A sewing machine is a useful household appliance. But in the right hands, it can also become the foundation of a business, says PDG Sanjeev Gupta, member of RC Indore Uptown, RID 3040. “That is the idea behind the partnership between our club and Usha International, which has helped 70 rural women build sustainable, sewing-based microenterprises rather than simply learn a vocational skill.”
The women, identified by the Usha Silai Schools, underwent an intensive two-day programme covering advanced tailoring, entrepreneurship and microenterprise management. The trainers, technical support and raw materials for the course were provided by the sewing machine corporate. After successful completion of the course, the club sponsored a sewing machine, along with a toolkit and training material, while giving certificates to each of the women.
Sunita Bai now stitches school uniforms from a small room in her home in Panod, Indore. Six months ago, “I had no income of my own. Today, the money I earn through tailoring helps me pay for my daughter’s school fees and household expenses,” she says.
The total cost of the project was ₹4.48 lakh. Anuradha Saini from RID 5330 (USA), sponsored 25 sewing machines during her visit to the district as part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange programme in November 2025. Usha International enabled access to its Silai Mobile App to the participants to help them continue learning after the programme. It will also monitor and mentor the women as they establish their enterprises.
“When women have a marketable skill, the right equipment and continued mentoring, they gain confidence to earn independently and contribute to their families’ financial security,” notes Gupta who guided the project.
Many of the participants have already begun stitching school uniforms, women’s garments, children’s clothing and bags, while others are taking local tailoring orders from their communities. For most of them, this is their first opportunity to earn an independent income, he adds.
The partnership hopes to establish 70 village-level sewing enterprises that will generate livelihoods, strengthen family incomes and encourage women-led entrepreneurship. “If successful, the model could be replicated in other communities,” adds Gupta.
IPDG Sushil Malhotra attended the programme as chief guest. The initiative was coordinated by club member Deepti Dubey, under the leadership of club president Manmohan Tiwari.