Make Women in Rural India Financially Secure

Dear Friends,

This month we bring you the story of Kolika, a woman whose life has improved because of her involvement in programs run with the help of your generous support. 

Kokila lives in Kojawada village of Kherwara block with her husband, three daughters and two sons. Her husband is involved in farming and stitching work. Although Kolika spends a lot of her time taking care of her family and household, she has also always wanted to do something to support her family economically, therefore, decided to learn stitching work.

Seva Mandir organized a series of trainings for women on tailoring between 2010 and 2012. Kokila attended two of these Seva Mandir trainings and learned to stitch ladies blouses and skirts and children’s shorts and shirts. After the training, she bought a sewing machine and started her own stitching work.  As a result of the additional income from her stitching work, she was able to purchase a cow of good breed and started selling milk to a dairy in Himmatnagar. At present, she earns Rs. 100 to 200 from stitching work and Rs. 100 to 200 from sale of cow’s milk.

Kokila’s earning has improved the economic condition of her family and she has even been able to help her husband in paying debts. She feels very happy with her new role in the family.  She strongly supports her children getting a good education so they can be empowered like her.  Her two daughters are currently studying in 11^th and 9^th grade and her one son is studying in 5^th grade.

Thanks to your support of the Rural Women Support their Families and Villages program, women like Kokila are being empowered to increase their family income.  In doing so, these women are improving not only their lives, but that of their family and villages as well.

With best wishes,

Deepti

Links:

• Volunteer Speak for a village visit