Renuka V. Navale is 26 years old and not yet married. She lives with her parents and two younger brothers. She belongs to the lower class Hindu Maratha caste.

Renuka attended school until she 18 years old and followed a commerce and computer course. She then began working as a tailor from home where she earns Rs 2000 – Rs 2500 per month (€28 - €35 per month). This income goes to her parents though.

Renuka learned about the Satara Fashion Project through fellow participants Mumtaz and Shabana, who are her neighbours. She joined the project because she wanted to improve her tailoring skills and because she is interested in Western design.

“I feel good about the course. I’m learning fast and enjoying working with the industrial machines.”

Renuka’s dream is to start her own shop in her house so that she can also help her mother with the household. She wants to marry, but she also wants her husband to allow her to continue working as a tailor.

Check out more photos and the video