The following article was written by our in-country project manager and is presented from his perspective.
One afternoon, while driving toward another town, I found myself stuck in a long traffic jam. Instead of sitting idle, I pulled over near a roadside tea stall for a short break and ordered my usual cup of Taj Mahal chai. As I sipped, I noticed a steady stream of women and girls entering and exiting a nearby room, carrying files in their hands. My curiosity grew. Once I finished my tea, I walked toward the building to see what was happening. To my surprise, I discovered a tailoring school. Inside, several women were practicing on sewing machines while others waited eagerly for their turn. The room buzzed with energy, hope, and determination.
Suddenly, one of the women recognized me and called out, “Do you remember me?” I didn’t, but she quickly reminded me that she had been trained in one of our tailoring schools back in 2011. Laxmi proudly explained that now she runs her own tailoring school.
Laxmi shared her journey with great joy. She had rented two rooms—one where she teaches tailoring to other women, and another where she sells cosmetics to support her family. What struck me most was her resilience. The area had no electricity, yet she had installed solar panels to power her lights and fans, ensuring that training could continue even in the sweltering heat.
With a beaming smile, she said, “I earn more than my husband.”
In a society like India’s—where sons are often valued more than daughters, where families invest in boys’ education but rarely in girls—this was no small achievement. In a culture where women are expected to remain dependent, Laxmi had broken through barriers. She was not just supporting her family; she was leading it.
Her success was a powerful testimony of true women’s empowerment. The free training she once received had multiplied—today, she trains other women, charges fees, and makes a dignified livelihood.
But Laxmi’s story doesn’t end there. Over time, her life also transformed spiritually. She gave her life to Jesus and became His follower, even though her husband remains Hindu. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation—socially, economically, and spiritually.
Why This Matters
Laxmi’s journey is not just her own. It represents the struggle of countless women in rural India who are denied opportunities simply because of their gender. Yet, it also shows the impact of one simple opportunity: a free tailoring class.
- A woman who was once a student is now a teacher, entrepreneur, and community leader.
- A family once dependent on a man’s income now thrives because of a woman’s skill and determination.
- A society that often silences women now hears her voice of influence.
- A life once bound by limitations is now free, dignified, and filled with hope.
The Bigger Picture
When we invest in women like Laxmi, we are not just teaching a trade. We are creating ripples that transform entire communities. One empowered woman leads to dozens more being uplifted. Families are fed, children are educated, and dignity is restored.
This is why we continue our mission—because every Laxmi represents a future where daughters are no longer considered a burden, but a blessing; where women are not just surviving, but thriving; where hope is not just spoken, but lived out daily.