SHELTER CARE FOR VIOLENCE VICTIMS

Successful Livelihood Case Study: X- From Vulnerability to Economic Independence

Village: Gudhia

Gram Panchayat: Tentulia

Education: Drop Out

 Background:

X, a 18-year-old young woman from Gudhia village, comes from an economically disadvantaged family. She is one of three daughters.

The family does not own cultivable land and depends largely on daily wage labour for its livelihood. X’s father works as an agricultural labourer on other people’s land and takes up small additional jobs, including ticket selling, to support the family. Despite his continuous efforts, the family has faced persistent financial hardship.

A Period of Crisis

X’s life took a difficult turn when she entered into a relationship with her paternal aunt’s son. He promised to marry her, but subsequently exploited her physically and emotionally. The experience, combined with social stigma and pressure, forced X to leave her family home.

At this critical stage, she was vulnerable to further economic and social exploitation. She needed not only emotional and institutional support but also a sustainable livelihood opportunity that could help her regain confidence and rebuild her life with dignity.

Livelihood Intervention

With guidance and support from Jabala Action Research Organisation, X was connected to the Green Essence Programme at MIT (Murshidabad Institute of Technology).

Through the programme, she became engaged in agricultural activities and received an opportunity to develop practical skills while earning an income. The intervention provided her with more than employment—it created a pathway towards self-reliance and restored her sense of purpose and confidence.

The Change

X is now earning approximately Rs. 5,000 per month through her livelihood engagement. Her income is contributing to her family's financial needs while also enabling her to meet some of her own essential expenses.

For X, the most significant achievement is not simply the income she earns. It is the growing confidence that comes from being economically productive, contributing to her family and making decisions about her own future.

She is now motivated to continue her work and build a more secure and independent life.

Key Outcomes

• Economic empowerment: X has developed a regular source of income of approximately Rs. 5,000 per month.
• Family contribution: Her earnings are helping meet household financial needs.
• Self-reliance: She is increasingly able to meet her own essential expenses.
• Skill development: Her engagement in agricultural activities has strengthened her practical livelihood skills.
• Restored confidence: Meaningful work has helped her regain motivation and a sense of dignity.
• Reduced vulnerability: Economic independence has strengthened her ability to make choices about her future.
• Positive future outlook: X is motivated to continue working and pursue greater economic independence.

A Journey Towards Dignity and Self-Reliance

X's journey demonstrates that livelihood support can be a powerful pathway to recovery and empowerment for young women facing social and economic vulnerability. Timely institutional support, capacity building, livelihood opportunities and sustained mentoring enabled her to move from a period of crisis towards economic participation and self-reliance.

Today, X is not merely earning an income; she is rebuilding her life with confidence, dignity and hope. Her story illustrates how investing in the capacities and economic potential of vulnerable young women can create lasting change for individuals, families and communities.

“A livelihood opportunity can become much more than a source of income—it can be the first step towards rebuilding confidence, dignity and an independent future.”

MIT girls with the harvest to be marketed

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