“Sui-Dhaaga” is a popularly used Hindi word, which means needle and thread. It pertains to a popular activity, sewing. Sewing as an activity has ensured employment for millions of people across the globe. The Second Chance Education Program implemented by Manjari Foundation and supported by Pradan and UN Women since inception is emphasising on skill development to facilitate transition at grass root level. Baran as a district is quite backward in several aspects and this is the reason why it is regarded as an aspirational district by government of India.

It was in October 2019, when Second Change Education Program reached out to several villages in Baran district of Rajasthan. The beginning was not easy and mobilising women was a challenge. The trust factor was the key factory which came into picture and the efforts, counselling and regular meetings by Saarthi(CRP- Community Resource Professional) addressed the trust issues and helped in mobilising women.

The batch preparation of women aspirants along with documentation formalities were carried out. A total of 34 women were selected for sewing and stitching training and these women were subjected to one-month inhouse training at Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institute at Baran.

Post completion of this training which took place in December 2019, the women aspirants were more confident and were ready to take up any assignment which can ensure them sustainable employment. Acting in this regard, several initiatives were taken by Team Manjari.

Rajasthan Spinning and Weaving Mills (RSWML) key officials were approached for needful resulting into a consensus which resulted into an interview of 17 women candidates who were not only interviewed but also shortlisted for a job. The women will be kept under probation for a period of three months during which they will be paid with an amount of INR 256 per day with accommodation and other allowances.

After successful completion of probation period, the women will be eligible for salary of INR 9265 per month with accommodation and other allowances. From being involved into household chores to derive a job with sustainable salary, the power of “SUI-DHAGA” is something that has not only addressed the poverty issue of several families but also laid a foundation that will encourage more women in the future.

The number of women aspirants is going to enhance to 100 in future, is what Manjari expects. Tamannah, age 20, a beneficiary of this initiative after deriving job says, “Thank you Second Chance Education Program for making a difference in my life. Words are less to express the gratitude. I am sure that outlook of society towards women will change in due course of time. I wish more women should become the beneficiary of these initiatives”.