We love sharing stories of the women who are employed or attending a skills-training program at one of our partner centers in India. The Sudara Stories series highlights a few of these strong, amazing women. Today, we are honored to introduce Devi.
Devi’s Story of Hope and Freedom
Many years ago, Devi got married and had two children with her husband. Before coming to our partner centers, her husband and in-laws would frequently harass and torture her for money and an increased dowry payment. Dowry crimes can sometimes occur with the threat or occurrence of violence so that the bride’s family is left with no choice but to give more dowry to protect their daughter. Unable to stand the harassment any longer, Devi fled her home with her children and went to live with her parents. Because she had no employable skills and was unable to bring in money and feed her own children, she soon slipped into depression and considered ending her own life. She began to talk to her friends about feeling dejected and trapped in her situation. One of her friends knew about the job skills training courses offered at one of our partner centers and recommended Devi attend some of the classes. Devi soon joined the computer skills program and completed each of the training courses. Upon graduating, she was hired by a reputable biotech company as an administrator and data entry operator. Today, she is able to provide for her children and has money to send them to school. Devi says,
“it is not just the training and job that helped me, but also the counseling and moral support during a low point in my life that truly helped me transform my life.”
Thank you for investing in and empowering women like Devi to create a new life for herself. You can read more Sudara Stories here. And, find the Punjammies we named in honor and celebration of Devi here.