PAHAL means “a first step”. For many of the people who join, it is exactly that: the first time someone has taught them a trade and believed they could earn from it.

The project trains transgender persons, adolescent girls and women who have been left out of school, work or both. Each batch learns a skill they can use straight away:

Beauty parlour work: hair, skin, makeup and salon basics
Stitching and embroidery: along with the basics of fashion design

Alongside the trade, trainees learn how to talk to customers, price their work, plan a small business and manage money. Some also get scholarships so they can keep studying while they train.

What we did in 2025–26

60 people trained in two batches: 40 in beauty parlour work and 20 in stitching
22 of them found jobs in salons and tailoring units, or started their own work
8 trainees received scholarships to continue their education

Next, we want to build stronger links with local salons and boutiques, and help more trainees start their own work with tool kits and small grants.