- Anamika is an example of the success of the women’s self-help group, Phoolkali wrote a new story of prosperity through self-employment.
The story of Mrs. Phoolkali, a resident of Dongritola village in the Bharatpur development block of the district, is a living example of how, with confidence, hard work, and proper guidance, success can be achieved even with limited resources. By joining the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) Bihan, she not only strengthened her family’s financial situation but also became a source of inspiration for many women in the village.
The Bihan scheme works towards empowering rural women by organizing them through self-help groups. Under this mission, training, financial assistance, and livelihood opportunities are provided to empower women economically, socially, and professionally. This effort is bringing positive change to the lives of thousands of women, and one such name is that of Mrs. Phoolkali, a member of the Anamika Mahila Self-Help Group. The
Anamika Mahila Self-Help Group, formed on October 4, 2019, in Dongritola village, comprises 10 women. The guidance and continuous capacity building programs of the Block Mission Management Unit of Bihan Mission showed the women of the group a new path to self-reliance. Phoolkali also joined the group from the very beginning. Living as an ordinary housewife, Phoolkali dreamed of improving her family’s financial situation. She regularly attended group meetings, followed all the group’s rules, and resolved to pursue new livelihood opportunities.
She initially met her family’s essential needs by taking a loan of 15,000 rupees from the group’s revolving fund. She then received 60,000 rupees from the Community Investment Fund (CIF). This amount gave new direction to her dreams. She invested approximately 100,000 rupees and started a centering plate business. Initially, she faced difficult circumstances, but through her hard work, honesty, and dedication, she gradually grew the business.
Today, Phoolkali’s centering plate business is successfully operating. This work provides her with a regular income of approximately 10,000 rupees per month and a profit of approximately 120,000 rupees annually. With this income, she has strengthened her family’s financial situation, easily meeting household needs, and ensuring financial security for the future. A woman who was once confined to domestic responsibilities has now become the economic foundation of her family.
Phoolkali’s success is not just a personal achievement, but an inspiration for the entire village. Seeing her hard work and achievements, other women are being inspired to join self-help groups and pursue self-employment. Today, she is spreading the message to village women that becoming self-reliant requires not vast resources, but strong determination and well-directed efforts.
The Anamika Women’s Self-Help Group has today become a symbol of the collective strength of rural women. The support, financial assistance, and constant guidance from the Bihan Mission have given the women in the group the confidence they need to realize their dreams. Phoolkali has proven that if given the opportunity and utilized it properly, rural women can also reach new heights of economic development.
Phoolkali’s inspiring journey embodies the Bihan Mission’s objective of providing every rural woman with the opportunity to live a self-reliant, dignified, and prosperous life. Today, she is not only the foundation of her family’s well-being but has also become a powerful symbol of hope, confidence, and empowerment for women across the region. Her success is proof that with hard work, dedication, and proper guidance, every dream can be realized.
