By debadutta dash | Secretary, Sukarya USA
Investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path toward gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth. Women’s economic participation and empowerment are fundamental to strengthening women’s rights and enabling women to have control over their lives and exert influence in society.
SUKARYA’s SCPU [Spice & Cereal processing unit] was created with the same vision to upskill the women and empower them economically to become self-reliant. The SCPU unit serves as a platform for women to find employment opportunities, acquire new skills and equip themselves to become micro-entrepreneurs.
Story of Sujata
Sujata is a 28-year-old woman and a mother of 3 young kids who lives with her husband in a rural part of Gurgaon. She got married at an early age and had repetitive pregnancies. It becomes difficult for them to survive. Her husband had no option but to make money on loans from private money lenders with high interest to manage the family. The entire scenario crippled the family into a deep crisis of capital and posed a severe threat to survival.
As a wife, it was not acceptable for Sujata to see her family in this crisis. She kept on hunting for some job opportunities. But being illiterate and unskilled, she could not find any job despite all her efforts. Fortunately, she heard about Sukarya from one of her neighbors on one good day. She approached Sukarya instantly and became part of the SCPU unit, Gurgaon.
It’s over one year since her joining, and things have changed now.
The family is doing well now. The consistent income has stabilized the family. Due to her earnings family has got food security. Husband got good support and boosted up, and now he has also found the regular work as a salesman at the nearby grocery shop. Kids have started their studies in a nearby local school.
Sujata feels proud and confident. She has a dream to get all three children well educated to have decent lives. Sujata says that her husband’s behavior and attitude towards her have also drastically changed. Now husband gives her more values and respect, and more importantly, her voice is heard and taken care of. Her reputation and status have enhanced in front of relatives, neighbors, and the community. She narrates her story with a confident smile and pride.
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