Digital Swaraj Fellowship: Revisiting the Journey of DEF’s Flagship Programme
Digital Sarthak program has been launched to provide digital tools so that meaningful connectivity is achieved in rural areas. Here is a story of a woman entrepreneur who has been trained under the program.
Babli from Nuh, Haryana shares her story, “I come from a social setting where people are riddled with the mentality that a woman is meant for getting married, cleaning, giving birth to kids and then looking after them. This was something that has always disturbed me as a woman myself. Since my childhood, I have heard stories about goddesses and brave queens whom everyone respected but when I see my village and observe how women are treated, it hurts. Even my life would have been like other women if it had not come to a standstill when my husband met with an accident that left him physically disabled. He had to quit his private job and life seemed insecure for us. But I did not give up. I had a keen interest and skills in sewing. My in-laws had this sewing machine that was never used after my mother-in-law passed away. My neighbour Sushila introduced me to this DEF program. First of all I was scared to go along with her and meet Sabana Ji, who is my mentor now. I still remember how nervous I was leaving my house and with all those elderly men of my village staring at me as I left my place. But it was just a leap that I had to take. After a lot of training and hard work, I started sewing handbags of different types. My craft garnered notice and with my dedicated effort, slowly and gradually I started receiving larger orders from neighbouring villages and nearby towns. This boosted my confidence and I started branding and selling these bags.
Today, I financially support my entire family and aim to set up a shop to sell my bags and earn more money from which I want to give my daughter the best possible education. For me, the solution to my problem was within me – honing my skills and backing it with appropriate training. DEF helped me overcome my problems and fears and it has shut the mouth of the people in my village.
DEF not only made me capable but also introduced me to other women who, like me, have overcome these barriers and achieved good things for their family. I have realised every woman you meet can inspire you with their ability to face and fight their challenges. Their ability to smile through their difficulties is something we can all learn from.”
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