At just 17, Noida high school student Rahini Bansal has turned textile waste into a source of income for rural women through an initiative called Sutradhar. The project provides women with training in cutting, embroidery, and weaving, and offers them opportunities to work from home, with monthly earnings ranging from 4,000 to 25,000 rupees.

Rahini's idea began when she was in 10th grade, and she officially launched Sutradhar in 2024 with just 6 women initially. Today, the project has grown into a community of over 250 women. Its core model is: collecting discarded fabric from the textile industry and having trained women make useful products such as shirts. This approach both creates employment pathways for marginalized groups and reduces textile waste.

For participants, this income represents a major breakthrough toward independence. Shobha, 45, previously had no income at all, and now she contributes to her children's education through her work; Chanda uses her earnings to improve her children's school conditions. Prachi uses her income to fund her own undergraduate studies and dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Monica used her wages to pay for her brother's computer training. A domestic violence survivor gained financial autonomy and the courage to rebuild her life through work.

Rahini emphasizes that Sutradhar is not just about providing work, but a comprehensive effort combining skills, income, and waste reduction. It brings women dignity and greater self-control, which may be its most profound significance.

Source: This 17-year-old Noida student turns textile waste into jobs for 250+ village women · Originally published on 2026-08-26