“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be”
In this meet I decided to meet 3 women and map/list a few business run by women.
- Janki was married off at a young age to a much older man in Rajasthan, who was alcoholic and use to beat her. He sold her to a human trafficking network in Punjab as he wanted money to buy alcohol. Janki, all of 18 was stuck in nexus for 4 years, living under inhuman condition. But she never gave up on life, after many failed attempts she managed to flee with her two daughters who where born during these years. She has worked as a construction labourer for 10 years and then as a housemaid for 9 years. Luckily she went to school till class 3, and because of that she landed a job in a good organisation and now she earns around 10000₹ (around 150$) and is leading a good life. Her daughters go to school now. Just imagine how different her life would have been if she was provided education, or not married off at a young age. She is now leading a safe and good life all because of her fighting spirit and determination to make her life better. Everybody in her life failed her but she saved herself.
- Urmila Patkar does 3 jobs a day to run her household single handedly. She works as a typist at an advocate’s place till noon and then she imparts her stitching and beautician skills to other women at a very low fees. And also runs her own beauty parlour. She managed to study till class 8 but her parents made sure that she learns some skills. Without any support she is running her business and also teaching it to other women. I have added her business on maps.
- Sneha got all the support and facilities in her life. She is working as a senior executive at a firm and is planning to start her own business. But she is being pressurised to get married by her family. Still struggling through all this she is determined to start her business.
I met these women with different level of education and struggles. Imagine the lives of Janki and Urmila had they got the facilities which Sneha got. Still both of them shined in their lives.
Lastly as a society we have failed our women in providing them education, safety, and most importantly their dignity. Despite this they are shining and fighting with life’s struggles alone. Had they got any support their life would have been different. All these women have done wonders without any support, just imagine their lives have they been treated equally with all the facilities and support.
The aim of these meet ups across India - In India we see women mostly in the role of a housewife (which in itself is a daunting task.) These meet ups which are going to happen across India aim to just create awareness that women are running businesses, working and managing everything beautifully. It is just to add the recall factor in the minds of the people, so that it gets ingrained in their minds that women are equally capable and hardworking.
2. To acknowledge the hardwork of these women that they are an inspiration and doing good.
A big thank you to Brittany for being soo supportive. @SalmaanN @AmbrishVarshney @FazeelUsmani @rajuroyal @Shrut19 you guys have my heart. Thank you soo much and best of luck for your meet ups.
And yes we added a few business run by women on Google maps. The entire experience of this meet up was humbling and we salute the spirit of these women. And we are glad that we could meet them.
P.S - This meet up was attended by @RonitBadal thank you soo much for being a part of this and for being soo helpful, I made a new friend ?
Photo Album - Click here (Please add the photos other empowered women meet ups here.)
Special thanks to Tejal Pandey.
List of businesses added/reviewed on maps
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Baker’s love by Ankita (She got 5 orders via Google Maps)
Others businesses added are yet to be approved. I’ll update as they get approved.
. Would love to join any meet-up in future in North India at any time. BTW nice to see you at connect live Delhi. Here is a recap post for you.
