How Gujari’s Sulochana Bilve Went from Seamstress to Community Leader, Connecting 300 Women to Employment
Learn how Sulochana Bilve’s entrepreneurial spirit turned her into a local hero in Gujari.
In the serene village of Gujari, nestled within the Dharmpuri block of Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, lives a woman named Sulochana Bilve. Her journey from financial struggle to entrepreneurial success and community leadership showcases the power of determination, hard work, and the supportive framework of self-help groups (SHGs).
Sulochana’s life in Gujari started with humble beginnings. Her husband, Komal Bilve, worked as a driver, and his income was barely enough to meet their basic needs. Like many women in her village, Sulochana faced financial hardships and found it challenging to make ends meet. These initial struggles set the stage for her remarkable journey of self-reliance and success.
Apply for a business loan starting from INR 5 lakhs.
Joining the Self-Help Group
A turning point in Sulochana’s life was when she joined the Sadguru Self-Help Group. This decision ignited her transformation. The SHG provided her with the necessary resources and training to start her entrepreneurial journey.
“My husband, Komal Bilve, works as a driver. We used to run our household on his income alone. After joining the self help group, I received training in sewing. Now, I sew school uniforms and other clothes,” she recalls.
Venturing into Business
Empowered by her new skills and confidence, Sulochana applied for a loan through the SHG and the bank, securing one lakh rupees. With this capital, she opened a cutlery shop in her village, complementing her sewing business. This venture significantly boosted her income, raising her monthly earnings to around 20,000 rupees.
Becoming a Community Leader
Sulochana’s entrepreneurial success caught the attention of the Ajeevika Mission, which appointed her as a Cluster Resource Person (CRP).
“After being made a Cluster Resource Person, I helped connect over 300 women to employment through 28 groups in the block. I also got involved in health and other social activities with the group,” she explains.
The Impact of Self-Help Groups
Sulochana’s story illustrates the transformative impact of self-help groups. By providing financial assistance, training, and a supportive community, SHGs enable women to achieve financial stability and personal growth. With her newfound strength, Sulochana could invest in her children’s education, ensuring they attended good schools — a source of immense pride and satisfaction for her as a mother. Moreover, the SHG also helped other women in her community start their own businesses, improving the overall economic condition of the village.
A Beacon of Hope
From a struggling homemaker to a successful entrepreneur and community leader, Sulochana Bilve’s journey is truly inspiring. Her story is not just about financial success but also about the emotional transformation she underwent. Her journey highlights the crucial role of self-help groups in fostering community development and personal empowerment. Through her determination and the support of the SHG, Sulochana has created a brighter future for herself, her family, and her community. Her success is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many women aspiring to achieve financial independence and self-reliance.
In Gujari village, Sulochana Bilve stands as a symbol of change and resilience. Her journey demonstrates that any obstacle can be overcome with the right support and determination, and dreams can indeed be realized.
In the MahilaMoneyXRavivarVichar impact series, we bring you captivating narratives showcasing the journeys of women entrepreneurs. These stories encapsulate a range of experiences, from challenges to triumphs. Our main goal in this collaboration is to amplify the visibility of women entrepreneurs, promote diversity within the entrepreneurial landscape, and offer inspiration to fellow women.
If you are a #JiyoApneDumPe woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and needs working capital and entrepreneurship resources, speak to us on Mahila Money. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App or visiting our website http://www.mahila.money.
