In 2022, Rekha Devi from a small village near Bansi had no personal income. Her family's survival depended entirely on her husband's unpredictable daily wage work. Some months they managed. Many months, they struggled.

Today, Rekha earns an average of ₹15,000 per month through her home-based tailoring unit — a transformation made possible through skill training, confidence-building and community support.

The Challenge

When our field team first met Rekha, she expressed a common concern: “I want to help my family financially, but I don’t know any skill that can earn money.” Like many women in rural areas, she had studied only till Class 8 and never worked outside her home.

  • No independent income
  • Rising household expenses
  • School fees often delayed
  • No savings in her name
0
Income in 2022
3 Months
Skill Training Duration
28
Women in First Batch

The Turning Point

In mid-2023, People & Nature Welfare Society launched a Women Skill Development Programme in her village. The programme provided:

  • Professional tailoring training
  • Free sewing machine after certification
  • Basic financial literacy
  • Market linkage support

"The day I stitched my first school uniform and received ₹150, I felt confident for the first time in my life."

— Rekha Devi

Income Growth & Confidence

Rekha began by stitching blouses and repairing clothes for neighbors. Within months, she secured a contract from a local garment shop for school uniforms.

Her income gradually increased from ₹2,000 to ₹8,000 — and eventually stabilized at around ₹15,000 per month during peak seasons.

Women stitching clothes
Rekha working from her tailoring unit supported under PANWS livelihood programme.

The Impact on Her Family

  • Her daughter now attends school regularly
  • Family debt reduced significantly
  • Opened a savings account in her own name
  • Started mentoring 4 other women in her community

"When women earn, families grow stronger. When families grow stronger, communities transform."

— Founder, People & Nature Welfare Society

What's Next

Inspired by Rekha’s success, we are expanding our livelihood programme to 6 more villages in 2025, aiming to train 200 additional women in income-generating skills.

Support a woman. Support a family. Support a future.