Rural entrepreneur empowers other women in UP

Nighsan, a village in Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, looks like any other Indian village. But in the heart of Nighsan lives rural entrepreneur Meera – affectionately addressed as Meera didi in the village.

Meera too may appear like a typical rural woman mired in poverty. On the contrary, she worked hard to overcome her financial hardships, became a successful rural entrepreneur and eventually became an agent of change. 

Towards financial stability  

Meera’s story began with the financial struggles her family faced due to limited agricultural land and her husband’s absence, since he was away looking for better work. But instead of wallowing in her difficult circumstances, she turned the support of her self-help group (SHG) into a catalyst for change.

In 2022, Meera completed her entrepreneurship development training, a pivotal moment that would empower her and challenge traditional gender norms. 

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She started her business selling cattle feed, a high-demand product in her area. She also diversified her income streams through advanced farming techniques like oyster mushroom cultivation. This not only ensured her family’s financial stability but also transformed her into a key player in the local agricultural landscape. 

Reversal of women’s role

Meera’s journey led to a remarkable role reversal within her family. With her newfound financial independence, she took on a more prominent position in decision-making, challenging the traditional power dynamics. 

Not only did her husband return home but he also recognised her contributions to the family’s wellbeing. He fully supported and celebrated her achievements. This shift was a testament to the transformative potential of women’s financial independence.

But Meera was not satisfied with her own empowerment. Her vision extended beyond her own household. She established a button mushroom demonstration unit at her home with the help of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), where she encouraged other women in her SHG to learn and earn. This move created a network of financially independent women who, like Meera, became decision-makers in their family.

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Her endeavours not only improved her community’s financial wellbeing but also elevated the identity of women in the village. Women who had once been relegated to the background were now recognised as successful entrepreneurs and leaders in their own right. 

Sustainability and self-reliance

Meera’s sustainable farming practices brought environmental and long-term economic benefits to her community. Her advocacy of organic farming fostered resilience against climate change and promoted ecological sustainability.

Meera trained the other women in sustainable and advanced agricultural techniques, helping the latter earn more. 

These women became self-reliant and were no longer dependent on male family members for financial support. Their success was a clear indicator that sustainability and financial self-reliance go hand in hand.

An agent of change

Meera’s journey of a rural entrepreneur has inspired a wave of change, breaking the shackles of traditional gender roles and empowering women to pursue their aspirations.

Looking ahead, she envisions expanding her business, establishing a mushroom processing unit and creating a brand for her products. Her ambitions include forging collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs and SHGs to create a network that advocates women’s empowerment and sustainable agriculture. 

Her aspiration to create a model farm that serves as a demonstration unit for the wider community underscores her commitment to transforming not only the lives of women but also the entire village.

Meera’s journey from adversity to prosperity is a powerful narrative of how one woman’s determination, combined with the support of SHGs, can break down gender barriers, reshape power dynamics and elevate the identity of women in a community. 

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Meera’s efforts have not only changed the social indicators of Nighsan but have also paved the way for a more inclusive, equitable and empowered future for everyone in the village.

The lead image at the top shows Meera in front of her cattle feed shop at Nighsan village in Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. (Photo by Neha Singh) 

Rupali Singh, an engineer by training, became a development professional seven years ago. A certified POSH (Prevention of sexual harassment) trainer, she currently works as Associate Practitioner, Transform Rural India.