Sumadhura Income Generation Program (SMO)
Iskilla and Nearby Villages, Ramannapet Mandal, Telangana
2023 – Ongoing
Background
Empowering women through sustainable livelihoods has always been at the heart of Sumadhura Foundation’s community development vision. After the success of the Skill Development Initiative in Iskilla — particularly the Sewing Machine Operator (SMO) training program — several women expressed a deep desire to continue their journey and transform their newly acquired skills into a means of livelihood.
Recognizing their enthusiasm and commitment, Sumadhura Foundation decided to go beyond training and support these women in building a self-sustained enterprise. The Foundation’s aim was to create a lasting economic opportunity that would not only empower these women but also inspire many others in the community to follow their path toward self-reliance and dignity.
Building upon the foundation of the SMO skill development program, Sumadhura initiated the SMO Training and Income Generation Programme, focusing on enabling trained women to transition from learning to earning.
Project Overview
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A group of 10 women from the initial SMO batches were selected based on their skill level and commitment.
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Sumadhura provided well-equipped industrial-grade Juki sewing machines, ensuring quality production capabilities.
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A dedicated trainer was assigned to handhold and guide the women in advanced stitching, design improvement, and commercial order management.
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With Sumadhura’s facilitation, the group began receiving school uniform orders from nearby villages in 2024, followed by repeat orders in 2025, along with personal tailoring requests from the local community.
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Over two years, the group collectively generated an income of over ₹5 lakhs, steadily increasing their financial independence and business confidence.
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The initiative continues successfully, creating a sustainable micro-enterprise model where women support themselves while contributing to their community’s local economy.
Impact Highlights
10 rural women transitioned from skill trainees to entrepreneurs.
Over ₹5,00,000 earned collectively in two years through stitching orders.
Consistent livelihood generation with repeat commercial orders and growing customer base.
Enhanced confidence and dignity among women who now contribute financially to their households.
Created a local brand identity within surrounding villages for quality stitching and tailoring.
Served as a replicable model for rural women entrepreneurship in Telangana.
SDG Goals
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
Empowering women with sustainable income and leadership opportunities.
SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promoting entrepreneurship and local employment.
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Uplifting women from rural areas through equal access to economic opportunities.
SDG 1 - No Poverty
Supporting women to achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency.
Outcome
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The SMO Training and Income Generation Programme stands as a powerful story of transformation — where learning turned into livelihood, and skill became self-reliance.
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What began as a training initiative has now evolved into a women-led enterprise, showcasing resilience, creativity, and determination. These women, once learners, are now role models, inspiring others in Iskilla and nearby villages to believe that with the right support, empowerment is not a dream — it’s a journey made possible through opportunity and perseverance.
