During the COVID-19 pandemic, several families lost their source of income. The men in the family who were working in far-off cities was forced to come back to their hometowns. The women, too, were helpless as they couldn’t leave their homes. It was then, that we decided to step in and help support them to start their own business, all from the comforts of their home. Since April 2021, we have helped over 43 women to start their own business.
The most popular businesses started by the women are Tailoring Shops and Food Stalls (37.2% each), followed by Flour Mills (11.6%). Vegetable shops, Juice Shops, and Pottery making are some of the other trades the women have set up for themselves. The image on the side shows a split of the businesses started.
|
The success of SAKSHAM Project comes from the fact that we have been able to help the women earn an income for their families. 81% of these women entrepreneurs have been able to make an average monthly income in the range of INR 4000 - INR 5000 The highest monthly income earned by our beneficiaries is INR 7000.
Out of 43 women the Mijwan Welfare Society helped, 5 of them have either lost their husbands or are bedridden. That's 12%. Consequently leaving the women to become the sole breadwinners for their family. |
While the monetary gains are some of the direct benefits, this project has also given the women a new sense of independence and confidence. This has also inspired other women in the village to pursue a career of their own. It is to be noted that 80% of the women have completed education only until the 5th and 8th grades combined. While the highest degree obtained by one of the beneficiaries is Bachelor of Arts (BA), it is extremely encouraging to see women with no educational background step up to start a venture of their own and we are grateful to be a part of their journey.
|
We, at Mijwan Welfare Society, believe that these small steps taken towards empowering the women from rural India will pave forward a way to just and equitable communities. The lives of these women are an inspiration to those around them and we hope to continue to be a part of such stories and create a positive impact on the lives of all their loved and dear ones.