THIRUMALAI CHARITY TRUST

Women's reminiscences

Manjula of Sholinghur recounts her husband's anger when she enrolled in the Group and his protests when she attended meetings and training programmes. His attitude changed as she helped him by availing loans from the Group. She also felt very happy that she could help other members of her Group, as she was the President of her Group.

Rambha of Gurumudi thangal is a widow. Her Group helped her to start on livelihood activities - cow, goat and later a shop. She is now very confident because she is able to stand on her own feet. Besides the regular income from her activities, she was very happy about the saving facility in the Group, which made her feel secure about the future.

Saroja of Periyamittur talkes about the functional literacy achieved through the Group. Stepping out of the home and interacting with other women and outsiders gave her courage and boldness. Saroja feels these gains were more important than her economic empowerment.

Savithri of Chakkaramallur owes her progress in life to her Group. Taking small loans from the Group, she set up a pettyshop, later expanded it to a grocery shop and then she added a telephone booth to it. As she earned more, her self-confidence improved.

At Chithappanur, Renuka and Chamundi recollect that all their Group members have availed loans for several economic activities like dairy, snack making, agriculture, grocery shop etc. The Group has laid a strong foundation for their lives. After the Group was closed, quite a few of them have taken loans from the local Cooperative Bank.

Dharani and Lakshmi of Mithanatham feel proud to have managed the Group, which helped its sixteen members to start several micro businesses like tiffin shop, tea shop, grocery shop, goattery and dairy. They are able to continue their businesses even after the Group was closed. They feel they have gained recognition in the family and in society. They have developed courage and determination to lead their lives, besides getting empowered economically.

We know our money is safe in the Group fund. It is a great relief to rely on ourselves for all our money needs. Weekly repayments help us plan our finances well. The small amount we pay on weekly basis reduces our loan burden immensely, without our realizing it. Being in the Sangham gives us a sense of belonging. Now, we have an identity. I dread the prospect of my Sangham members questioning me at the meeting. So, somehow, I manage to pay my weekly dues without fail.

We used to be shy, reluctant and suspicious. Now we are bold, outgoing and trusting.

We do not fear the outside world anymore. We can move around independently.

Earlier we thought only men can go to the bank. Today every one of us knows about depositing and withdrawing money from the bank.

The Sangham has taught us to give and take, live and let live.