Chennai, March 23 -- For P. Jayalakshmi, a native of V Kalathur village in Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu, life seemed like a disaster till about 15 months ago. Her husband, a tailor, did not earn enough to run the family. They were dependent on their extended family and that came at a cost. Her mother-in-law routinely ill-treated her and not a day went by without a fight. In her mid-30s, she had given up all hope of a better life.

Early in 2024, Jayalakshmi got to know of a shoe factory coming up at Eraiyur, 10km away. The factory was looking for women workers.

She applied, unsure if she could be recruited-Jayalakshmi had studied till the 9th standard and had no work experience. But the shoe factory welcomed her, giving her a vocati...