Mahila Mandals and Self Help Groups proved to be invaluable for Seema Devi, offering assistance during her challenging times and helping her mobilize livelihood means for herself and her husband.
This is the story of Mrs. Seema Devi, originally from Tang Gram Panchayat Tang Narwana in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. She moved here from Uttar Pradesh in 2006 after her marriage. Unfamiliar with the culture of her in-laws’ village, she initially struggled to adjust. Her mother-in-law, a member of the Chinmay Shiv Shakti Mahila Mandal facilitated by CORD since 1992, introduced Seema to the Mahila Mandal in 2010 at the suggestion of a CORD team member. Attending regular meetings with her mother-in-law, Seema became an active member, integrating well with the group. The Mahila Mandal was a significant support when her husband sustained injuries in both legs after an accident while plowing with a power tiller. The group promptly provided Rs 25,000 from its funds for his treatment and raised additional money by appealing to nearby Panchayats’ Mahila Mandals.
The accident plunged Seema’s family into a financial crisis, as her husband could no longer perform heavy work. With CORD’s assistance, Seema received Rs 10,000 through her Chinmaya Ram SHG. She began growing vegetables and flower samplings in her kitchen garden, earning Rs 3,000-4,000 monthly. When her husband partially recovered, Seema opened a pottery shop in March 2020, financed by a Rs 100,000 bank loan secured through her SHG. Later, she expanded the business to include a fast food shop, significantly boosting their income. Currently, Seema and her husband earn about Rs 20,000-25,000 per month from these ventures, leading to a much happier family life.
Seema is grateful to her mother-in-law and CORD for encouraging her Mahila Mandal membership, which played a crucial role in her resilience. She proudly acknowledges that Mahila Mandals and Self-Help Groups not only supported her in tough times but also empowered her to create self-employment opportunities for herself and her husband.