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From Gossiping to Grocery shop: Shila Devi Mandal’s Inspiring Journey

From Gossiping to Grocery shop: Shila Devi Mandal’s Inspiring Journey

Shila Devi Mandal of Ganeshman Charnath Municipality of Dhanusha became the participant in the Dhan Laxmi Financial Literacy and Psychosocial class. Initially, she used to pass free time just talking to neighbors. She is from a migrant family so got an opportunity to participate in the group. Slowly, she started to realize that she also has to earn so that she can support her husband in earning bread. She discussed with the FLF about her wish to start a grocery shop because there was no grocery shop in that area. The facilitator suggested her to discuss with family. She discussed with her husband. Initially, he did not agree and said that he has been earning for them so why do they need to work? Just doing household chores and talking care of children would be enough. After some times, she sent him the picture of keeping income and expenses record and tried to convince him. After seeing her approach, he agreed and sent some money to start the grocery. She started with little money, within 3-4 months, not only she increased the capital but also made monthly income of Rs. 6,000-7,000. She is properly keeping the records of that grocery. She succeeded to influences rest of the family members then they also started supporting her to manage the goods and caring children. Now, not only in the family but also in the society, she is getting respect. She has become a role model in the village. She is so supporting her family. Ms. Shila Devi says she has plan to expand grocery shop and asked her husband to return home. She is very thankful to the financial literacy class that helped establishing own business, and earn respect in the family as well as in the society.