Pahalgam, November 21,(K Pen): In a significant step towards advancing women’s empowerment, skill development, and livelihood generation in rural Kashmir, ELFA International, in partnership with USHA International, formally inaugurated the USHAI Silai School with the launch of a 9-Day Capacity Building Program for 25 women at Pahalgam, District Anantnag. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to strengthen the socio-economic status of women through sustainable and market-relevant skills.
The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of distinguished guests and key stakeholders, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the participating women. The program was officially inaugurated by Mr. Mir Nasrool Hial Jeri (JKAS), Chief Executive Officer, Pahalgam Development Authority, who lauded the initiative as a timely and meaningful intervention aimed at equipping women with practical skills that can translate into income generation and self-reliance.
He was joined by Mr. Mir Iftikhar Ahmad, Senior Vice President, ELFA International; Mr. Malik Abrar Altaf, Chief of Program Operations, ELFA International; Mr. Mohammad Zuain Wani, Logistics Officer, ELFA International; and Ms. Shayista Ayoub, State Program Manager, USHA International, all of whom reaffirmed their collective resolve to create opportunities for women in underserved regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mir Nasrool Hial Jeri highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering inclusive development. He emphasized that women’s economic participation is central to the overall growth of the region and appreciated ELFA and USHA International for bringing a structured and professionally designed skill program to the picturesque yet economically challenged area of Pahalgam. He noted that empowering women with vocational skills not only enhances household incomes but also builds confidence, dignity, and leadership within communities.
The USHAI Silai School is designed to provide hands-on training in tailoring and garment construction, enabling participants to develop technical proficiency, creativity, and entrepreneurial capabilities. The 9-day capacity-building program will cover various aspects of stitching, fabric handling, machine operation, design basics, and quality finishing, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to take up self-employment or contribute to local markets upon completion.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mir Iftikhar Ahmad, Senior Vice President of ELFA International, underlined the organization’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive development. He reiterated that ELFA’s partnership with USHA International is rooted in a shared vision of creating dignified livelihood opportunities and breaking cycles of poverty through skill-based education. “This initiative is not just about teaching stitching; it is about restoring hope, nurturing confidence, and enabling women to become economically independent contributors to their families and society,” he remarked.
Ms. Shayista Ayoub, State Program Manager, USHA International, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration and highlighted USHA’s dedication to promoting skill development among women across India. She elaborated on how the USHAI Silai School model has already made a positive impact in various regions by helping women transform their skills into sustainable micro-enterprises. She encouraged the participants to make the most of this opportunity and envision a future where their skills become a pathway to financial stability and personal growth.
The launch of this program in Pahalgam holds special significance, as it addresses the pressing need for livelihood opportunities among women in remote and semi-urban areas. By creating access to structured training and professional guidance, the initiative aims to nurture a new generation of skilled women entrepreneurs who can contribute to the local economy and inspire others within their communities.
Through this collaborative effort, ELFA International and USHA International continue to demonstrate that targeted, community-centric interventions can bring about meaningful and lasting change. The USHAI Silai School stands as a symbol of empowerment, hope, and progress, reinforcing the belief that when women are given the right tools and opportunities, they become powerful agents of transformation for society at large | Kashmir Pen
