Case Studies

Women of Substance

She always felt jealous when she saw her brother being sent to nearby school while she was asked to take care of daily chores at home. In fact her parents even never let her move out of the house. This simple, shy and religious girl always felt lonely at heart. And wondered whether she would be able to step out and see what is happening all around her.

But as Pyari grew up her world changed. Today, at 45, Pyari has turned into a very confident and helpful woman, full of self-respect and courage. This change happened with the motivation and help from Parivartan Pariyojana. She not only made a difference for herself but is also making a difference in the lives of the villagers. Married for the past 32 years and a mother of five, Pyari belongs to Kalha village in district Banda. Now Pyari is popularly known as 'Pyari didi' in her village.

At the tender age of 13 she got married despite her reluctance and protest. Her dreams got shattered after marriage. Her mother in law was very cruel and used to harass Pyari. She was even beaten up for not bringing enough dowry. Her husband never cared for her. "Usko koi matlab nahin tha, chahe hum bhookhee rahen ya pyaase," Pyari says. She was not allowed to meet her husband till five years after her marriage.

Pyari's husband was wayward and alcoholic, and Pyari had to face his wrath very often. He was not sincere and responsible in managing his family affairs and used to abuse Pyari very often. He used to play cards in which he had lost all his money. Their condition was becoming pathetic day by day. "Humara admi din raat ghar par rajaon ki tarah baitha rehta tha aur taash khelta tha, humse kehta tha ki jao apna shareer bech kar paisa lao" (her husband used to sit at home like kings playing with cards and force Pyari to bring money by selling her body).

There was no other source of income for her family. The health of every family member was poor. She was not able to provide proper education to her five children (two boys and three girls). Even in such a condition Pyari never lost her patience. She had belief in herself, so she made herself ready to face the situation anyhow. She knew sewing so she started stitching clothes of her neighbors. She never disclosed her action to her family because women were not allowed to work.

When her family got to know about this they protested but Pyari was firm on providing a better life to her children. Later she started working as a labourer. She wanted to start her own business but money was the major problem for her. Pyari had a small space which was suitable for a shop. She had a plan to use that space. But to start a business she needed proper machinery and other goods for which she did not have money. Those who were ready to lend her money were asking for security. The poor Pyari had nothing to offer as security for the loan, because her husband had sold even household items for his drinks and gambling. She kept on purusing her goal. At times she could sense some light in darkness.

Fortunately her village was selected by UPVHA under 'Parivartan Pariyojna Project'. The project aimed at the betterment of the rural poor and women empowerment. A male field worker visited her village. He met the village head and other villagers and discussed about SHG (Self help groups) and motivated them to form a 'Mahila Self Help Group'. He visited the village several times but no one was convinced by him.

One day when the project staff member was going back to town, he met Pyari on the way. Pyari narrated her story to the project staff that happened to meet her. Pyari also told him that there were some other women in the village that were willing to work but were scared of their husbands. She requested the project worker to solve her problem. Then the Project worker fixed up a meeting with the project co-coordinator of the Parivartan Pariyojana, who discussed the concept of SHG and its advantages. He assured the villagers that by joining SHG their life will become much better. He explained the villagers the importance of saving. He told them saving is crucial for life and induced them to save money every month.

Pyari discussed about her willingness to join SHG with her husband and family members. Initially there was a lot of resentment form her family members and community, but thanks to the encouragement and support from the organisation, she decided not to give up. The project staff personally talked to Pyari's family members and convinced them to allow Pyari to join SHG. Her undying commitment finally brought her social acceptance. After this Pyari along with 12 other women of her village decided to save Rs 20 every month. Parivartan Pariyojana organised a training camp in her village. In the training camp they were taught how to make different kind of pickles, dalia (porridge), candles etc.

At present Pyari has applied for a loan along with 12 other women under Parivartan Pariyojana SHG scheme to start a new business. Now to her utter surprise her husband too has started helping her. She is now happily engaged to start her business and is leading a satisfied life. She has opened a new account in a Bank. Her children are going to school. She is trying to carve a golden future for her children.

Pyari gives all the credit to Parivartan Pariyojana and says this all has been possible due to this project. She hopes such types of new schemes will be introduced in future, so that other people like her can benefit. The impact of Parivartan Pariyojana have been remarkable and today the life of villagers particularly women has changed, as more and more rural women are breaking away from the old age traditions and are coming out to make their and theirs family life better.

Home