Climbing the Social Ladder through the SHGs

From being a farmer in 2014 to being a Bank Sakhi and Master  Bookkeeper today, Smt. Lovitoli of Hukuthu SHG, Khukiye village under Satakha block, Zunheboto district, Nagaland has steadily emerged from a shy woman into a leader inspiring others to be like her. Lovitoli’s is a tale of accomplishments and gratitude in face of abject poverty.

Aged 40 yrs old, wife of a farmer and a mother of 7 children, Lovitoli was introduced to the SHG in 2014 with much objection from her husband, who now is proud of her accomplishment and supports her unconditionally. During one of the capacity building sessions, a story about a successful woman who was an amputee motivated her to gravitate towards new learnings every day. A mere house wife, who had no idea about alternative source of income, apart from farming, and didn’t know how to start a livelihood, she pushed herself to build her capacity and support her family as well as her community. From a poor member she went on to become the Master Book keeper and gradually became a Bank Sakhi. It was not easy for a farmer to learn bookkeeping let alone teach her counterparts. Supported by her conviction that when a woman puts her mind on something, she can achieve it despite any hurdles, she grilled herself into learning and applying her knowledge in the field. Today, she has opened 430 SHG bank accounts, and is regularly supporting 79 SHGs from the Block in bookkeeping and access to financial services.

Apart from building her skills, she also enhanced her livelihoods with the support received from the SHGs. With the loans accessed from the SHG, she purchased a cow and gradually increased it to 6 cows. And with the income from multiple livelihoods sources, the family was able to build their home and afford good education for their 7 children who were earlier deprived of proper education due to their poverty. Her net income from various livelihoods source is Rs. 8,000/- per month.

Lovitoli says,

Before I joined the SHG, I thought my life revolved around my home and agricultural field; that my hands are for spade and mud, but over the years, I have learned to operate a computer and now able to support the SHGs in our Block with various financial services. I used to see myself within the four corners of my house playing the role of a typical, dutiful wife. It never occurred to me that one day I would be teaching and serving the community, especially my counterparts. I am forever grateful to NSRLM and the SHG platform.

Source : Inspirational Stories of Aatmanirbhar Rural Women