Yellow Bag Foundation

Vallavi Skills A woman’s first income can change everything.

The Gap

In many low-income homes, a woman's day starts early and ends late.
She cooks.
She cares for children.
She looks after elders.
The family depends on her completely. But when it comes to money, she depends on others.
Even for a small personal expense, she has to ask.

As children grow, expenses grow. That's when the thought begins.

Should I start earning?

But stepping out is not simple.

  • • Who will take care of the child?
  • • Can she return before school ends?
  • • Will the family allow it?
The Gap

Between responsibility and restriction, her earning potential stays locked

How Vallavi Works

"Vallavi is designed around a woman's everyday life."

Vallavi Skills

How Vallavi Works ?
Training happens within her community. Timings fit into her day.
She can come after sending her children to school.
She can return before they are back home.
If she has an infant, she can bring the child along.

This makes it possible to begin.

Stepping into a new space

The first step is not easy. For many women, this is the first time they are stepping out for themselves. There is hesitation.

Will this space be safe ?

Will I be able to learn ?

  • • She walks in unsure.
  • • Everyone is new.
  • • Nothing feels familiar.

But slowly, that changes

What once felt unfamiliar... becomes part of her routine.
Stepping into Space

"She meets other women like her. She begins to feel at ease."

Learning to Earn

And for the first time, she spends money she earned. That moment stays. She begins to see her own worth.

'It may start small. But it grows.'

Learning to earn
As she settles in, learning begins through doing.
She works with her hands.
She starts creating.

Through training in tailoring, embroidery, jewellery making and more, she builds practical skills.

Along the way, she also learns:

  • how to price her work
  • how to manage time
  • how to value what she creates

HER FIRST EARNINGS OFTEN COME FROM WITHIN HER CIRCLE

A neighbour.

A friend.

A small order.

The Impact

HER FIRST EARNINGS OFTEN COME FROM WITHIN HER CIRCLE

A neighbour.
A friend.
A small order.
It may start with Rs.100. But it doesn't stay there.
Within months, it grows. Rs.3,000 becomes possible.
For the first time, she spends money she earned.
Groceries
School fees
A dress for her child

Something changes.

  • • The same home.
  • • But a different feeling
  • • Her voice is stronger.
  • • Her confidence is visible.
  • • She is no longer just contributing through care.
  • • She is contributing through income.

And her children see it. ⭐

In FY 2025-2026, Three Hundred women went through Vallavi Skills. 200+ said, they made Rs.3000 a month within six months of starting their journey.

Impact image topImpact image bottom

Meet Keerthana

Keerthana lives in a small 10x10 home with her husband, children, and parents. When she joined Vallavi, she carried the same doubts many women do. She learned jewellery making. At a small stall set up through the collective, her products sold out. Her first earnings surprised everyone around her.

"But more than that, it changed how she saw herself. She earned."

What we are learning ?

  • Not every journey is the same.
  • Some women need more time.
  • Some face stronger family restrictions.
  • Some carry heavier responsibilities.
  • We continue to adapt.
  • Listening.
  • Improving.
  • Making space for more women to step in.

This is where many journeys begin. You can help more women take that first step <<Participate>>