Stitching a Better Tomorrow
Ahmednagar district, sewing machines hum softly in homes where women once sat idle, waiting for an opportunity. Today, that wait is over. Thanks to an innovative initiative by Mavroneri Lifestyle LLP, rural women in Bhokar are turning threads into livelihoods and hope into action.
Launched in May 2025, in partnership with Ashankur Rural Women’s Center, the project is designed for women who possess basic stitching skills but lack access to steady employment. Through a unique blend of one-day hands-on training and video-based instruction, Mavroneri is helping these women refine their craft, enabling them to produce 6-10 garments daily that meet professional standards.
The beauty of the model lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The women work from home, which allows them to care for their children and homes while earning a dignified income. For every garment stitched, they are paid on a monthly basis, with many earning ₹ 5,000 – ₹ 10,000. For women who were previously unemployed, this income is not just financial support, it’s a symbol of self-reliance.
Currently, 17 women are part of the initiative, and each has a story to tell. Some speak of how they now contribute to household expenses; others beam with pride and say, “My children see me differently now.” Beyond income, the project has sparked a quiet confidence among the women who now share their ideas and proposals with confidence at community meetings.
But this is just the beginning. Mavroneri Lifestyle has committed to scaling up the project, to include 100 women from neighbouring areas soon. The garments produced are being sold under a dedicated label called ‘Styx Ways’, a name that carries not just style but the story of every woman who made it possible.
In an era where fast fashion is often tied to exploitation, this initiative stands out as a model for ethical, community-rooted enterprise. With each stitch, these women are reclaiming agency over their lives. The women of Ashankur are no longer waiting for change. They are sewing it; steadily, beautifully, one garment at a time.
