Sakhi Niwas hostels provide rooms, meals, and security for working women and trainees, with day-care where approved.
In Umaria, 56.6% of working-age women are in the labour force, better than the typical district. A Working Women's Hostel helps women take up jobs away from home by giving them safe, affordable housing so distance is not a barrier.
86% of registered enterprises are in services while 14% are in manufacturing. Only 3% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. Only 55% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Umaria, which ranks 42 of 55 in Madhya Pradesh for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 41.7 out of 100. It trails the national picture on women taking part in all major household decisions at 59.5%. On women with a bank account at 76%, it sits close to the national mark.