Laxmi Kare, from Wagholi village in Kallam Block of Osmanabad District, is an entrepreneur and leader belonging to the Pardhi community (officially recognised as a Scheduled Tribe). Due to limited livelihood opportunities and the continued discrimination that they face, Laxmi tai and her husband annually migration to Mumbai for six months, where they worked as daily wage labourers in the construction industry.
In 2018, Laxmi tai joined SSP’s WELI program, which aimed at building grassroots rural women’s entrepreneurship, leadership and learning. She began to cultivate vegetables on her farm and started selling the produce in the local market. In 2021, Laxmi tai purchased a sewing machine and began a small tailoring business in her village. She then expanded her business to start selling stationery in her shop. Having been part of SSP’s basic and advanced entrepreneurship development programs, Laxmi tai was able to run enterprise in a sustainable and business-savvy manner, with solid financial management and marketing. Laxmi tai currently earns around Rs. 5000 per month from her business. With her husband also able to find employment locally as a daily wage labourer, the family has stopped migrating to cities looking for work. Now Laxmi tai’s children’s go to school year-around without facing disruptions and the family’s mental and physical health has also improved.
Today, Laxmi Kare has emerged as a strong leader, with her work moving beyond her own community, to the entire village. Evidence of her successful interventions have convinced other women of the benefits of small-scale entrepreneurship and financial independence. She currently serves as a leader in the local Village Action Group, made up of women leaders from different communities who work together to bring about positive change and development in the village.
In February 2023, Laxmi tai was awarded the Prema Sakhi Puraskar by SSP in recognition for her trailblazing work in the community and overcoming personal challenges and biases to bring about change at personal and community level.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
October 10, 2023