Rani showcases the impact women’s entrepreneurship can have on grassroots women
Rani Lokhande, from Chincholi village in the Bhoom Block of Osmanabad District, Maharashtra, showcases the impact women’s entrepreneurship can have on grassroots women. Coming from a landless Scheduled Caste family, Rani experienced severe financial distress due to a lack of daily wage opportunities in her village. Her husband had to migrate for low-wage labour and even took a loan to handle a health emergency. Introduced to Swayam Shikshan Prayog – SSP’s work, Rani joined its Entrepreneurship Development Program in December 2023, where she learned business planning, management, and financial literacy skills.
In 2023, Rani started a spice production business. Her handmade spices were initially successful in her village, prompting her to expand the business. With SSP’s support, she secured a loan to buy a second-hand spice grinding machine. She now sells spices in local markets and has partnerships with two hotels in Bhoom. Rani also joined a producer group linked to the women-led Sarayi Sakhi Farmer Producer Organization, which directly purchased her products at a fair rate.
Producing around 70 kg of spices, Rani earns a monthly profit of Rs. 5000. In February 2024, she diversified her business to include a small grocery store, earning an additional Rs. 5000 per month. With SSP’s support, Rani learned to navigate the wholesale market and set up a small shed near the main road to sell her products.
Through dedication and access to knowledge, Rani transformed into a successful entrepreneur. Her story demonstrates how building rural women’s capacities and providing access to opportunities can lead to empowerment, financial independence, and transformative change.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
April 13, 2024