Varsharani Jadhav from Nagarsoga village in the Ausa Block of Latur District, Maharashtra was recently awarded the Ahilyabai Holkar Puraskar from the Nagarsoga Gram Panchayat, for her excellent work in promoting community development and women’s empowerment over the past few years.
Working as a daily wage labourer in other’s farms, Varsharani and her family used to depend on their meager farming income to support the household. In 2018, Varsharani was approached by an SSP leader to attend an orientation meeting being organised in the village. Through this, Varsharani learnt about SSP’s work, and also the inspiring stories of other women leaders in her region. Wanting to improve her family’s economic condition, and searching for a stable source of income, Varsharani overcame family opposition to attend SSP’s Entrepreneurship Development Training. She then took a loan from her SHG to purchase a Mirchi processor and began the small business in her home itself. A savvy entrepreneur, Varsharani soon expanded into the ‘atta’ or flour processing business, organic vegetable cultivation and sale and the dairy business in the last four years. Today, Varsharani is financially secure, with an increase in income of INR 30,000 per month.
In addition to her own success, Varsharani is also working as a community leader to empower other women in her village. She has supported over 180 women in getting bank loans, and 65+ women in starting their own small-scale businesses. Due to her awareness raising on financial independence and support in financial and government scheme linkages, there has also been a marked reduction in households borrowing money from local money lenders. Today, Varsharani continues to participate actively in issues of the Gram Sabha, and has also gained the respect of her family and community.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
June 15, 2023