Too many women are unaware of the potential they have within themselves. Globally, only half of women are engaged in the labor force compared to three-fourths of men according to UN Women. Lack of access to loans and credit, energy, and education are some of the barriers women face holding them back from economic opportunities.

However, every day more women gain access to the necessary tools to improve their lives, which in turn can make a difference for generations to come. That was the case for Nahid, a mother of two living in Varanasi, India.

Nahid lives in the Konia slum in the center of Varanasi’s garment district with her husband, daughter, 12, and her son, 10. Together they share a small bedroom home which before Nahid became an entrepreneur held only some silk materials, and kitchen supplies.

At one point, Nahid was making $.75 a day, working to help support her children, and was employed by someone else. She was one of the 19.8% of people in Varanasi who live below the poverty line. Then, she heard about a program through Opportunity International that would help provide a loan for her to start decorating saris — a task she knew she was good at, and believed she could excel in with a little support.

Image: Courtesy Caterpillar Foundation

Through her first loan, Nahid started her own sari business. She bought materials for silk, glue, gemstones, and other materials. Her talent for creating and decorating saris led Nahid toward success and she was able to hire 10 women as employees.

Nahid’s next step forward for herself, her family, and her business came in the form of energy access. Through another loan of $75, she was able to purchase a solar energy light. The light allows her children to do their homework after dark and provides Nahid with six hours of energy during the day.

By accessing clean and sustainable energy Nahid creates a safer home free and by employing other women, this creates a cycle of empowerment throughout the Konia slums.

Nahid comes from a long lineage of weavers and is now able to continue the family craft for future generations. #SHEIS truly an example of the ripple effects that can occur by empowering one woman. She has ignited change in her community, and is now earning four times more through her sari business. 

Profiles

Demand Equity

This Woman Went From Earning $.75 to Starting Her Own Sari Business