August 2024
Time flies by so quickly, almost without notice. It’s been 15 months since we formed our group, and many of those months have passed with various challenges and progress. However, during this time, I’ve learned so much about moving forward in life.
In the past, I used to work in a brick factory with little wages, but now, with the help and encouragement of my friends and trainers in the group, I’ve been able to start my own business. I can now fulfill the needs of my family without worry. The burden of always having to rely on others is gone, and the peace in my home has increased. My income has helped my family cover our household expenses.
I started a vegetable business. It was tough but gradually I managed to deal with the customers. After 10 months of my vegetable business, I have managed to start an additional business of goat farming. Now, the goat has even given birth to a kid. My mother-in-law also helps by collecting grass and leaves for the livestock. I am planning to sell the goats during “Chhath” festival.
Chhath Puja is the most prominent festival which is celebrated in Tarai. Chhath is a famous festival that starts on the 6th day of the Hindu calendar month “Kartika” after Tihar. This festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and his wife Usha. This festival is celebrated to thank God for supporting life on earth and to seek the blessing of divine Sun God and his wife. According to Hindu religion, it is believed that sun heal several health conditions and offers longevity, progress, positivity, prosperity and well being.
When we sell the goats, we will earn around 26,000 rupees. With this money, we plan to celebrate Chhath nicely.
The income from my vegetable business helps cover the cost of my children’s education and supports my household expenses. My husband works as a laborer, and ever since I started earning money from my vegetable business, my status and voice in the family was acknowledged. Even in the community, I feel a newfound respect.
As an uneducated and extremely poor woman, I am grateful to the group/WAWCAS team that has supported me, provided me with resources, and taught me the skills needed to run a business. The transformation in my life has been immense, and I am deeply thankful to WAWCAS for empowering me. I sincerely request that they continue to support other women like me so they, too, can transform their lives.
My additional business makes me so happy I feel so good and we have prepared a plan how to celebrate our biggest festival Chhath.