In Bhilai, a city known for its steel plants and industrial prowess, Chitrarekha Sahu embarked on a remarkable journey to transform her life and inspire countless others. Facing financial hardships, Chitralekha, originally a home-based tailor, took bold steps to improve her family’s economic situation. With a vision to make a difference, she established a self-help group named “Radha Rani,” bringing together ten like-minded women who shared her aspiration for financial independence.

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The Beginning of a Sustainable Venture

Chitrarekha and her group ventured into a sustainable business of crafting bags from jute, a biodegradable and eco-friendly material. Recognising the potential of jute as a sustainable alternative to plastic, she procured raw materials online from West Bengal, a state renowned for its quality jute. The group started designing and producing jute bags, quickly gaining popularity among the local community for their durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness. The price range of these bags varied from 80 to 400 rupees, making them accessible to a broad customer base in both local and craft markets.

Chitrarekha shares, “I joined the Radha Rani Self-Help Group. Initially, we faced difficulties. Our group consisted of ten women. We searched for raw jute material, and I ordered it online from West Bengal. Then, we began making bags. These bags started to gain popularity. Now, I make bags ranging from 80 to 400 rupees each. I sell them in craft markets as well as local markets.”

Challenges and Achievements

The journey was not without its challenges. Initially, the group faced difficulties sourcing materials, mastering the craft, and establishing a market presence. However, their persistence paid off when they received support from the Aajeevika Mission, which helped them with marketing and exposure. Within just a year, Chitrarekha’s initiative garnered significant recognition. Various organisations in Bhilai Nagar honoured her and her group for their entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to women’s empowerment. This acknowledgement was a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Expansion and Impact

The National Urban Livelihood Mission recognised the potential of Chitrarekha’s initiative and appointed her as a Cluster Resource Person (CRP). In this role, Chitrarekha was instrumental in forming approximately 300 self-help groups, connecting around 3,000 women to employment and income generation opportunities. She also trained 30 women in jute bag manufacturing, further extending the impact of her work.

Chitrarekha enthusiastically shares, “I was appointed as a Cluster Resource Person (CRP), a role that empowered me to significantly impact our community. I took on the challenge of forming around 300 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), connecting approximately 3,000 women to a network supporting employment and income generation. These women, who once faced financial hardships and limited employment opportunities, are now actively generating income for their families, contributing to their economic upliftment and independence.”

Financial Support through Loans

To scale up her venture and ensure its sustainability, Chitrarekha sought financial assistance through loans. This crucial step allowed her to buy raw materials in bulk, invest in better equipment, and expand her product range. The loan not only facilitated the growth of her business but also strengthened the self-help group’s financial stability, enabling them to explore new markets and opportunities.

Chitrarekha Sahu’s story is a beacon of inspiration in Bhilai. Her journey from a struggling home-based tailor to a successful entrepreneur and mentor to thousands of women highlights the power of determination, innovation, and community support. By choosing jute as the medium of her entrepreneurial venture, she created a sustainable business model and promoted environmental consciousness.

Chitrarekha says, “As I reflect on this journey, it’s clear that this initiative’s impact goes beyond the economic benefits. It has fostered a sense of solidarity, empowerment, and hope among the women involved. They contribute to their households financially and become role models in their communities, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and ambitions. The journey of empowering these 3,000 women through creating SHGs and training in jute bag manufacturing vividly illustrates how skill development and entrepreneurship can transform lives and communities.”

Chitrarekha Sahu’s journey is proof of the fact that it is possible to overcome adversity and make a significant social and economic impact with courage, creativity, and collective effort. Her story is not just about the success of a jute bag venture but is a narrative of empowerment, sustainability, and the transformative power of self-help groups in India’s journey towards inclusive development.

In the MahilaMoneyXRavivarVichar 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, promote diversity within the entrepreneurial landscape, and offer inspiration to fellow women.

If you are a #JiyoApneDumPe woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and needs working capital and entrepreneurship resources, speak to us on Mahila Money. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App or visiting our website http://www.mahila.money.