“Fulwanti Devi, with her modest income, embraced multiple roles, including being a Digital Didi, to empower her community and herself. Her journey began with selling Smartpads, earning Rs. 700, but it was also about her personal growth and the transformation she brought to her village through digital empowerment.”
In the village of Siswataj Pur, West Champaran district in Bihar, a remarkable transformation was underway. Fulwanti Devi, a resilient woman from a modest 5-member family, was about to embark on a journey that would not only change her life but also inspire those around her.
Fulwanti Devi’s family survived on a monthly income of Rs 8000. Undaunted by the challenges of daily life, she tirelessly juggled multiple jobs, serving as a Bank Mitra while also shouldering the responsibilities of a Digital Didi. In addition to managing her household, she had been associated with Digital Empowerment Foundation for the past two years.
Her role as a Digital Didi was more than just a title; it was a commitment to the empowerment of her village. Fulwanti dedicated herself to raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, and she championed the use of the LMS Chatbot. This digital tool provided access to vital courses like Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, and Citizen Services from the comfort of one’s home, revolutionising education in her community.
Through her association with the program, Fulwanti came to understand the profound importance of accurate knowledge. She no longer hesitated to balance her household chores with her newfound duties or attend other functions she had previously avoided.
But being a Digital Didi meant more to Fulwanti than just helping others. It also gave her a chance to improve herself and make more money. She sold 14 packets of Smartpads and earned Rs. 700, just the start of her journey.
Beyond the monetary gains, Fulwanti realised that this association had transformed her into a more proficient computer user, enabling her to navigate the world of online payments with ease. It was a skill that had the potential to become a necessity at any moment, given the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Fulwanti Devi’s story was not just about personal growth but about the ripple effect of positive change she brought to her village. Through her tireless efforts, she not only improved her family’s financial situation but also empowered her community with knowledge and digital skills.