From 'untouchable' cleaner to a New York Catwalk

Usha Chumar on a New York Catwalk

Usha Chaumur belongs to India's lowest caste system. Known to many as 'untouchables' Usha, like many other women, has been confined to a life of scavenging, emptying latrines with a bucket and broom. Until now...

Listen Hear Usha speak about her experiences on Outlook (first broadcast 26th June 2008)

An organisation called Sulabh International has installed flush toilets in many areas and managed to liberate 60,000 scavenger women from their dirty and demeaning work.

These women have been trained in new skills such as noodle making and embroidery. They are also being helped to fight the social stigma against them. As part of that the UN invited 30 women, including Usha, to New York to take part in a fashion show next week.

Before arriving in New York Usha had never left the province of Alwar; but Usha quickly became accustomed top New York life

See pictures of Usha in New York

As well as being invited to New York, Usha has re-trained as a seamstress and pickle maker and has learned to read and write.

Listen Hear reporter Tara Gadomski speaking to Usha in New York