Alternative livelihoods for 500 ragpicker families

One Woman’s Determination, One Family’s Transformation

Tabassum, a 38-year-old woman living on Tiljala Road in Kolkata, comes from a financially vulnerable household where survival depends almost entirely on her own strength and determination. Her husband, Salauddin, works as a daily wage labourer but does not contribute to household or educational expenses. His income is largely spent on himself, leaving Tabassum solely responsible for managing the family’s needs, running the household, and securing her daughter’s future.

Tabassum is the mother of Shaina, who is currently pursuing her Master’s degree (M.A.). Shaina was earlier supported as a sponsored child and received full educational assistance up to the Higher Secondary level. After HS, the sponsorship was discontinued as per donor policy. While this posed a serious challenge, Tabassum refused to let financial hardship interrupt her daughter’s education. With unwavering determination, she decided to continue supporting Shaina through her own efforts.

To meet household expenses and fund her daughter’s higher education, Tabassum started a small garments business. In the beginning, the business struggled due to limited capital and lack of resources, making it difficult to maintain stock and grow. At this crucial stage, she approached Tiljala SHED for livelihood support, seeking assistance to stabilize and strengthen her income source.

Tiljala SHED supported Tabassum through a series of livelihood loans, which she utilized with great responsibility and discipline. She received four loans over time—10,000 (~USD 120), 25,000 (~USD 300), another 25,000 (~USD 300), and finally 50,000 (~USD 600). Remarkably, all loans were repaid on time without any defaults. Her consistent repayment reflects her honesty, commitment, and growing confidence as a small entrepreneur.

With this financial support, Tabassum was able to steadily strengthen her garments business. She regularly reinvests her earnings to purchase new stock and expand her operations. Recently, she invested 10,000 (~USD 120) in garments, and she is now planning to purchase stock worth 25,000 (~USD 300) in preparation for the upcoming March festival season, when demand is expected to be higher. These steps demonstrate her clear business planning and aspiration for growth.

Alongside her mother’s efforts, Shaina is also contributing to her own journey. While continuing her M.A. studies, she works as a Caregiver-cum-Core Educator in an Open Shelter Project. Her income helps meet part of her personal expenses and provides her with valuable professional experience, reducing the financial burden on her mother.

Today, Tabassum stands as a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. Despite the absence of spousal support, she independently manages all household and educational expenses. Her garments business is stable and growing, her daughter continues higher education, and the family lives with greater economic security, confidence, and dignity.

Tabassum’s journey clearly highlights the transformative power of timely livelihood support and women-centered financial assistance. With determination, responsible use of resources, and continuous effort, she has overcome deep social and economic barriers. Her story strongly reflects how targeted livelihood interventions can empower women not only to survive, but to build a secure and hopeful future for their children.

Your support can help many more women like Tabassum create lives of dignity, independence, and lasting change.