"I want every woman in my community to do something for themselves”

In the small village of Jyoti Nagar in Ramanagara district, Parvathy was known for her quiet nature, content to care for her family and manage her household, not keen on engaging with community activities.  However, at the age of 36, she felt a stirring desire for more; a desire not just for her own growth but to uplift the women around her too. "I have come out of my cocoon," she often reflects, recognising the significance of her transformation through the opportunities provided by initiatives like the Spoorthi Fellowship/a leadership fellowship for rural women. 

Her journey took a major step forward in 2022 when she enrolled in the Self-Shakti/financial literacy program. The women recognised her as a dependable source of support, hence they elected her as a Gelathi/volunteer community anchor. This led her to complete the Spoorthi Fellowship in March 2023. She initiated Beehive meetings/village level group meetings in April 2023, but discontinued due to the inconsistent attendance of its members. 

Encouraged by a Field Associate from Buzz Women, Parvathy decided to take the leap once again. Women in her neighborhood frequently approached her for job opportunities, and she saw an opportunity to create collective change. She urged them to attend Beehive meetings, where they could discuss and address their challenges together. By December 2023, Parvathy noticed a shift—three to four women started attending her sessions regularly. Seeing their growing interest, she encouraged them to join a nearby agarbatti factory, where they could earn Rs. 300 a day. In February 2024, six women took up the opportunity and started working at the factory. Recognizing the need for financial security, Parvathy introduced the idea of saving their earnings through a Self-Help Group (SHG). She proposed that each member contribute Rs. 200 per month, and the women readily agreed. Inspired by its benefits, they spread the word, bringing in 14 more women. By March 2024, Sanjeevini Pragati Sangha was officially formed with 20 members. Today, each member has saved ₹2,400, collectively building a savings pool of ₹48,000. 

With each session, Parvathy’s confidence grew, and she credited the training she received  for her blossoming leadership skills. 

In July 2024, under Parvathy's leadership, a significant milestone was achieved when she successfully engaged with the Panchayat to secure financial assistance for underserved women in her group. As a result of her efforts, four members of her Beehive received non-repayable financial aid of Rs. 10,000 each.

As she encouraged her members, a ripple of positivity began to spread through her community, demonstrating a collective commitment to change. As of date, there are 20 women participating regularly in the Beehive meetings done by Parvathy.She has created a safe space for other women to express their aspirations and support one another. She shared, "Now, people look up to me for solutions, and that gives me a sense of purpose."

The community she had once been hesitant to engage with had now become a vibrant network of support, inspiration, and opportunity, challenges transformed into leadership skills that echo her commitment to uplift not just herself but all the women of Jyoti Nagar. Parvathy reflects, "If I can do it, so can they." When asking her about her dreams, she says, "I want every woman in my community to do something for themselves,"