WomenServe Success Story –Santosh Kanwar WomenServe Success Story –Santosh Kanwar

WomenServe Success Story –Santosh Kanwar WomenServe Success Story –Santosh Kanwar

Category: Women's Institutions January 31, 2026

Impact Area: Economic Opportunity, Capacity Building
Partner Organization: Local2Global
Beneficiary: Santosh Kanwar, 25 years old
Role: TAC Artisan, Naya Gaon
Family: Husband (farmer), two children (both studying)

Background

Santosh Kanwar grew up in Naya Gaon. She had to leave school after completing class 10 due to early marriage. With her husband working as a farmer, the family faced limited income, making it challenging to meet household needs.

Despite her responsibilities at home, Santosh always nurtured a deep passion for embroidery and dreamed of using it to contribute to her family’s income.

Around one year ago, she connected with WomenServe and Local2Global through the TAC Centre in Naya Gaon, creating a path for skill development and income generation.

Skills and Training

At TAC, Santosh received structured training and hands-on guidance, enabling her to transform her passion into livelihood opportunities:

  • Completed a 10-day structured training program at TAC Centre.

  • Learned embroidery techniques: kantha stitch, chain stitch, French stitch, and back stitch.

  • Acquired core production skills: cutting, measurement, tracing, and paper pasting.

  • Participated in real market production orders (wall art, tote bags), turning training into practical income.

Achievements

  • Earned ₹15,818 in 2024 from tote bags and other orders.

  • Contributes to household expenses and invests in her children’s education.

  • Built confidence as both an artisan and homemaker.

  • Inspired other women in Naya Gaon to see embroidery as a viable livelihood opportunity.

“Santosh Kanwar working on embroidery at the TAC Centre, Naya Gaon, alongside fellow artisans.”
“Santosh Kanwar meticulously working on tote bag orders, turning her skills into livelihood.”
“Santosh Kanwar showcasing a sample wall art she created during ongoing production training.”

Personal Journey

Santosh’s journey reflects a transformation not only in skill but also in self-perception and social recognition:

“Since childhood I loved embroidery. I always wanted to use this passion to do something for my family.”
“Today, through my work, I am able to contribute to household expenses and my children’s education.”
“Earlier I believed that only my husband was the breadwinner. Now, with my earnings, I too support him, and this has made me realize my own strength.”

Santosh is now recognized as an economic contributor in her family, with her children feeling proud of her achievements. Looking ahead, she aims to:

  • Ensure both her children complete their education.

  • Take on larger production orders.

  • Encourage more women in her community to step forward and explore livelihood opportunities.

Impact

Santosh Kanwar’s journey is a living example of WomenServe and Local2Global’s mission:

  • Economic Empowerment: Turning skills into sustainable income.

  • Capacity Building: Training and mentoring rural women to achieve professional standards.

  • Social Influence: Inspiring other women in the community to pursue skill development.

  • Confidence & Independence: Transforming self-perception and contributing meaningfully to family and society.

Her story demonstrates how opportunity, guidance, and determination can enable rural women to achieve independence, build skills, and uplift their families.