STREE: Empowering Women, Transforming lives with Kshamata Innovation Foundation

Introduction

Kshamata Innovation Foundation launched the STREE program to empower women with skills and opportunities to have financial independence by earning from their skills. STREE stands for "She Transforms Routine to Equitable Entrepreneurship," highlighting their mission to create sustainable livelihoods. Till date, 400 women have been trained under STREE program, and Uma’s story is one of the most inspiring success stories.

Journey and Challenges

Uma, an underserved women who is a resident of a slum area in Bangalore, faced financial struggles and had only limited opportunities. Even with all the challenges she faced, she was determined to improve her and her family's standard of life. She joined STREE’s makeup artist training program with a clear mindset to learn and make a future for herself. Through the program, Uma gained training, a complete makeup kit for her assistance, and continuous mentorship support to help her develop her skills at a professional level and grow her confidence. Balancing her family and the responsibilities that come along with it and building a career alongside was not easy for her, but Uma’s dedication and hard work paved the way for her success.

Impact and Outcomes

Today, Uma has opened her own makeup parlor and earns an income of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month. She provides makeup services for weddings, celebrations, and other events, becoming quite a professional in her work and the community. Her hard work and success has not only improved her family’s financial status but has also inspired other women in her neighborhood to go for their dreams. Uma’s journey is one of many success stories of STREE.

Over the past year, the program has:

● Trained 400 women beneficiaries.
● Provided women with essential resources, including tools, mentorship, and market access.
● Empowered women to create sustainable livelihoods and achieve financial independence.

STREE program focuses on skill-development and mentorship which has changed the lives of many women like Uma, creating a domino effect of empowerment in the communities and societies they live.

Conclusion:

STREE program continues to change lives by focusing on skill-development. Stories like Uma’s inspire us all and remind us of the power and result of dedication and hard work and the importance of providing opportunities to those who need it.