Nearly 20 lakh children live on the streets of India, without an identity, a name to call their own, a place to call home, sleeping on empty stomachs for days and nights. These twenty lakh are children, who have dreams, who have rights, who are our tomorrow. They are living in the shadows today.
During these unprecedented times, not everyone can afford the privilege of social distancing. And not everybody can stay home during the lockdown, simply because they don’t have a home. Those living in poverty are extremely vulnerable, struck with a sudden lack of funds, food, mobility and a struggle for survival. And, as with all humanitarian crises, it is the children who have been affected the most.
It is always the children on the street who are subjected to some of the harshest realities of life. Today they are battling a catastrophic crisis, and it’s time we step in to protect them.
As a part of our COVID-19 response, Save the Children is working across various regions and has already directly reached over 18,000 children and adults to cover their basic needs. The organisation is ensuring their daily needs and their dignity and hygiene are also being cared for. Save the Children has identified 2.5 lakh children in cohorts, across 10 cities in India. Reaching out to these children with emergency relief is a top priority. But this cannot be done alone.
Save the Children and NDTV join hands to bring focus to the lives of children living in street situations. As India fights the Coronavirus, we must not forget one of the most marginalised and excluded groups whose lives have been long ignored – street-connected children. The 21-day campaign will generate public interest and raise funds to ensure these 20 Lakh+ children who live, earn, sleep and eat on our streets are cared for and protected. Amidst the crisis the world is facing, they are most vulnerable, exposed to infection and disease.