NAJMA

On to a better future

Najma did not know life could change so much for the better even after 40. As she works alongside her husband in their new cycle repair shop, she feels extremely proud of her capabilities and her newfound role as entrepreneur.

This 41-year-old mother of four had been content raising children and keeping house for the 16 years of her marriage, until something changed her life about a year ago. Her husband heard about the Kaviam self-help group from Hand in Hand field coordinators. He encouraged her to sign up. She agreed, since she had time on her hands and the children were grown up and married off. She wanted to see if she could bring in some additional income to the family.

As a member of the self-help group, she found that she was part of a community of women who spoke about common problems and who encouraged each other. She learnt about regular savings, about basic accounting, and the power of loans. She was given enterprise development and vocational training. First, the group was allowed to lend money internally. When their repayment record had been established, and their training completed, they became eligible for external loans, facilitated by Hand in Hand.

Najma found the confidence to ask for a INR 12,000 micro-loan, which she used to set up a cycle shop. She purchased spare parts and basic tools for cycle repair. She knew she could do good business with villagers wanting spares and repairs all the time.

Najma thinks this was the best decision of her life. “It feels good to be able to earn some money.” Her earnings have helped her family raise its standard of living. It has also made a big difference to her status in the family and in society. Najma feels proud that she can sign papers and manage the finances of the business so well. She expects to repay the loan soon with the income from the shop and, in fact, plans to take another loan to upgrade the business.

Najma has successfully made the transition from unpaid housework to respected entrepreneur.