“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” —G.D. Anderson

Mrs Rupali Ushakant Satpute came from a household where it wasn’t very common for a woman to step outside and work. Not only her household but also her neighbours and people in her colony had the same mind frame. She lived with her in-laws, husband, and two children.

Her parents were tailors because of which she got the knack of tailoring at a very young age. She was always ambitious from the beginning but never got a platform to express her talent.

Her two daughters studied in St. Catherine’s School where she found out about Animedh Charitable Trust (ACT) and that it was conducting a tailoring class. In 2013 after completing a 3 month course she decided to join their personality development class which brought an immense change in her. She felt more confident about herself and her talent for stitching. 

“Nivedita Ma’am has supported me throughout my journey and has always been there to help and motivate me.”

“I am in charge for tailoring class conducted by ACT. When I used to step out of the house earlier, I used to feel very scared and fear “what would the neighbours say?” After I completed the tailoring course, I started stitching clothes for my children and then began to take outside work as well. The first order I took up was to stitch school uniforms and post that I was asked to interview the ladies who were keen on joining the tailoring course. This made me quite confident. I was then offered to take charge of the ACT tailoring project “Shivan”. Tailoring has completely changed my life.”

Her remarkable journey from being a housewife with no income to a businesswoman who earns enough money every month to support her family has made her an inspiration to a lot of people. 

Now she is able to tailor ready-mades and  she is also a shining role model to her peer group.

Currently she is in charge of ACT’s Project Shivan – An Incubator to Help Women Tailor Garments in Bulk. Here women are given orders from government factories or private factories for different types of garments which they learn to sew. In Shivan, she is directly mentoring five other women to become entrepreneurs like her.

There are so many women out there who could do wonders but are tied down by social norms. It is us who have to stand up for our rights. Nobody can help you until you help yourself. Rupali portrays not only her story but also the story of all those women who have struggled for their rights.

“Have confidence and don’t fear anything. Go out, meet people and trust your instincts. The world is not limited to just four walls. Explore the world out there and find yourself.” – Rupali

It is time for us to leave the obsolete thinking and start anew. Women at home are not competitors but a helping hand to grow the family. Families where women are allowed to work not only help the economic status of the household but also serve as an inspiration and role model to their kids. 

Her story is in many ways is an exemplification to the work and vision of ACT and their aim to empower women and children. 

To follow similar stories of hope and change and how you can be a part, visit: www.animedhtrust.org