DSS Kolkata's newly acquired three vocational training centres (previously owned by Friends of Calcutta) and has provided nine graduates with sewing machines.
"This machine is not just for sewing, it is for building my family's future," said Jhum, one of nine women who were presented with new sewing machines after completing a two-year sewing course last month.
The part-time vocational training course was held at the three Friends of Calcutta education centres - now run by DSS Kolkata (Divine Script Society).
All the women come from the slum areas of Khiddirpur, Tangra and Topsia where the centres are situated, each of them are from very low income families with parents working as daily wage labourers.
Most of these women are married and had to balance family responsibilities alongside their commitment to learning. Their dedication over two years is a testament to the quiet resilience that defines so many women in Kolkata's urban communities.
They came to the presentation ceremony wearing salwar kameez sewn by themselves, proud of their skills.
Some of them are already earning money from their new tailoring skills, others, like Sabita, plan to use the sewing machines to start their own business. She said, “I have always wanted to start my own business. But the cost of getting a sewing machine was too much. So I cannot express my happiness now that I have received this sewing machine.”
"These women worked hard, and never gave up. Seeing them leave with machines in their hands fills us with real pride," shared Paltu Majumdar, who has worked at the Tangra centre for a long time and is now a DSS Kolkata team member.
Arunava, who is now heading-up DSS Kolkata vocational training, said: ”They also have a fairly good understanding of the market and sales already. We are planning to equip them with more knowledge and ideas about it as well.”