Livelihood

When women are empowered, it has a multiplying positive impact on the health and progress of their families and communities. We run 15 Somaiya Grameen Vikas Kendra tailoring centres for rural unemployed women in different villages in Mallapur, Dhawaleshwar and Marapur in Mudhol Taluka; Aski, Chimmad and Navalagi in Jamakhandi Taluka; Itnal, Handigund and Kappalaguddi in Raybag Taluka; Dhawaleshwar, Gurlapur, Hallur, Rangapur, Aralimatti and Avaradi in Gokak Taluka. In Bagalkot and Belgaum districts of Karnataka. Every year around 300 woman in the age group of 15 to 30 learn the art of tailoring and get the opportunity to become self-employed and earn around Rs 3000/- per month. This allows them to take care of their children while supplementing the family income thus making a better life for herself and her children.

Success stories

" I am physically challenged. We are from agricultural family. My father, brother and mother are daily wage agricultural labourers. We do not have any asset and stay in a small hut in one of our relative’s field. After 10th I was worried about my future. I had to discontinued my studies as it was very difficult for me travelling to nearby college which is about 10 km from my village. "

Then someone suggested that i should join the tailoring class being run by Somaiya Grameen Vikas Kendra, Sameerwadi. I took 6 month tailoring course in the centre. As soon I completed my course, Panchayat provided me with a sewing machine, since then I have started stitching clothes and now tailoring is my full time job. My earning is around Rs.4000 to 4500/- per month.

Ms. Shankarevva B. Navi

  • Age : 23 years
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  • Occupation: Agriculture
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  • Village:Navalagi in Bagalkot dist of Karnataka
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  • Qualification: 10th grade
TRAINING: 6 months training at Somaiya Grameen Vikas Kendra tailoring centre PRESENT JOB: Tailoring – stitches all types of ladies cloths and school uniform for kids | 1000 per week

" I am the daughter of a Devadasi. I have an older brother and younger sister. My mother and brother are daily wage labours and my sister is studying in 8th class. I had to discontinue my studies after 7th grade. Four years ago I took tailoring training being run by Somaiya Grameen Vikas Kendra, Sameerwadi. Since then, I have taken tailoring as my profession and stitch clothes in my house. I am happy that I am supporting my family. I earn on an average Rs.3000 to 3500 per month. "

Ms. Tangevva S. Dodawad

  • Age : 20 years
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  • Occupation: Agriculture
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  • Place: Chimmad village in Bagalkot dist of Karnataka
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  • Qualification: 7th Class
TRAINING: : 6 months training at Somaiya Grameen Vikas Kendra tailoring centre PRESENT JOB: Tailoring – stitches all types of ladies cloths and school uniform for kids Earning: Rs.700 - 800 per week