Swapna changed her life

Swapna was a steady but smart adolescent from poverty stricken Dalit community. She was second among her four brothers & sisters born in Basundia of Jessore district. She was married after completing primary education. Swapna faced serious problems in her father-in-law’s family like other girls face due to early marriage.  Immediate after her marriage, she gave birth of two girl children. She became pregnant twice further as per the demand of boy child by her husband and father – in – law’s family. But unfortunately this time she again gave birth of two girl children as well. She became mentally depressed for giving birth of total four daughter children.

As the family members are increasing hence she thought that if she is not involved in income generating activities along with her husband’s earning then it would be difficult for bearing the cost of family properly. If this situation remains, it would be difficult for them to bear educational expenses of their daughters, even though hard to manage good food for them. That time she became the member of IED organized awareness group Sachetonota. In the meeting she shared and discussed her family condition and problems with the group members. Swapna’s expectation was that if she is able to manage a little income generating activities along with household works then it would be good one indeed.

Later on she took suggestion from the group members and received Tk. 5000/- from a local micro finance institution as loan. Then she started business of selling fire wood which turned to profitable one and changed her fortune. Initially she started to sell firewood from house, purchasing it from local furniture market or saw mill. Her business turned into good shape immediately after running in few days. Now she collects wood from outside market and carries it with local vehicle three wheelers or pick up van. She has constructed a separate big room for storage of fire wood.

Swapna pays her credit installment regularly leveraging the dividend from business and provide financial support for maintaining family. She sends her four daughters to standard school and is able to buy nutritious food for them.

She has not forgotten to make savings for her and opened three separate deposit scheme at local bank for future. Now Swapna is really economically empowered and developed her family because of continuous hard working. She has the control over family income and importance in the decision process of her family.