I am Yogita Manoj Hedau. I am 32 years old. I live near Hanuman Mandir, Ganesh nagar, DabhaII am 5th pass. We are a family of four people. My husband works in a private firm and his earnings are very low. To help him financially, I used to wash utensils and cloths at other households. In one year, I understood that there was no growth and I will not be able to work forever.

I had a sewing machine at home but was not able to use it. I started learning stitching on my own. My neighbour taught me, how to take measurements and stitch. I started the alteration work. At the same time I started stitching my own cloths and some neighbour’s blouses at home and started earning 1000/- to 1500/- per month. But still I was making less amount of money than the work of washing utensils.

One day a Social worker from AROHA came and told me about the Bag making course conducted at the center. Center was very far away from my home. But without thinking for a minute, I decided to take advantage of this opportunity.

During the training of bag making we were thought near about 20 different types of bags and purses. Trainers told each and every detail of the products also guided us about all business processes. Surprisingly we were able to make beautiful bags at the end of the programme.

After completing the course, I started taking orders of purses and bags.. Now I stitch blouses as well as make bags and sell them. Mostly, I sell Tiffin bags and purses. My earnings are 6000/- to 7000/- per month. I have started my own shop in a rented place now. And I am confident that I can expand the business in future.

In all this bad days of life, AROHA and L&T public charitable trust gave me real support. I aim to expand my business and give work to many more women like me.