“I am a SEWA member and a ready made garment worker. My house was completely destroyed in the riots of 2002. My house was looted and the roof had collapsed. We were homeless overnight. We lived a life of risk and uncertainty. There was very little money and I had to buy grains on a daily basis. Although I knew how to stitch, In never imagined that I could use my talent to earn sustainable livelihood. My husband worked in a mill but as the mill shut down and he was jobless. I took care of my husband and children and did all kinds of odd jobs to earn a living. Despite my best efforts all I could earn was a meager Rs.700-800 a month and I was unable to sustain my family.

Joining SEWA was like a ray of hope in the darkness of my life. I first joined the SEWA production center at Gandhinagar as a trainee. Now I am the member of the cooperative of operators and supervisors. I am thankful to God that he showed me the right path to join SEWA. But now I am earning Rs. 2000 per month on my own skills.

I feel very happy and proud to work in the production center, which is the part of a program that works for the up-liftment of poor, self-employed women. The women in my state are very talented in the art of embroidery. We at the production center make it possible for their work to be marketed on a global level. So, not only do I earn a regular income for myself, but I also help to provide sustainable livelihood to thousands of others just like me!!!

Earlier my husband was opposed my work, but now he knows well that the family is mostly dependent on my income. I can send my children to school and I am able to preserve grains for the whole year. I am no longer homeless. I now pay a rent of Rs 500 per month and have a nice home.
My future goal is to work with the SEWA Production Unit at Ahmedabad and learn the latest skills and improve my earnings.