Balasore: A group of women in the Suthang area of Odisha’s Balasore district are fighting against all odds to help their husbands run their families and provide education to their children. They are setting an example for others in the region to emulate.
According to Sulochona Das of Ma Bandurga women’s SHG in Bahanga block of the district, 11 women of the area got together in 2010 to set up a society with the aim of helping their families lead a decent life.
The SHG which began its journey with 11 members and a loan of Rs 1 lakh, today employs about 100 women in the village and helps them to become self-reliant.
The group makes a variety of items including women’s clothes, marriage and puja items, and even the national flag. They train the new members in the art of tailoring and help them to contribute financially to their families.
Sulochana Das says, “Our families are not entirely dependent on us but our contribution makes life easier. Besides, our work gives us a sense of pride and self-dependence.”
The group purchases raw materials from Cuttack and Kolkata and sells their produce all over Odisha. The prices of their products range from Rs 50 to Rs 500.
“Our income is variable depending on demand. We make a decent earning during the festivities and ceremonies but our income drops in some seasons. We don’t pay salaries to the members but distribute the profits equally among the people.
