In every home, you will encounter a woman who strives to change her life and future because she refuses to accept defeat and doesn’t allow anyone to undermine her. She is prepared to face any challenges or risks for the well-being of her family.

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It is often said that when you decide to confront any adversity, the strength to fight it emerges within you, no matter how significant the challenge may be. No one can understand this better than a woman. Whether it’s about her future or anyone connected to her, she puts in every effort and finds a way to overcome obstacles.

This story is about one such woman Meera Tikeshwar

A woman from the small village of Badgaon in the Lanji block of Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh – Meera, a housewife, transformed her life and the lives of those around her through unwavering determination. Meera’s home was a small one, and her husband used to work in agriculture, providing Meera with the evening earnings. Her livelihood was dependent on that income. Despite these circumstances, Meera never felt discouraged. Instead, she always thought that someday, her fortunes would change.

Meera’s home was small, and her husband used to work in agriculture, providing Meera with the evening earnings. Her livelihood was dependent on that income. Despite these circumstances, Meera never felt discouraged. Instead, she always thought that someday, her fortunes would change.

Started a new life by joining an SHG

The opportunity came when Meera learned about her village’s Self-Help Group (SHG). Before this, she had never heard about such a group nor knew what it took to be a part of it. All she knew was that she wanted to change her destiny no matter what.

Meera shares, “I had always been responsible for household chores. However, when I joined the Self Help Group (SHG), I realised the hidden potential within me. My SHG was named ‘Varsha Swyam Sahayata Samuh.’ I received training within the group, and after the training, I decided to take up farming to support my family’s expenses. I began organic farming on our 2-acre field.”

She continues, “To cultivate, I prepared organic fertiliser myself. I also started the cultivation of wheat, rice, and peppers on my field.”

Started her self-help group with other women

Meera formed a group by bringing together women. She benefited greatly from this initiative. Now, she understood that no woman needed to suffer, as she had discovered ways to overcome challenges and wanted to share this knowledge with others.

She says, “I formed three groups in the village, with more than 45 women joining. All of them are now engaged in organic farming for their families.”

The situation of every woman associated with the groups was improving. They were earning and working to enhance the future of their families. Meera formed 31 Self Help Groups in the larger village, bringing together more than 300 women and transforming their lives.

Taking a loan of 1 lakh from CCL

Now Meera understood that she could take charge of her life. She contemplated how she could expand her work. When she learned that she could get support from the government to further her work, she decided to take a loan from CCL. So, she began to understand the process of taking a loan.

She shares, “I took a loan from the bank through CCL. Initially, I took a loan of one lakh. With its help, I bought a grocery store, expanded it, and then took a loan of 2 lakhs 75 thousand rupees. The bank readily approved my loan because I had repaid the previous loan efficiently. With the next loan, I bought a photocopy machine. I also got borewell work done in my field, conducted various agricultural activities, and started working by purchasing rice also.”

In Badgaon, Meera and all her groups have become exemplary models for every villager. Due to their efforts, most families in the village are practising organic farming, improving their lives. Because of this, Meera’s work is recognised locally, and the local government is also promoting it throughout the region. In areas affected by the Naxal insurgency, such as Balaghat, women are becoming self-reliant by joining Self Help Groups. Alongside this, Meera has become a special example in this region, serving as a source of inspiration for every woman.

In the MahilaMoneyXRavivaarVichar impact series, we bring you captivating narratives showcasing the journeys of women entrepreneurs. These stories encapsulate a range of experiences, from challenges to triumphs. Our main goal in this collaboration is to amplify the visibility of women entrepreneurs, promoting diversity within the entrepreneurial landscape and offering inspiration to fellow women.

If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and is in need of working capital and entrepreneurship resources, come speak to us on Mahila Money. For more such #JiyoApneDumPe live conversations, download the Mahila Money App on Play Store or visit us on www.mahila.money