From Limited Income to Enterprise

Ashwini Shankar Yadav, 34, from Shilimb, Pune, Maharashtra, struggled to earn a steady income through pico and fall stitching, making INR 400-500 a month. This is where Hand in Hand India’s ‘Village Upliftment Programme’ made a difference, equipping her with tailoring skills, a shevai (Indian vermicelli noodles) making machine, business development training and marketing support. With this support, she earned INR 80,000 during the four-month summer season through shevai making. Driven to build a more stable livelihood, Ashwini established Nathsaheb Collection, a cloth shop that also serves as her tailoring workspace. Generating monthly sales of approximately INR 30,000, her enterprise further demonstrates how the right support can help women diversify livelihoods and strengthen financial independence.

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