WOMEN EMPOWERMENT & LIVELIHOODS
Stitching & Tailoring — Pathway to Financial Independence
In collaboration with Jan Shikshan Sansthan Prayas (JSS), ZSF runs accredited stitching and tailoring courses (Assistant Dress Maker & advanced modules). Training focuses on technical competence, machine-handling, quality standards and market-ready finishes so women can earn through home-orders or group units.
JSS provides evaluation & certification while ZSF supplies infrastructure, outreach and enterprise linkages — prioritising SC/ST, BPL, EWS, minority and neo-literate women to create inclusive livelihoods.
- Certified curriculum & instructor-led practical labs
- Machine maintenance, learning materials & assessment
- Local exhibitions and bulk-order linkages for income
Stand Up: Street Harassment Awareness & Bystander Training
Run with partners including L’Oréal Paris, Hollaback! and Right To Be, our Stand Up program trained over 1,200 participants across multiple Delhi neighbourhoods on recognising harassment, safe bystander intervention and legal options.
Workshops combine scenario practice, legal awareness and confidence-building so community members can keep each other safer. Program outcomes show substantial improvements in willingness to safely intervene and support victims.
- Practical bystander techniques & role-play
- Legal rights, reporting pathways & support systems
- Community follow-ups and recommended program expansion
Self-Defense Workshops — Pencak Silat Partnership
In partnership with Pencak Silat Sports Association of Delhi (PSSAD), ZSF conducts intensive 4-day self-defense workshops taught by experienced trainers. The sessions cover physical techniques, escape & de-escalation strategies, and mental preparedness.
Graduates receive certificates and are encouraged to mentor future trainees — multiplying impact in neighbourhoods and improving women’s mobility and safety.
- Hands-on drills & situational awareness
- Certification ceremony with local leaders
- Peer-mentoring to sustain skills in the community
GARIMA Skilling — Dignity & Employment in Housekeeping
Supported by Diversey, GARIMA trains women in scientific cleaning methods, equipment handling, health & safety, and professional conduct — reframing housekeeping as dignified, skilled work with access to the organised sector.
The curriculum blends practical demonstrations, safety standards and soft-skills to prepare trainees for placement. Placement pathways and employer linkages are emphasised to convert training into stable livelihoods.
- Scientific cleaning techniques & equipment training
- Workplace safety, soft-skills and job-readiness
- Placement assistance and employer engagement
Implementation Model
- 1
Community Mobilization
Doorstep outreach, household visits and local leader engagement to identify motivated women.
- 2
Training & Confidence
Technical modules + life-skills, digital basics and safety training to ensure holistic readiness.
- 3
Production & Units
Formation of micro-units, quality checks and collective order fulfilment to scale earnings.
- 4
Market Linkages
Exhibitions, pop-ups, SHG support and employer placements to secure sustainable income.
Success Stories
Aarti • Rohini
From dependent to entrepreneur — Aarti trained in tailoring (JSS) and now runs a home-stitching business earning ₹6,000–₹8,500/month, training local apprentices.
Shabnam • Budh Vihar
After self-defense & leadership training, Shabnam mentors new trainees and leads safety dialogues in her neighbourhood.
Sunita • Mohan Garden
Sunita formed a women-led unit securing uniform stitching contracts for local schools, creating stable income for five households.