Bihar is considered as a predominately agricultural state, as 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture as opposed to the national average of 70%. Considered as one of the poorest and most deprived state, Bihar has shown one of the highest growth rates among all states in the last decade. Yet, Bihar still epitomizes abject and absolute poverty prevalent in the country. The lack of industrialization combined with over dependence on an overburdened agriculture has encouraged migration from the state.

Yasmeen’s parents migrated from the northern district of ‘Darbhanga’ to Delhi, in search of better alternatives of livelihood. Yasmeen’s parents completed her education only until 5th grade, owing to lack of resources and a rudimentary belief system. She could only complete her primary education since she had 4 siblings. After dropping out of school, Yasmeen was married off at a rather impressionable age of 16. The fact that she was a child, meant that she could neither comprehend nor protest all that was happening. After marriage, she was a homemaker for a long time and gave birth to 5 daughters and 1 son. They were a family of 8 people, and it became difficult for her husband to fulfill the needs of the children.

Yasmeen suffered from regular episodes of pain in her abdomen. Upon examination, she was found to have kidney stones which creates sharp and unbearable pain in the abdomen. Any health problem becomes even more daunting for a family that is already struggling to make the ends meet. Amidst poverty, her treatment continued which effected the family as no one was there to manage her house. On recovering from the problem of kidney stones, Yasmeen decided to work somewhere so that she can contribute in her household expenses. But her limited education and lack of any additional skill set were major constraints in finding a sustainable livelihood option.

This is when she attended a meeting held by PARAS India, and learnt about a training program run by USHA. When she realized that USHA provides a 7-day residential training in stitching and sewing, she wasted no time in enrolling for this opportunity. Upon completion of the 7-day residential training, Yasmeen received a certificate, a signboard and a sewing machine from Usha. This training experience exposed her to various facets of starting an enterprise, and interacting with other women did influence her personality by exposing her to the world around her.

Yasmeen hung the board of Usha Silai School outside her house, and opened up her Silai School. But initially, she had to mobilize women in and around her area with the help of the NGO partner; gradually, the footfall in the Silai School increased. Yasmeen, a coy and a pleasant woman, never stepped out of her house prior to the Silai School training. Her interactions with the people outside of her family was extremely rare and limited. The Silai School enabled her to interact more with the people within her community and outside her community. Yasmeen has learnt to interact, share story and now understands the importance of financial independence.

Yasmeen is using her brother’s one small room as a Silai School in the day. The place is a pucca brick structure but it is not well lit. The room has only one wooden door without any windows, and is sparsely lit by one single compact fluorescent lamp (CFL); but she continues to work amidst all this, and made use of her limited resources. Her hard-work and skill was recognized by the members of her community, and she started receiving orders for stitching and sewing as well. This work is convenient for her as she can manage household chores, look after her children and earn money. She earns approximately Rs.3000-4000 every month from Silai School and other stitching & sewing orders. Yasmeen is advised by her husband to save most of her income so that it can be used later for their children’s education and at times of crisis.

Yasmeen feels more capable and talented than ever, as she has come a long way in her life. From being a shy and introverted woman, married off at 16, to now this enterprising woman who is a teacher and a tailor as well. Today she is considered as a role model by the members of her community, for having achieved financial independence. She is more motivated than ever, and aims to expand her work. She has understood the importance of being financially independent, and is proud of her self. She is obliged to USHA for their constant support and faith in her potential.

“I strongly believe that all women should work, and be self-sufficient. I am glad that I could motivate other women to attain independence through a skill that will last for a lifetime”
– Yasmeen