Colours of life: How this eight hearing-impaired women stitched a new future through skill training in Malappuram

Eight hearing-impaired women from Malappuram have transformed their lives through skill training in tailoring, starting a stitching unit named 'Colours' at Nilambur. Sabna V.K., Ramya A., Afeefa K., Sameena M.K., Nimmy N., Rajeena P., Salma V.P., and Sajeena C. were previously homemakers, relying on their families for financial support. Upon completing an assistant dress maker course offered by Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) in Malappuram, these women decided to utilize their newfound skills to support themselves.

Before joining the course, all eight women were dependent on their families for money. The training provided them with the knowledge of tailoring and the confidence to pursue stitching work. Realizing the potential of their skills, they established Colours as a business venture, pooling their abilities to generate an income together. This collaborative effort has allowed them to share the responsibilities of running the unit while earning a livelihood independently.

The hearing-impaired women expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, stating that they can now meet household expenses and reduce their dependence on their families for financial assistance. By starting the stitching unit, they have successfully transformed their vocational training into a means of supporting themselves and their families. This initiative demonstrates the positive impact of skill training on the empowerment of women with disabilities, enabling them to find work and build a sustainable income.