July 2026
My name is Sunita. Participating in the Women at Work, Children in School program implemented by SLISHA has brought remarkable positive changes to my life over the past few months. The knowledge, skills, and encouragement I received through this program have transformed not only my personal life but also my family relationships and my livelihood.
A New Beginning
Before joining the program, I had never imagined how much I could change. Through the training, monthly discussion meetings, and regular home visits, I learned many practical lessons that I now use in my daily life.
Today, I am much more confident than before. I have learned how to manage my time wisely, maintain personal hygiene, and apply important health and nutrition practices for myself and my family. I have also developed the confidence to express my ideas clearly, make small decisions on my own, save money regularly, and look for new income-generating opportunities. These changes have made me more independent and hopeful about my future.
Positive Changes at Home
The program has also strengthened my family life. There is now better communication, understanding, and respect among all family members. My husband and I openly discuss important matters before making decisions, and we share household responsibilities. His encouragement has motivated me to work harder in my business.
My children have also become more responsible by helping with household tasks whenever they can. Because I now pay greater attention to their education, health, nutrition, and hygiene, our relationship has become much stronger. We also spend money more carefully and save regularly, creating a happier and more peaceful home.
Starting My Own Business
After receiving business training, skills, and confidence, I used the organization’s NPR 25,000 seed money to start a poultry farming business.
The beginning was very encouraging. My first batch of chickens performed well, and the business generated a good income. For the first time, I was earning through my own hard work, which greatly increased my confidence. I even dreamed of expanding the business in the future.
Learning Through Challenges
However, business does not always go as planned.
While my first batch was successful, many chickens in the second batch fell ill with various diseases. Sadly, many of them died, causing me a significant financial loss. It was one of the most difficult times in my life. For a while, I even thought about giving up the business completely.
But then I remembered one of the most valuable lessons from the training:
“Work. Think. Change. When problems come, do not give up—find solutions and keep moving forward.”
Those words gave me the strength to continue.
Instead of quitting, I decided to reduce my risk by changing my strategy. I continue poultry farming on a smaller scale while also starting pig farming. Today, I manage both businesses together. This has helped me increase my income while reducing the risks of depending on only one business.
Knowledge That Changed My Life
The monthly discussion meetings covered many important topics such as hygiene, nutrition, child rights, women’s rights, and safe motherhood. These sessions helped me improve many daily habits.
Now I keep my home, kitchen, and surroundings clean. I store drinking water safely, cover food properly, and pay special attention to my children’s and my own personal hygiene.
I have also learned the importance of eating balanced and nutritious food. My family now gives priority to vegetables, eggs, and other healthy foods produced at home.
The discussions on women’s rights changed my thinking. I realized that women have the right to express their opinions, participate in family decisions, and understand their rights. At the same time, I learned that parents have the responsibility to protect their children, ensure their education, listen to their opinions, and raise them with love and care.
The safe motherhood sessions taught me the importance of regular health check-ups during pregnancy, proper nutrition, and giving birth safely at a health facility. Today, I not only practice these lessons myself but also share them with other women in my community.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
The support I received from SLISHA—including the training, seed grant, regular home visits, and discussion meetings—has changed much more than my income. It has transformed my confidence, my behavior, my family relationships, and my outlook on life.
My journey has taught me that business success is not only about making profits. Challenges will always come. But with patience, determination, and the right decisions, every challenge can become an opportunity to grow.
Today, I continue to work hard, learn every day, and move forward with confidence. My dream is to become a successful businesswoman who can support her family and inspire other women in my community.
Thank you.