September 2024
My name is Sushila Devi Paswan, and I come from the Dalit community. I am a proud member of Group 4 in the WAWCAS Program. My family consists of seven members: my mother-in-law, my husband, three daughters, and two sons. My eldest daughter works as a housemaid in Hetuda. Joining the WAWCAS group has transformed not only my life but also the lives of my family members. I had always dreamed of starting my own business and earning an income, but I had no capital. I tried borrowing money from local lenders at a steep interest rate of 5%, per month but no one trusted me.
In 2023, I learned that Slisha was organizing WAWCAS group meetings aimed at improving the economic and social status of women. I attended the meeting and was included in their targeted group, following their selection criteria. Trainers from the organization held several meetings and visited our homes, and soon after, a seven-day training program was announced. At the time, my family relied on daily labor for survival. My husband and I both worked at a brick kiln, but his heavy drinking made life difficult, as he rarely contributed financially to the household. My mother-in-law and I struggled to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges, I was determined to attend the seven-day training. After discussing it with my mother-in-law, I decided to participate. That training changed my life. I learned how to reduce unnecessary expenses, much like the analogy of a leaky pot—no matter how much you earn, if you don’t manage it well, it’s never enough. I understood that creating a business plan and sticking to it could make a business profitable. I had never attended any training before and was shy, but this experience boosted my confidence. I became aware of my strengths and weaknesses and gained the courage to take action.
At the end of the training, each participant received 30,000 rupees to start their business. I used the money to launch my vegetable business, following the plan I had created. Now, I earn between 8,000 and 15,000 rupees per month. It wasn’t easy at first, but with the support of my friends, it became more manageable. As I started earning, my happiness grew. Before joining the group, my children rarely attended school, but after joining, they began attending regularly. I also realized the importance of education. The organization even formed children’s groups that met twice a month for meetings and daily for the tuition class, which further motivated my children to stay in school. Most importantly, I asked my eldest daughter to quit her job as a housemaid, and she was so happy.
In our group, we started saving money individually and collectively. This enabled us to expand our businesses and access loans when needed. I was finally able to free myself from the burden of the 5% interest loan from local moneylenders. Over the next nine months, we received monthly training on problem-solving, covering essential topics such as hygiene, child rights, women’s rights, violence against women, and nutrition. These discussions helped resolve household disputes and brought greater harmony into our lives.
With the income from my vegetable business, I was able to expand my business, and therefore I purchased goats. The goat even gave birth to a kid! Now I also managed to buy a buffalo. My mother-in-law helps me feed the animals, and this has made our lives easier. My husband has significantly reduced his drinking. Thanks to the organization, I finally understood the importance of supporting the family. Not only I, but all the women in our group have seen their incomes increase, and there is now greater peace and cooperation in our homes. My husband now supports me fully.
I am deeply grateful to the Slisha organization for giving me the capital lots of trainings and the confidence to start my business. Their support has enabled me, a once very poor woman, to move forward. I wish the organization continued progress and success.
Dear Readers,
Sushila Devi’s story represents resilience, transformation, and the impact of economic empowerment. Coming from a marginalized Dalit community, she confronted significant challenges, including financial struggles, social stigmas, and family difficulties. Her husband’s drinking habits and lack of household support compounded her burdens, and initially, she had no access to capital or opportunities to improve her family’s situation. Through our trainings, support, and encouragement, she successfully emerged as an entrepreneur. Witnessing her progress fills me with pride and satisfaction, affirming the importance of the work I am doing here. I am confident that everyone is impressed with Sushila’s journey. This experience has been immensely enlightening for me.
Thanking you all.
With my personal regards,
Sangeeta Singh Thakuri