Manju is 24 yrs of age and resides in Semlipura village (District: Dhar). Manju came to Barli Institute in May 2016 for her 6-month training course. Manju was not able to go to school as education of girls was not considered important by her parents and family. There was lot of work in their fields and several mouths to feed. She used to work in the house and the fields as other girls in the village. In 2016, her parents came to know about the Barli Institute from relatives and they decided to send Manju there for a six month course. Manju was a fast learner. With her hard work and strong will power and the unique training at the Barli Institute she learnt reading and writing and basic arithmetic skills. She learnt cutting and tailoring too.
After completing the six month training at Barli, Manju returned to her village with the dream of establishing her own stitching shop. But her parents got her married insisting that this is the normal course of life. Manju did not give up her dreams. After marriage, she convinced her in-laws and husband to buy a stitching/sewing machine. She started earning money and was able to improve the condition of her family. Today Manju is an empowered woman, and is doing good business and is well known as a very honest and punctual tailor. With the money that she was able to put together through her business, she enabled her husband to open a small general store shop. Her strong determination to chase her dreams has inspired several other girls in her village to go to Barli for training. She actively participates in her community in social service activities and if she comes to know about any girl that has left school, she considers it her duty to visit their home and explain them the importance of education.
Manju says, “If you set your heart to achieve something, then no one can stop you. The work of a woman is not limited to the house or fields only. It is important for us to stand on our feet and be financially self-dependent. It gives a whole lot of confidence. Learning of skills is very essential for that”. She has transformed herself from a shy, introvert woman to a confident, independent woman. She says that she never imagined her life would be so happy and she credits all her success and to the training at Barli and to Mona Foundation for their support. Manju’s husband is not only supportive of his wife’s efforts but is also very proud of her achievements. He acknowledges that he was able to set up his shop because of Manju’s hard work. He says, “If a family is to be happy, it is of utmost importance that women in the family be given respect and equal opportunities.”
