Mehnaz was born in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh but her family soon migrated to the National Capital Territory of Delhi. She was raised in Delhi’s Shaheed Nagar (near Seemapuri) area lying near the border of Uttar Pradesh and East Delhi. She claims that the people living at the border of two states are often ignored by both the states. There is no school in their region beyong 8th standard, all of them had to go to Seemapuri to finish their education. Mehnaz lives in a large family as they are 6 siblings – 4 sisters and 2 brothers – summing to a family size of 8. They are not a joint family but a nuclear family with a large size, owing to the number of children. Her father was able to support the family financially, and Mehnaz had aspired to join the police forces after completing her education. Her parents always supported all their children in their education – as Mehnaz’s sisters are all graduate and her brother was pursuing B.tech. The family was managing all its affairs with much ease, and her elder brother was to get married soon.

After the marriage of her elder brother, things turned ugly for the entire family. Mehnaz’s elder sister-in-law implicated the family on false charges of ‘dowry’. As a result of this, her father and her brother were both imprisoned for almost a month – leading to dismissal of her father from his job for two years. Her brother who was imprisoned was the brightest student of their family. He was, at the time, pursuing Bachelors in Technology but because of the circumstances, he could not take his exams. Mehnaz who wanted to be a police officer, lost the precious years of her life because of the charges. Mehnaz, her sisters and her mother went to their mother’s brother’s place as the police were also going to put them in jail without any provision of bail. They were frightened and they felt helpless at the point, as they were constantly harassed by police officials. Their entire family was ostracized by their relatives and community members because of ‘dowry charges’.

During these trying circumstances, there was no earning member in the household and Mehnaz began to look for opportunities. As Mehnaz’s family was connected with a local NGO, they were informed about Usha’s training program of stitching and sewing. Mehnaz was immediately on board, and was selected because of her circumstances and her strong will. She went through the 7-day residential training at Usha Silai School in the basics of stitching and sewing. She opened her Usha Silai School soon after receiving the sewing machine, certificate and signboard from Usha.

In the initial days of the Silai School, she put in a lot of efforts in mobilizing people because of the charges of dowry on their family.The NGO partner helped her spread awareness about her skills and their future usage for the learners as well. Her continuous hard-work and determination soon reaped results, as women began to arrive at her school. Gradually, the word spread about her skill of stitching and sewing, and how it has also been recognized by a company called USHA. It resulted in stitching and sewing orders that further increased her income. Today, she has taught 70 learners and earns around Rs.4000 per month. In addition, by saving money through her Stitching and sewing, she has assisted her father in buying a plot for building their house. Her father, initially reluctant, is overwhelmed at her daughter’s skill and diligence; and how she has supported the family in the most difficult of times. She aspires to achieve much more today, she wants to expand her work and open up a boutique as well. Mehnaz’s house is under construction, and it incorporates a special room for her Silai School. Her brother is also working in Noida after successfully finishing his B.tech. Mehnaz feels indebted to USHA and PARAS India for their effective training, support and guidance. She considers her encounter with USHA as a life changing event in her life, as she could attain self-sufficiency and provide for her family in the most appalling circumstances.

“In the most trying of circumstances, when you can only see despair and rejection around you; a single opportunity is enough to regain your strength and confidence. I received that opportunity from USHA, and am forever indebted to USHA for this.”
– Mehnaz