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20 March 2003
Women break taboos
There likely were some raised male eyebrows in Bhaluki village when World Vision helped a women’s group start a small business.
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The official launching of the auto-rickshaw business.
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In rural Indian society, women are generally regarded as being on the lowest rung of society. There are numerous traditional taboos that are socially enforced on women, and it is rare for their talents, skills and potential to be acknowledged.
The group of thirteen women, which calls itself the Mother Teresa Self-Help Group (SHG), is a leader among five women’s groups now in the village. It made its initial profit by growing Sabai grass, which is used in the manufacture of paper and rope. The women then leased some land and grew food crops for sale. From these two ventures, Mother Teresa SHG earned 5000 rupees (more than $NZ200).
Encouraged by their success, the group asked World Vision for help to buy an auto-rickshaw. Mayurbhanj ADP agreed to the proposal, on condition that the vehicle is properly maintained and income carefully monitored. The women employ a young driver for $50 a month, which the group easily affords from its $10-$12 daily takings from hire fees.
The group has identified another local transport need, and intends to use profit from its rickshaw business to buy a mini-bus. There is no regular mini-bus service to Bhaluki village, and when someone needs emergency medical treatment, they have to hire a vehicle at great expense. The mini-bus will provide added income for Mother Teresa SHG, as well as giving more options for the travelling public. Not bad for a bunch of women with ‘no potential’!
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Mayurbhanj project profile
MAYURBHANJ STORY ARCHIVE
2008
Snippets
Back to school
Eliminating alcohol
2007
A camp of change
Snippets
2006
Well beyond expectations
Avian influenza
Seed idea
Change of direction
2005
Snippets
A hand up not a hand out
Gone Fishing
2004
The hard word
Snippets
Seeds of vision
Let us help
2003
Stop the wedding!
Love those trees
Tractor keeps students on track
Women break taboos
Snippets
Girls' school completed
Village plants future
Coaching centres
One success inspires another
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