Financial Freedom: No Longer a Pipedream for Women in Bihar
Amidst the old-world charm of Rohtas district in Bihar lies a village called Somhar, where JEEViKA member, Pramila Devi, lives with her family. Living with her family and working as a farmhand on their land, Pramila didn’t have an opportunity to be more than that.
But then came Bihar Rural Livelihood Mission, popularly known as JEEViKA. It aims to empower poor rural households by developing institutions for women and improving their access to credit services to create self-employment opportunities. Before JEEViKA, all that existed in the name of amenities were bank accounts for the village members, with no path to create reliable credit sources.
For the new initiative to succeed, they needed someone to take charge and spread awareness about the program’s benefits. The village head and program workers approached Pramila for the job; today, she thanks herself for making such a life-altering decision!
Self-Help Groups gave the women of Rohtas the resources required to create employment opportunities. And with the work that Pramila did for her community, she could source credit that enabled her to change her life.
It was anything but easy. Pramila’s chief source of income involved farming and cow-rearing, which helped feed the family and generate enough revenue to get by. But Pratima’s kids grew up, and like every parent, she wanted to be the wind beneath their wings.
Endless toil on her part led her eldest son to complete an ITI course, who is now working in the industry. In fact, their youngest daughter aspires to become a doctor and has begun studying to achieve her dream.
Not everything went swimmingly during her time at JEEViKA; one of her sons became gravely ill and remained so for quite some time. Treatment costs more than what they could afford. Nonetheless, she was able to give him the care he required and still requires today, thanks to the resources available to her as a JEEViKA member. Not only that but with her family’s unconditional support, Pratima has made her kaccha house pukka and developed her businesses to provide her family with a comfortable life.
The loans she procured from SHG-VO have also been paid back.
As a young nation with so much potential, we need capacity building for those talented hands capable of achieving beyond their limitations. Pramila’s life exemplifies the value of groups that provide people with the modern conveniences they require to lead happy, productive lives. All they need is enough support and opportunities for the pipedream to become a reality, and women like Pramila can make anything happen!
Aishwarya Bhatia, Sambodhi
