Panika Kumari, hailing from Orail village in Gaya District of Bihar, is a remarkable grassroots woman leader and entrepreneur. Despite facing the challenges of a vulnerable economic background and being a victim of child marriage, Panika has evolved into an empowered figure and a catalyst for change within her community.
In 2020, facing economic difficulties during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Panika became associated with SSP after learning about the Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Program, aimed at financially empowering women. Engaging in Entrepreneurship Development workshops, she took a loan to procure clean energy essentials like solar lamps and menstrual hygiene products and start her business. Over the subsequent two years, through her relentless determination, she diversified her business, offering an array of products such as solar lights, feminine hygiene items, ayurvedic medicines and daily necessities. Capitalizing on her earnings and newfound expertise in business and financial management acquired through SSP’s EDP program, she secured a government loan in 2022 to establish her own store.
Presently, Panika Kumari is well-known in her community as a prosperous businesswoman, earning an income of approximately Rs. 20,000 monthly from her enterprise. She has become a source of inspiration for numerous women, encouraging them to start their own small-scale businesses by connecting them with business loans, schemes, and governmental opportunities like the Jeevika Program. In 2023, Panika assumed a leadership role in SSP’s Improved Cookstove Program in Gaya District, facilitating the adoption of these eco-friendly cookstoves by over 100 families, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of traditional wood-burning chulhas on women’s health and the environment.
Through her unwavering commitment, Panika Kumari has emerged as a strong leader within her community, actively contributing to household decisions and providing financial support to her family. Her journey underscores the significance of empowering women and investing in their capacity building, demonstrating the theme of ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress’ championed by SSP’s international women’s day campaign. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in the weeks ahead.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
February 20, 2024