“I have been working with SEWA since eight years. I got married at a very young age. If the rains were good, my husband was able to work as an agricultural labor. But most of the time he spent in cursing me for not giving birth to a boy. I have two daughters. In my community it is a matter of great pride and relief if one has a son. Pride, because a son continues the family line and relief because he takes care of the family and also because he takes care of the parents in their your old age.

Five years ago my husband fell ill that he was bed ridden. In this condition I couldn’t leave him and go to work in the fields as an agricultural laborer. At this time my knowledge of embroidery came in handy. Today I am able to earn about Rs.1500 per month. I am also undertaking training to improve the quality of my work. I always worried about who would take care of me when I grow old. But now it looks like crafts is a substitute son in my life. It helps me earn a sustainable livelihood while letting me stay at home to care of my husband.”