July 2026
From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: Anju Chaudhary’s Journey to a Better Future
“Earlier, I only worked hard. Today, I work with confidence, a plan, and hope for the future.” — Anju Chaudhary
Anju Chaudhary never imagined that a WAWCAS training could change the direction of her life. Like many rural women, she spent most of her days balancing household responsibilities while trying to improve her family’s livelihood. Although she dreamed of running a successful business, she lacked confidence, planning skills, and opportunities to recognize her own potential.
Everything began to change after she joined the SLISHA’s WAWCAS program.
The interactive discussions, meetings, seven-day training, followed by regular group meetings and home visits, became more than a learning opportunity—it became the beginning of a personal transformation. Through the sessions, Anju discovered strengths she had never recognized in herself. She realized that lasting change starts with changing the way a person thinks.
“I learned that before changing my business, I first had to change myself,” she says.
One of the first changes was in the way she made decisions. In the past, she often made quick decisions without much planning. Today, she carefully analyzes situations, discusses important matters with her husband and family members, and makes thoughtful decisions. This simple habit has reduced misunderstandings at home and created a more supportive family environment where everyone feels respected and involved.
Inspired by the training, Anju set clear goals for herself at the beginning of the quarter. She planned to organize her business, save regularly, maintain records of income and expenses, and apply every lesson from the training in her daily life. Although financial constraints prevented her from completing every goal, she successfully achieved most of them and remains committed to accomplishing the rest.
Starting and expanding her pig farming enterprise was far from easy.
Finding improved breed piglets required visiting several places. Constructing a pig shed became another challenge because skilled workers were unavailable at times, and construction materials were difficult to obtain. Managing these obstacles while continuing household responsibilities often felt exhausting.
“There were moments when I wanted to give up,” Anju recalls. “But the encouragement from the trainers, support from my group members, and trust from my family reminded me that every problem has a solution.”
Instead of becoming discouraged, she learned to approach problems calmly and look for practical solutions. This change in mindset became one of the most valuable lessons she gained through the program.
The business management sessions significantly strengthened her entrepreneurial skills. She learned how to prepare a business plan, calculate costs and profits, maintain financial records, provide respectful customer service, and make informed business decisions. Today, she records every income and expense, allowing her to understand where money is being spent, identify opportunities for savings, and improve the profitability of her enterprise.
“I now know exactly how my business is performing. Keeping records helps me make better decisions and gives me confidence to plan for growth.”
The program also introduced Anju to important lessons on hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition that transformed her family’s daily practices. Although her family always valued cleanliness, she realized they had never fully understood proper hygiene practices. She now pays attention to personal hygiene, household sanitation, environmental cleanliness, and hygiene within her business.
Nutrition sessions also changed her perspective. She learned that healthy eating is not simply about eating enough food but about combining energy-giving, body-building, and protective foods in balanced proportions. This knowledge has improved the quality of meals she prepares for her family and strengthened her understanding of preventive health.
Perhaps the most meaningful transformation has taken place within her family.
Before participating in the program, Anju sometimes reacted quickly to her children’s behavior without listening carefully to their feelings. Today, she intentionally spends quality time with them, listens patiently, supports their studies, appreciates their achievements, and guides them through love instead of fear.
The results have been remarkable.
Her children have become more responsible, disciplined, and confident. They complete their homework on time, willingly help with household chores, and express their opinions more openly. Their growing confidence has become a source of pride for the entire family.
“My children are happier now because I have learned to listen before I speak. I understand that love and respectful communication build confidence in children.”
Her relationship with her husband has also changed significantly. Previously, family decisions were often made without discussion, leading to occasional disagreements. Today, they openly communicate, make joint decisions, and support each other in both household responsibilities and business activities. Even her relationship with her mother-in-law has become warmer, built on greater understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Beyond her household, Anju has emerged as a respected member of her community.
She actively shares her knowledge about savings, business planning, child care, hygiene, nutrition, and family cooperation with neighbors and other women. Community members now seek her advice, and she confidently participates in group discussions and community meetings—something she once found intimidating.
“The biggest change is that I now believe my voice matters.”
Reflecting on the past three months, Anju believes that the greatest achievement has not been financial gain alone but the confidence to transform knowledge into action. She has learned that sustainable progress comes through consistent effort, careful planning, and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue expanding her business, strengthen her savings, improve financial management, and provide even better care for her children. She also hopes to inspire more women in her community to become financially independent and confident decision-makers.
Anju’s story demonstrates that empowering one woman creates a ripple effect far beyond a single household. Her transformation has strengthened her family, improved her livelihood, influenced her community, and created a brighter future for her children.
For Anju, the most significant change is not simply having a better business—it is becoming a woman who believes in her own potential.
“I have learned that change does not happen overnight. It grows through small, consistent steps. Today, I face the future with confidence because I know I have the ability to shape it.”