Success Stories and Case Studies
Innovative experiments done by coastal farmers
Experiences of SAJJATA SANGH
From Soil Success: The Unseen Benefit of Soil Testing
Experiences of SAJJATA SANGH
Empowering Rural Women: The Journey of Payalben Malvi
Malvi Payalben Hamirbhai, a resident of Dhokadva, has emerged as a beacon of empowerment for rural women through skill development. The Better Cotton Project, implemented by Shikshan Ane Samaj Kalyan Kendra since 2015, has been instrumental in fostering change in the community. While her father, Hamirbhai Malvi, had long been associated with the initiative, Payalben had limited awareness of its impact due to her education outside the village. Her journey toward empowerment began when she connected with Manaliben through a beauty parlour training program.
Recognizing the need for skill-based training in her village, Payalben took the initiative to start beauty parlour training classes. However, in rural settings, women often struggle to balance learning with their household and farming responsibilities. Convincing them to attend training sessions was a significant challenge. Through persistent efforts, community meetings, and awareness campaigns, Payalben and Manaliben successfully motivated women to participate. Eventually, they launched training sessions with 40 women, enabling them to gain financial independence through their skills.
Beyond the training, Payalben herself experienced a transformative journey. She was introduced to digital tools such as Zoom for virtual meetings and Google Drive for documentation, skills that were initially unfamiliar to her. Attending training sessions in Amreli was daunting, as it was a new environment for her. However, overcoming these fears helped her gain confidence and develop a strong network of like-minded women.
The impact of this initiative was profound. Payalben’s own beauty parlour gained greater recognition, and what was once a little-known business began receiving orders well in advance, particularly during festive seasons like Diwali. Moreover, women who had previously hesitated to step out for training have now set up their own parlours, contributing to their household incomes.
Understanding the challenges of starting a business in a competitive market, Payalben extended her support to her trainees. She shared her client base, providing them with work opportunities, and
allowed them to use her parlour’s resources. This helped them reinvest their earnings into purchasing their own equipment and further establishing their businesses. Through her dedication and efforts, Payalben has not only empowered herself but has also paved the way for many other women to achieve self-reliance. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of education, skill-building, and community support in transforming lives and till now Payal ben is committed to supporting such initiatives, ensuring that more women in rural areas gain the skills and opportunities needed to thrive.