By Chandrani Banerjee | Head of Livelihood Programmes, West Bengal
Balika's story is a shining example of determination, resilience, hard work and success. When we first met Balika she was managing an extraordinary daily routine working 16 to 18 hours a day across her small plot of land, caring for her livestock including goats and chickens and tending to household chores. Facing these challenges, she could never take a day off, particularly as her husband was unwell and unable to take on strenuous fieldwork. As a result, Balika bore the sole responsibility of supporting her family. Despite Balika's hard work, their small plot of land yielded very little, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Everything began to change however when Balika enrolled in our AMS programme. She completed her training with dedication and soon inspired other women in her village to form a group and learn together. She was deeply motivated by Manika, our dynamic female Livelihood Services Provider (LSP) in Chhatna, known for her ability to connect with and inspire rural women. In just six months after completing her training, Balika achieved impressive results. By adopting the techniques she had learned, she transformed her dry plot of land into a productive farm, harvesting over 100 kg of cabbage during the winter season. She not only fed her family with fresh produce but also sold the surplus, earning a significant income.
Today, Balika stands as a proud ambassador of Shivia in her village. Her success story is inspiring many more women to join the AMS programme and take control of their livelihoods. Her journey is a powerful testament to what can be achieved with knowledge, support and unwavering determination.
We look forward to updating you with more inspiring stories in our next post.
As always, thank you for supporting Shivia and helping us to continue giving women like Balika the opportunity to earn a decent income, with dignity.
The Team at Shivia
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