Empowering Women and Families: The Story of Parvati and Sapna Ahirwar from Girar Village
In the heart of Girar Village, located in the Madawara Block of Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh, a remarkable story of resilience, perseverance, and empowerment unfolds. This is the story of Parvati and Sapna Ahirwar, two sisters who, through their involvement in the Girar Self-Help Group (SHG) under the Girar Watershed Project, have transformed their lives and the future of their families.
The Girar Watershed Project, promoted by the Ishara Sri Gayatri Vikas Samiti, aims to empower marginalized communities, particularly women, by providing opportunities for skill development, income generation, and financial inclusion. Through this project, Parvati and Sapna’s lives have taken a turn for the better, offering a glimpse into the immense potential of small-scale initiatives that foster financial independence.
Parvati: A Struggle to Survive, A Hope for the Future
Parvati is a member of the Lakshmi Mata SHG formed in 2021. Coming from a landless family, Parvati’s life was marked by economic vulnerability. The primary source of income for her family was daily wage labor, with occasional migration in search of work—a common practice in rural India, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. Migration often led to instability in family life, and Parvati had no steady income or means to ensure her children’s education.
However, joining the SHG and becoming part of the Girar Watershed Project gave Parvati a ray of hope. The collective effort of women in the SHG helped Parvati understand the value of savings and inter-loaning, as well as how small financial support could change her family’s fate. This initiative also provided her with a sense of community and empowerment, allowing her to aspire for more than just survival. Through her association with the SHG, Parvati’s financial literacy improved, and she learned how to better manage her family’s finances.
Sapna: A Sewing Machine, A Path to Independence
Sapna’s story is another testament to the transformative power of small-scale income-generating units. Like Parvati, Sapna also came from a landless family. Her husband worked as a laborer, but their income was not enough to sustain the family’s needs, let alone provide for their children’s education or a secure future. Migration was also a significant challenge for them, as it is for many in rural areas with limited job opportunities.
Under the Girar Watershed Project, Sapna was linked to an SHG, and, as part of the program, she was provided with a sewing machine. With this gift of opportunity, Sapna used her small savings to purchase additional materials and received training on how to operate the sewing machine. This simple tool became her lifeline.
Today, Sapna earns ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per month from her sewing work, which has provided her family with a steady source of income. This income helps cover household expenses and, most importantly, contributes to the education of her children—a goal that once seemed out of reach. Moreover, Sapna’s success in her sewing venture has not only stopped the cycle of migration but has also empowered her to take charge of her own financial destiny.
A Tale of Small-Scale Support and Big Dreams
The success of Parvati and Sapna is a shining example of how small-scale income-generating units—such as the sewing machine initiative—can make a big impact. By providing simple yet effective tools, such as a sewing machine, and fostering a spirit of financial literacy and empowerment, the Girar Watershed Project has enabled women like Parvati and Sapna to gain control over their livelihoods and create better futures for their children.
The self-help group model, coupled with initiatives like inter-loaning and skill development, has proved to be a powerful force in transforming lives. It is not just about providing financial assistance but also about creating a support system that encourages growth, solidarity, and shared success. Through these efforts, the lives of marginalized communities are changing, one step at a time.
Conclusion: The Power of Small Initiatives for Lasting Change
The stories of Parvati and Sapna Ahirwar reflect the transformative power of small support initiatives, such as the sewing machine program under the Girar Watershed Project. These initiatives do not just offer a temporary solution to financial challenges; they create sustainable livelihoods, empower women, and help families break free from the cycle of poverty and migration.
As Parvati and Sapna continue to build their businesses and provide better futures for their children, they serve as inspiration to other women and families in similar circumstances. The Girar Watershed Project, through its focus on small-scale income generation, is paving the way for greater financial inclusion and social empowerment, helping rural women become self-reliant and economically independent.
This story is not just about Parvati and Sapna; it is a story that resonates with countless women across rural India. It’s a reminder that even the smallest support can lead to significant, lasting change.