Role model of women empowerment

Shamshad Begum from Badami in Bagalkot district of Karnataka has finally achieved financial freedom after years of struggle. She now runs a popular tailoring unit near her home.

Shamshad Begum had to shoulder the responsibility of running her family during the lockdown with tailoring works at home. Her husband, who worked as a daily labourer, didn’t even get 10 days of work in a month those days. She was very good at stitching but couldn’t afford to take more orders being a single worker based at home.

The enthusiastic tailor approached many local financiers unsuccessfully to draw a loan that would enable her to establish a small tailoring unit. Meantime, she was introduced to Muthoot Microfin by a friend. After finding the easy and affordable loan procedures of the organisation, she joined a nearby JLG and availed her first cycle loan of ₹30,000. She utilised the entire amount to buy an advanced sewing machine with attached embroidery unit and also stacked up enough stitching raw materials.

Her situation improved tremendously after associating with Muthoot three years ago. The organisation not just offered her financial support but provided with financial literacy and business acumen trainings to help her get out of the skirmishes.

Gradually her business and income increased. Her daily average income now hits around ₹1200. She is now on her fifth cycle loan of ₹70,000 with Muthoot Microfin. Along with her tailoring unit, now Shamshad Begum is also running a ladies clothing retail outlet.

She has also trained 20 village women from poor households in sewing, enabling them with an income generating skill. Shamshad Begum, whose hard work and passion has made her a strong advocate of women empowerment in the society says, “The hassle-free loans from Muthoot Microfin not just helped me in winning the life battle but enabled me to help others to find a way to generate income”.