In the town of Bhiloda, Gujarat, lives a determined couple—Dineshbhai and Fortimaben Makhwana—whose resilience in the face of physical challenges has turned into a remarkable story of empowerment. Both Dineshbhai and Fortimaben live with long-standing locomotor disabilities, which once significantly limited their employment opportunities and financial stability.
Dineshbhai had previously worked in a local tailoring shop, but the work was sporadic and insufficient to support a family. The turning point came when VOSAP extended its support through the Self-Employment Enablement Program. Recognizing the couple’s tailoring skills and entrepreneurial potential, VOSAP provided each of them with their own sewing machine.
With these tools, Dineshbhai and Fortimaben launched a home-based tailoring business, combining their efforts to craft a variety of items such as men’s and women’s clothing, pillow covers, cushion covers, and tapestry. They smartly manage their work based on seasonal demands—actively selling during festivals and local markets, while stocking up inventory during the off-season.
Thanks to this initiative, the couple now earns an average monthly income of around INR 15,000, which not only sustains their household but also supports their two school-going children, who now attend a private school—an opportunity they once thought out of reach.
Driven by this success, Dineshbhai and Fortimaben are now planning to take the next step: opening their own tailoring shop, where they can showcase and sell their merchandise on a larger, commercial scale. Their journey from limited means to aspiring business owners is a powerful example of how access to the right resources can transform lives—enabling dignity, purpose, and financial independence.
